Upcoming Events and Workshops


Wasakamapiwak Collective presents a Night of Performance Art
Dec
7

Wasakamapiwak Collective presents a Night of Performance Art

Tickets by DONATION starting at $5, please register

🎨✨ Experience an evening like no other at Sparrow Artspace on December 7th, as the Wasakampiwak Collective presents a night of Performance Art! This unique event promises to immerse you in a world where creativity knows no bounds. Expect an intriguing blend of drag, lip syncing, and avant-garde performances that push the boundaries of traditional art forms. 🕺🎭

Arrive early to explore our mini pop-up market, open for one hour before the show, where you can support local Indigenous makers and discover handcrafted treasures that celebrate cultural richness and creativity. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with the vibrant arts community and witness performances that will captivate and inspire.

Doors open at 6 PM, and the show starts at 7 PM. 🎟️✨ Tickets are limited, and light refreshments will be served. Secure your spot for a night of artistic exploration and community celebration!

🧺✨ This event is a fundraiser for Wasakamapiwak Collective’s Vessels, a group residency and art exhibition featuring twelve local Indigenous artists.

The Vessels residency brings together Danielle Piper, Jasmine Piper, Chris Piper, Riel Starr, Matt Hiltermann, Amber Boyd, Jamie Rozema-Stinson, Hilary McDonnell, Brendan McDonnell, Patricia Grimwood, Pihêsiw Grimwood, and Sarah Whalen-Lunn as they explore “vessels” in all its meanings—baskets, pots, shoes, hides, garments, drums, containers for story, identity, memory, and tradition. Through our work, visitors are invited to experience how vessels carry culture, community, and connection between people and the land. Your donation to this event will support our residency at Sparrow Artspace!

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Wasakamapiwak Collective presents Spoken Word Poetry
Dec
6

Wasakamapiwak Collective presents Spoken Word Poetry

Saturday December 6, 6-8pm
Tickets by DONATION starting at $5, please register

🎤✨ Join us for an unforgettable evening of powerful words and vibrant culture proudly presented by Wasakamapiwak Collective! Experience the powerful voices of talented Indigenous poets who will captivate and inspire through their words. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Indigenous storytelling as talented artists share their unique perspectives and experiences through the art of spoken word.

🛍️ Doors open at 6 PM, and the show starts at 7 PM. 🎟️✨ Tickets are limited. Arrive at 6pm to explore our vibrant mini-market, open one hour before the show, where you can discover handcrafted goods and authentic Indigenous-made art. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate Indigenous ways of making and support local artisans.

🧺✨ This event is also a fundraiser for the Wasakamapiwak Collective’s Vessels, a group residency and art exhibition featuring twelve local Indigenous artists.

The Vessels residency brings together Danielle Piper, Jasmine Piper, Chris Piper, Riel Starr, Matt Hiltermann, Amber Boyd, Jamie Rozema-Stinson, Hilary McDonnell, Brendan McDonnell, Patricia Grimwood, Pihêsiw Grimwood, and Sarah Whalen-Lunn as they explore “vessels” in all its meanings—baskets, pots, shoes, hides, garments, drums, containers for story, identity, memory, and tradition. Through our work, visitors are invited to experience how vessels carry culture, community, and connection between people and the land. Your donation to this event will support our residency at Sparrow Artspace!

Registration
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Food Photography for Beginners
Nov
29

Food Photography for Beginners

Please Register! Cost: Adults: $45, Students & Seniors: $30 By Donation Tickets: There are two by-donation tickets available for those with financial limitations. No proof required; honour system based on need.

Ideal for photographers, bloggers, home cooks and foodies alike, this workshop will go over the basics of planning and executing a successful food photoshoot. The first part of the workshop will cover essential styling theory and some technical knowledge—although being able to shoot on manual is not required.

During the second portion of the workshop, attendees will break-up into groups and be assigned to one of three food still life scenes: “dark,” “light,” and “colour.” Each group will have the opportunity to style one scene (the food/produce will be prepared in advance), and all students will have an opportunity to photograph each scene once styled.

