Restless: In a Rooted World & Festival Opening

April 7 to April 17

Opening reception April 7, 7:30 to 9pm

Loft 112
#112, 535 - 8 Avenue S.E.

Enjoy stunning visual artwork created by nine artists from the Art Studio located at the Calgary Drop-In Centre. As most of us go on with our lives in this city, feeling rooted into our environment, our social groups, our family, our work and activities, there exists a group of artists that feel restless. 

Restless: In Rooted World  is the playful reversal of our Festival theme and aptly challenges us to consider our own personal roots. Enjoy stunning visual artwork created by eight artists from the Art Studio located at the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Nicole Gagnon, Ruth Vickers, An Dong, Mandy McKinley, Ann Lee, Cindy Fredricks, Lorraine Thomson, Jake Volkers, Dave White, and A.P. Worth are making dedicated efforts to develop as artists despite their experiences of homelessness. 

Painter, sculptor, and TMC artist-mentor Patricia Lortie has worked with this talented group since December to guide them in mounting this exhibition. 

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ROOTS: In A Restless world

April 14 to 30

Central Library Art Wall
Main Floor, 616 Macleod Trail S.E.

The art wall at the Central Library hosts a taste of the expanded exhibit Restless: In a Rooted World found at Loft 112 in East Village as well as an introduction to the work of two of our TMC artist-mentors, print-maker Eveline Kolijn and painter-sculptor Patricia Lortie. Our artist-mentors are the roots of TMC programs and we salute them! 

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View from the Inside: Courage Journey

April 3 to May 26

Opening reception April 20, 6pm – 9pm

TNG +15 Window, Arts Commons
United Active Living at Fish Creek

With this exhibit WP Puppet Theatre (WPTS) sparks curiosity, provides understanding, and examines one of the most pressing issues of our times — mental health. Participants from  created a collection of mask-body puppets that reflect their sense of self. The external mask represents the self we share with the world and the interior of the mask is face we protect, rather than project. 

The participants of View from the Inside: Courage Journey may face barriers including homelessness, learning differences, or aspects of isolation, discrimination and division; yet the common thread that binds us all together emerges—the essential experience of human nature with all the highs and lows of mental wellness. This WPTS project is funded in part by the Community Initiative Programs and donors through Invest YYC. 

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Water for Riley: Design Exhibit

April 7 to 24

Blank Page Studio
1221 B Kensington Road NW

A true community project, inspired by the need for access to drinking water for all comers, this exhibit showcases 21 innovative and playful designs from students from ACAD and SAIT for a much-needed, new public water fountain for Riley Park. 
 

Stories from the Rivers' Edge: Documentary Screening

April 12, 6:30pm – 8pm

Central Library, John Dutton Theatre
616 Macleod Trail S.E.

Join us to celebrate the screening of the stories of the East Village and the rivers that define two borders! Those who have lived in the East Village have experienced change, much like the land of the East Village itself. This film celebrates these stories and weaves them together with the story tellers to illuminate the vibrancy, the challenges and the resiliency that the East Village and its residents have experienced over the last decades. Definitely an event to remember as one of Calgary's oldest communities opens its arms to thousands of newcomers to their 'hood! 

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Pop Up Roots: Community

April 9 & 12, noon – 2pm

Central Library, Main Floor
616 Macleod Trail S.E.

Join TMC artist-mentor Bill as he continues work on a public art project related to sense of place — our community roots. Expect to enjoy some individual art-making and some peaceful conversation as you add to this colourful mosaic! 

 

Pop Up Performance: Our Stories

April 10, 14, 16, 17, noon – 1pm

Central Library, Main Floor
616 Macleod Trail S.E.

Join the TMC Patchwork Performance troupe as they develop a reader's theatre presentation with songs, personal stories and poems from program participants at the Calgary Drop In Centre, Alpha House, and the Calgary Women's Centre. Watch them as they prepare for the launch of TMC's new book, Voices in the Wind and be a fly on the wall for the filming of the presentation. The Patchwork Performance is directed by stage director Kelly Reay.

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Book Launch and Celebration

April 13, 7pm

Shelf Life Books
1302 – 4 Street S.W.

TMC launches two new books: Voices in the Wind and Paper Bird.

Voices in the Wind  is a collection of writings from program participants at the Calgary Drop In Centre, Alpha House, and the Calgary Women's Centre with illustrations by community members from Forest Lawn, the Beltline, and children from Inn From the Cold. Expect a short reader's theatre happening as part of the evening! The book is edited by TMC artist-mentor Lea Storry. 

Paper Bird, by award winning author Jan Truss, is a collection of childhood memories from the Great Depression years in England. The stories are set between 1930 and 1936, and follow the break-down of a young girl's world and her ultimate survival as a tough eleven-year old on her way to higher education. Expect a short reading as part of the evening! The book is edited by TMC artist-mentor, Sally Truss.

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Rivers' Edge: Stories of the East Village

April 20 to May 11

Opening reception April 21, 7pm – 9pm

U-Hall Gallery at TRUCK
2009 – 10 Ave SW

This extraordinary exhibit includes photographic portraits and stories, as well as a documentary video - all to tell the stories that come from the Rivers' Edge of Calgary's East Village. As one of the city's quickly transforming neighbourhoods, this project captures a uniquely compelling history and way of being. It is a poignant reminder of this city's roots. 

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Songs: Sharing Our Roots

April 24, 1pm – 4pm

Blank Page Studio
1221 B Kensington Road NW

A gathering of singer-songwriters from the Drop In Centre, the Women's Centre, and and past participants of MRU Conservatory’s popular music program. Join Sally Truss and Jamie Desautels for an afternoon of musical collaboration and learning.

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PhotoWalk: Urban Exploration

An exhibit of sites of displacement and rebuilding in our City's core.