Cultivating Peace Through Art: A Culture Days Celebration
As part of the wider Alberta Culture Days celebrations, the Peace River ART HUB hosted a beautiful blend of wellness, creativity, and community spirit on September 21. The theme for our celebration, "Peace Among All Peoples," resonated deeply throughout every activity, bringing together diverse cultures and fostering a sense of unity through the power of art. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our local community's talents and traditions, while connecting with a province-wide initiative that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Alberta.
The day began with a serene and grounding experience as participants were gently led through a session of Qigong by local Brenda Hood. This traditional Chinese wellness practice, known for its gentle movements and meditative focus, set a wonderful tone, inviting everyone to connect with their inner peace before embarking on a day of artistic expression. It was a beautiful reminder of how different cultures offer pathways to well-being and tranquility.
The energy shifted from tranquil to vibrantly creative as students from École Heritage in Falher, Glenmary, School, T.A. Norris Middle School, and École des Quatre-Vents in Peace River took center stage for our mural planning and painting session. This was a fantastic opportunity for young artists to contribute to the ART HUB's exciting new initiative: brightening spaces around Peace River with stunning murals created by local talent! Each student was thoughtfully paired with an experienced ART HUB muralist, who had themselves been trained under the esteemed mural artist Dave Thomas. It was incredible to witness these budding artists collaborating, sharing ideas, and bringing their visions to life on panels and in the alley behind Peace River Brewing. Although the outdoor mural artists got rained out on September 21, their work began on Tuesday, September 16, and will continue on September 23 and come to completeion on Sunday, September 28.
As the lunch hour drew near, the ART HUB became filled with mouthwater scents as participants were treated to a hearty and authentic Ukrainian lunch. Sharing a meal is a powerful act of connection, and this traditional feast provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to gather and simply enjoy good company and delicious food from another culture.
The Peace River ART HUB is incredibly proud of our initiative to adorn our town with more beautiful murals, painted by local artists. We believe that art has the unique ability to transform spaces, uplift spirits, and tell stories that resonate with everyone. Our Culture Days celebration was not just about creating art; it was about building bridges, fostering understanding, and celebrating the incredible diversity that enriches our lives.
The public is invited to check out the mural artists’ progress next week on Sunday, September 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. Take a walk through the alley by the Brewery or pop into the ART HUB to see the artists there hard at work. Families can also take part in a family pulp paper painting project, free of charge.
Here's to "Peace Among All Peoples" and the enduring power of art!