Finally, attendees will come together to share what they learned, and enjoy a delicious treat after all their hard work! All students will take home a printed handout summarizing the workshop’s lessons.

Workshop Schedule:

Theory: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: • Finding inspiration and logistics • What story are you telling? • Identifying your “hero” • Types of shots • Props: layering to add interest and context • Colour theory • Natural and artificial lighting

Break: 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Practical - Styling: 11:15a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Attendees will go into smaller groups and have the opportunity to apply what they have learned by styling one of three food scenes.

Practical - Photographing: 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. All attendees will rotate through each prepared set-up and photograph each scene, applying what they have learned.

Wrap-up and questions: 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Maximum attendees: 12, All props, food and backdrops will be supplied. Attendees will need to bring a camera and/or smartphone. Water and snacks are recommended. Please feel free to reach out to hello@sarahcomber.com any time if you have questions.

Registration
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Artists Trading Cards for NEWCOMERS
Nov
26

Artists Trading Cards for NEWCOMERS

Calling all NEWCOMERS to Canada or Calgary!

FREE - please register, All ages welcome (accompanied by an adult), no experience necessary. Organized in conjunction with the Calgary Women's Centre!

Join us at Sparrow Artspace for a fun and creative event where you can make and trade your own Artists Trading Cards with other newcomers in Calgary! This is a great way to meet fellow newcomers and creatives, share your work, and connect with the local art community. All suplies will be provided.

Board members Yiting Hui and Sandra Neill will be in attendance to answer any questions about our artists-in-residence program and connect newcomers to other artists resources in the community!

What Are Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)?

Artist Trading Cards are miniature works of art measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches—the size of a standard playing card. Originating in the 1990s, the ATC movement began in Switzerland with artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann, who envisioned a way for artists to exchange their creations without monetary transactions. The concept quickly gained global popularity, fostering artistic expression and collaboration. Today, ATCs are celebrated as an inclusive and accessible way to share art and build connections within creative communities.

Registration
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Kundalini in The Quiet Wild
Nov
26

Kundalini in The Quiet Wild

$25 - please register, all levels welcome

Come join us for a transformative experience at Sparrow Artspace! Immerse yourself in the power of Kundalini yoga with Chantelle Styles in the midst of nature's serene beauty. Let go of stress and awaken your inner energy through this unique practice. Connect with like-minded individuals and discover a sense of peace and balance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. See you there!

Please bring your own yoga mat, bolster and/or blanket.

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Young at Heart: Art-ful Play
Nov
23

Young at Heart: Art-ful Play

$5, please register

This special event features Janey Luc-German, an incredible artist who specializes in Expressive Art and Therapeutic Play. She is a member of the Perlin Foundation for Wellbeing Artist Collective and will be facilitating this workshop with Stacey Perlin.

We open the gallery space on Sunday, 23 November from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM for a fun afternoon for the whole community, in the Sparrow Artspace Gallery.

The workshop agenda will be sent to registrants 3 days prior to the workshop, and all materials will be provided for the activities. Designed for adults of all ages.

You are invited to have some fun, connect with your community, and release some stress with friends! 

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Portrait Collage - Transforming self portrait into Mixed Media
Nov
22

Portrait Collage - Transforming self portrait into Mixed Media

$45, please register

Turn your own portrait into a one-of-a-kind artwork. In this playful, hands-on workshop, you’ll capture a simple self portrait, then cut, layer, and reimagine it with scraps, textures, and found materials to create a mixed-media collage. A unique way to explore identity, storytelling, and creativity beyond the lens. Designed for: People interested in exploring self-expression and identity through art. Beginners who may feel intimidated by photography but want a creative entry point. Mixed-media and collage enthusiasts looking to expand with photography. Anyone drawn to playful, hands-on, and personal art-making. Taught by artist-in-residence Kristy Drake.

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Women in Photography Print Exchange
Nov
20

Women in Photography Print Exchange

FREE, please register

Looking to meet fellow photographers, while making female friends who share your passions and interest? So are we! Whether you are a professional, semi-professional or passionate hobbyist, we want to get to know you and what you love to photograph. Bring yourself, bring your friends — this one is for the ladies! The evening will start with refreshments and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other. Then we’ll move into the print exchange. How does that work? Please bring an 8 x 10 print in an envelope, which will be placed on a central table. The envelopes will be shuffled and handed-out at random. When you get a print, share with the group what you love about it! (Kind words only, this is not a critique but a celebration!) Then the photographer will reveal themselves, talk a little about the print, and about their work in general. Once all the prints have been exchanged, guests are welcome to stay and chat, and hopefully make a new friend or two along the way.

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Intro to Travel Photography
Nov
15

Intro to Travel Photography

Please register, This workshop is for folks 16+, of all abilities, with any level of photography experience.
Cost: Adults: $25, Students and Seniors: $15 By Donation Tickets: There are two by-donation tickets available for those with financial limitations. No proof required; honour system based on need. Still includes full access to materials and experience.

Passionate about travel photography, and curious to learn how to tell stories with your photos? Go beyond basic Instagram posts and discover how to articulate a cohesive visual story while creating a sense of place. Through exploring the dynamic neighbourhood of Bridgeland — with stops at local businesses along the way — students will learn how to tell a narrative through their work, and see one of Calgary’s most vibrant communities with new eyes. Perfect for photographers, bloggers, and travel enthusiasts, this workshop will start with composition and storytelling basics, and then employ hands-on practice to put together a photo story. Students will also receive a printed handout summarizing the workshop’s lessons, along with tips for sharing a travel story to social media.

Workshop Schedule:

Theory: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. • What is visual storytelling? • What story are you telling? • Narrowing down your story focus • Types of shots • Composition basics • Colour theory basics • Working with natural light

Break: 11a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Students will have a short break at Sparrow Artspace before heading out on the photo walk.

Practical – Bridgeland Photo Walk: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will walk through Bridgeland (from Sparrow Artspace up to Bridgeland main street) together, stopping at interesting buildings, artwork and businesses while being guided on how to tell the story of exploring Bridgeland. Workshop students will also be guided on what types of shots to get to put together a photo story. Students will also have some time to explore the area on their own.

Wrap-up and Questions: 1:30p.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will meet at 1:30 p.m. to walk back to Sparrow Artspace together.

Maximum attendees: 12

Required Materials: Attendees will need to bring a camera and/or smartphone. Water and snacks are recommended. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as we will be walking around outside. Please feel free to reach out to hello@sarahcomber.com any time if you have questions.

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Still Art - Creating a Scene
Nov
8

Still Art - Creating a Scene

$45, please register

Learn the art of still life photography by styling your own scene and discovering how light can completely transform it. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll explore composition, shadow, and texture, leaving with images that feel alive with mood and depth. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts who want to see photography as storytelling. Designed for: Beginners and hobbyist photographers curious about creative still life. Artists who want to learn how to use light more intentionally. Content creators who want to style and shoot their own setups. Anyone who enjoys playing with objects, mood, and storytelling through images. Taught by artist-in-residency Kristy Drake.

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Medicine Wheel Teachings & Medicine Bag Workshop
Nov
3

Medicine Wheel Teachings & Medicine Bag Workshop

By Donation starting at $5, please register, for adults and teens 16+

The Medicine Wheel and Smudging are an integral part of many First Nations and Indigenous cultures throughout Turtle Island. Chantal Chagnon shares the Teachings, Stories, History and Science behind Smudging and the Medicine Wheel. Smudging is a sacred way to cleanse, balance, understand and connect to Mother Earth. The medicines used honour the teachings of Four Directions of the Medicine Wheel. We honour and value each medicine is part of the Medicine Wheel that balances and sustains us. We will gain a deeper understanding of the balance and stories for each direction and Plant. Each individual may have a stronger connection to a particular medicine or direction depending on what is needed in their life at the time.

Chantal delves into the science behind the Medicines and explains how every Nation has their own unique way of looking at and learning from the Medicine Wheel. Although traditions, medicines and stories may be slightly different depending on the Nation, Region or individual sharing the teachings, the message is always of balance and healing. Chantal will share the importance of protocol and how to harvest medicine sustainably and respectfully. Chantal will explain the significance and balance of the Smudge, why we do it, the science and story behind it as we participate in a Traditional Smudge ceremony together.

Chantal will then lead us into creating a Medicine Bag. Medicine Bags, also called Medicine Pouches, carry our four sacred medicines close to our hearts. They protect and guide us along our journey, reminding us of our connection to Mother Earth, all living things and ourselves. Sometimes they contain stones, shells, feathers, keepsakes or items of significance in addition to the sacred medicines.

Registration

Materials we will use in this workshop include:

  • The Four Sacred Medicines - Sweetgrass, Cedar, Sage and Cansasa (Red Willow Bark in Place of Tobacco)

  • Deer, Moose, Elk or Buffalo Hide for the Bags

  • Suede or Leather Lacing

  • Bone or Antler Beads for Button Closure

  • Sinew for Stitching


About Chantal Chagnon

Chantal Chagnon is a Cree/Métis Multidisciplinary Artist, Educator, Knowledge Keeper and Activist with roots in Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan. Cultural Wisdom and Traditional Ceremony are always present in her Teaching Artistry, as she carries her Ancestral Knowledge forward in a good way. Offering Storytelling, Songs, Drumming, Cultural Teachings, Traditional Indigenous Craftsmanship, Art Creation and collaboration has allowed Chantal to share throughout Canada and the World.

Chantal is a Two Spirit single mother of four, overcoming difficult personal experiences has cultivated a deep understanding of societal struggle. Chantal has been an activist organizing events and publicly speaking as an advocate for over 30 years. Chantal recognizes connections, culture and community are integral parts of creating understanding and acceptance. Chantal believes an equitable, sustainable World is possible when we honour Mother Earth, Learn from our Ancestors and acknowledge our Responsibility to leave a better World for Future Generations.

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Nourish The Quiet Wild Opening Night
Nov
1

Nourish The Quiet Wild Opening Night

FREE, drop-in

Join us for a night of connection, joy and reflection while celebrating the dual exhibition of photographers Sarah Comber and Kristy Drake. From breathtaking landscapes that invite us to pause and reflect, to stunning, emotive still life prints and food photography that delights the senses, Sarah and Kristy’s work explores themes of womanhood, resilience, and the soft rebellion of rediscovery. Their images call us to slow down, notice beauty in the ordinary, and reclaim creativity. The evening will begin at 5 p.m., with live music, light refreshments, to enjoy while you wander through the exhibition.

Guests are also encouraged to participate in two interactive art installations, and share their favourite pieces to social media — tagging @kristydrakephotography and @sarah.comber.

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Sparrow Arts Society AGM & Art Party!
Oct
29

Sparrow Arts Society AGM & Art Party!

FREE, please register, everyone welcome!

7:00-7:30 pm: AGM with food & drinks.

7:30-9:00 pm: ART PARTY: Patchwork of Home – Mixed Media Workshop

Sparrow Arts Society invites you to join us for our 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) followed by a creative community workshop, Patchwork of Home, led by board member and artist Doro Buch.

The evening begins with a 30-minute AGM where you can hear updates on Sparrow’s past year, celebrate our achievements, and look ahead to future goals. This is a wonderful way to learn more about our work, get involved, and be part of Sparrow’s growing arts community.

After the AGM, we’ll transition into the Patchwork of Home mixed media workshop. Each participant will design a unique 20x20 cm “Home Square” using paint, collage, textiles, and found objects. You are also welcome to bring objects or supplies that remind you of home. Together, the squares will be assembled into a giant patchwork — a temporary community artwork that reflects the many ways we understand and experience home. Participants may choose to leave their piece for exhibition or take it home as a personal keepsake.

AGM AGENDA:

  • Call to Order

  • Land Acknowledgement

  • Declaration of Quorum

  • Approval of Agenda

  • Approval of AGM Minutes from October 30, 2024

  • Report from the President

  • Approval of Financial Statements

  • Appointment of Auditor/Financial Reviewer: Anne Fitz (Motion to appoint for the next fiscal year)

  • Adjournment

  • ART PARTY!

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Creative Imagination
Oct
25

Creative Imagination

$60, please register, 16+ with some art experience

Unleash your inner artist in this imaginative workshop abstracting from photos. There will be two parts to this workshops.

a)PLAY with partial photos to create abstract designs through simplification and finding design elements. Create unique abstracts through play and experimentation.

b) Simplifying shapes and lines from a printed photo in 4 steps. Then enjoy refining with colour and mark making. Keep playing and create more unique abstract designs. Expect plenty of inspiration, creativity, and fun as you explore simplification.

Taught by artist-in-resident Ghislaine Cleiren.

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Mini Abstracts on Paper
Oct
23

Mini Abstracts on Paper

$60, please register, 18+

Join artist Claudia Lorenz for a playful evening of abstract artmaking at Sparrow ArtSpace. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore paint, collage, and mixed media through a guided layering process and create six unique mini abstracts to take home. All materials are included, and no experience is required—just bring your curiosity!

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Artists Trading Cards: theme - HOME
Oct
22

Artists Trading Cards: theme - HOME

FREE, please register

What does *home* mean to you? Is it a place, a memory, a community, or a feeling that lives within you? For some, home is where they’ve come from. For others, it’s where they are building a future. For some, home is deeply connected to ancestral land, traditions, and resilience.

Sparrow Artspace invites you to explore these ideas at an **Artists Trading Card (ATC) session**. ATCs are miniature works of art, created by hand and exchanged with others—tiny canvases that spark conversation, connection, and creativity.

This community art-making experience is connected to our upcoming **HOME Residency**, which brings together newcomer and Indigenous artists to reflect on, reimagine, and share perspectives on home through art.

Come create, share, and trade art that speaks to what HOME means to you. Leave with a pocket-sized collection of original artworks that hold many voices and many visions of home.

No prior art experience is needed, and people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. All supplies are provided, with a wide range of materials—from paints and markers to collage paper, and more.

What Are Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)?Artist Trading Cards are miniature works of art measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches—the size of a standard playing card. Originating in the 1990s, the ATC movement began in Switzerland with artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann, who envisioned a way for artists to exchange their creations without monetary transactions. The concept quickly gained global popularity, fostering artistic expression and collaboration. Today, ATCs are celebrated as an inclusive and accessible way to share art and build connections within creative communities.

Registration
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YES, you Can Abstract!
Oct
19

YES, you Can Abstract!

$35, please register, 16+

Create unique, abstracts, using play and flow. Guided prompts and timed practices will help you into the more intuitive, right the brain flow state. Then enjoy refining, and creating additional artwork using colour and design simplification.

Taught by artist-in-residence Susan Hull.

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Abstract Textile Collage
Oct
17

Abstract Textile Collage

$30, please register, 16+ with some art experience

Create a collage using a variety of textile materials. The created work uses the textiles as a distinctive feature. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your style, this workshop will guide you through playful techniques: painting, collage, layering, painting, sewing,... Have fun playing and exploring possibilities with something unusual and unexpected.

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Trapped Shape Abstracts
Oct
9

Trapped Shape Abstracts

FREE, please register, Adults and Teens 16+

Create abstract designs using line and a rectangle or square. Relax and explore different materials. Create more designs using marks, colour, lines and shapes. Taught by artist-in-residence Ghislaine Cleiren. No experience needed. Supplies will be provided.

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Stitch & B.I.T.C.H (Brave, Inspired, Thriving, Connected, Healing) Circle
Oct
8

Stitch & B.I.T.C.H (Brave, Inspired, Thriving, Connected, Healing) Circle

FREE - please register, for Women ages 18+

Sitch & B.I.T.C.H Circle (Bold, Inspired, Thriving, Connected, Healing)

A cozy, come-as-you-choose space for WOMEN only who crave connection, creativity, and candid conversations. Whether you are stitching, creating, conspiring, or sipping tea and taking it all in, this is the space for you.

What to expect

  • a warm and welcoming vibe where every woman belongs

  • zero pressure, all presence -bring a project or start one here

  • Honest chats, deep belly laughs, soft moments and shared stories

  • a community built for us, by us, where care, creativity, support, and colle

Please note that this is a CHILDREN free space

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Woodland Style Art and Symbolism Workshop
Oct
5

Woodland Style Art and Symbolism Workshop

Registration by donation starting at $5, no art experience required

Join Saulteaux-Métis artist Autumn Whiteway (Night Singing Woman, Circling Eagle Woman) for an engaging workshop exploring the vibrant and symbolic Woodland Style of art. Participants will learn about the history and visual language of this unique style, while creating their own personalized artwork inspired by its bold colors and symbolism.

About Autumn Whiteway (Night Singing Woman, Circling Eagle Woman)

Autumn Whiteway (Night Singing Woman, Circling Eagle Woman) is a Saulteaux-Métis artist, curator, archaeologist, and educator based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, Alberta). She is a member of Berens River First Nation in Manitoba but grew up in Treaty 7 territory. She explores Indigenous themes from a contemporary perspective through painting, digital art, installation, photography, and a diverse range of media including Lego and ceramics. Her painting and digital art is primarily focused on the heavily symbolic Woodland Style of art, while her photographic practice and installation is used as a form of activism to highlight Indigenous issues and realities. Autumn's curatorial work focuses on elevating the voices of Indigenous creatives through a series of Indigenous focused exhibitions. She previously worked as the Curator for Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society, and presently works as the Curator, Indigenous Art at the Glenbow Museum. She holds an M.A. in Anthropology (University of Manitoba), a B.Sc. in Archaeology concentrating in Physical Anthropology (University of Calgary), and a B.A. in Greek and Roman Studies (University of Calgary).

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Collaborating and drawing together!
Oct
4

Collaborating and drawing together!

FREE, please register, 16+

Let’s join together for a fun art experience! using a timed approach, one person starts a drawing then passes it on when their time is up. Three people in a group will keep three pieces of paper circulating. You can draw anything you want. Completed pieces have surprisingly creative results! Materials are supplied and include paper, markers , pens, pencils, and coloured pencils.

Taught by artist-in-residence Anne Marie Gunst.

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Abstract 6 Residency Opening
Oct
2

Abstract 6 Residency Opening

FREE, drop-in, 18+

Join six local artists as we open the doors to residency at Sparrow Artspace. Abstract 6 begins a month-long creative exploration and exhibition of abstract artwork under the theme In Process. All are invited to drop in, get inspired, and connect with other art lovers. We’ll talk all things abstract and get an overview of the creative fun we have in store for the month of October.

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Art from Within: An Introductory Journey into Spirit Led Creativity
Sep
28

Art from Within: An Introductory Journey into Spirit Led Creativity

By Donation/Pay-what-you-can, please register, drop-in, 18+

Unlock the transformative power of creativity and spirituality in our immersive workshop designed for artists and seekers alike taught by artist-in-residence VL Parker. Dive deep into the essence of your inner spirit and express your unique voice through art.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this experience will guide you to:

• Connect with Your Inner Spirit: Discover the profound connection between spirituality and creativity, and learn to channel your inner wisdom onto the canvas.

• Explore Symbolism and Meaning: Delve into the rich world of spiritual symbols and meanings, and incorporate them into your art to tell your personal story.

• Express Emotions and Heal: Use art as a therapeutic tool to express emotions, find peace, and foster personal growth.

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Closing Reception for Healing Hearts with Art
Sep
27

Closing Reception for Healing Hearts with Art

FREE, drop-in

Please join us as we showcase the culmination of the works of VL, Jiwon, and Q, produced during their residency. In addition to their updated individual works, you will also see their styles come together in a fusion in their collaborative piece.

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Artists Trading Cards for NEWCOMERS
Sep
24

Artists Trading Cards for NEWCOMERS

Calling all NEWCOMERS to Canada or Calgary!

FREE - please register, All ages welcome (accompanied by an adult), no experience necessary. Organized in conjunction with the Calgary Women's Centre!

Join us at Sparrow Artspace for a fun and creative event where you can make and trade your own Artists Trading Cards with other newcomers in Calgary! This is a great way to meet fellow newcomers and creatives, share your work, and connect with the local art community. All suplies will be provided.

Board members Yiting Hui and Sandra Neill will be in attendance to answer any questions about our artists-in-residence program and connect newcomers to other artists resources in the community!

What Are Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)?

Artist Trading Cards are miniature works of art measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches—the size of a standard playing card. Originating in the 1990s, the ATC movement began in Switzerland with artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann, who envisioned a way for artists to exchange their creations without monetary transactions. The concept quickly gained global popularity, fostering artistic expression and collaboration. Today, ATCs are celebrated as an inclusive and accessible way to share art and build connections within creative communities.

Registration
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Orange Shirt Awareness Workshop
Sep
22

Orange Shirt Awareness Workshop

Tickets by donation starting at $5, please register, 18+, no experience required

Join us for a hands-on workshop where participants will learn a simple beaded edge technique on orange pellon to create their own beaded pin—a piece they can wear on Orange Shirt Day (September 30) to honor the children who never returned from residential schools and to affirm that Every Child Matters. The orange shirt symbolizes the stripping away of Indigenous identity and culture, while also representing resilience, remembrance, and healing.

We are honoured to welcome Elder Jackie Bromley, who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of Indigenous people and preserving cultural traditions through numerous social initiatives.

The workshop will be guided by Pearl White Quills, from the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), Niitsitapi (The Real People) Siksika, Kainai, and Amskapi Piikani Nations. Blessed with the name Aa koa miyanist tsi'nih kiaki ~ Sings Many Different Songs Woman, Pearl is the founder of Bright Swan Creations. Since 2008, she has been creating beadwork inspired by knowledge passed down from her childhood. Alongside her children, she began selling beadwork at pow wows in 2012, later expanding into sewing and sharing her gifts in song and drumming. Facilitating workshops that pass on teachings has become her passion, with a mission to “Empower First Nations in all forms of artistry, having our Spirituality as the foundation. Inspiring healing through unity, as one.”

This workshop is not only an opportunity to learn beading techniques, but also to connect with Indigenous culture, teachings, and the spirit of reconciliation.

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Art Without Rules
Sep
20

Art Without Rules

Pay-what-you-can, drop-in, 14+

Have you ever been criticized in art classes for not drawing something "well" or "correctly?" Do you love art, but feel like it's one-sided, unrequited love? Do you want to try creating, but feel held back by fear? Do you find yourself saying toother artists "wow, I can't even draw a stick figure!"

Art without Rules is aimed at people of any skill levels, but especially those with no/ limited experience in art that would like to try drawing/ painting, but are afraid to start, or caught up in the idea of having to do it "right". The purpose of the workshop is to illustrate the fact that doing art does not have to be a big or a fancy endeavor, and that it can actually be something very mundane, low pressure, and lighthearted. Some of the activities of the workshop will include blind contour drawing and drawing with left hands to let go of the anxiety of having to draw "correctly," and seeing objects as simple shapes to simplify the process of art. Multiple different mediums will be present for people to use and explore - pen, pencil, markers, paint, etc.

Taught by artist-in-residence Jiwon You.

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Healing Hearts Through the Expressive Arts
Sep
14

Healing Hearts Through the Expressive Arts

By Donation/Pay-what-you-can: please register, 18+

Come to an Introductory 2 hour interactive workshop to experience healing tools of the Expressive Arts for helping holistically heal trauma stored in the mind, the body, the soul. Taught by artist-in-residence VL Parker.

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