While the weekend weather was cool and grey, the atmosphere inside the Innisfail public library on Saturday (Sept. 27) was anything but.
It seemed that the onset of fall inspired many Innisfail residents to enjoy the warm and colourful atmosphere of the library and its Arts Fest events, which were taking place in honour of Alberta Culture Days, the province's largest celebration of heritage, arts, community spirit and cultural diversity.
"We had 52 people in attendance," said Melinda Mercer, youth/adult programmer at the Innisfail public library. "We felt it was a good turnout, and an improvement on last year's numbers."
Participants of all ages enjoyed a variety of workshops, all of which were well attended.
These workshops included one on the instruction of pastels, hosted by Innisfail Artist Osi Cruz-Lahtinen; a session on drawing techniques, hosted by another local talent, Kristin Guttridge, and a particularly enthusiastic drum clinic, hosted by central Alberta drummer Carlos Copaban.
"The adult art workshops went really well," said Mercer. "And Carlos' drum clinic was loud, cool, and fabulous. If you could actually raise a roof with music, I think the library's grass roof blew all the way to Spruce View."
The art sessions for children and teens were also a big hit. There were two workshops to accommodate young artists of every age. The morning session was designed for kids ages three to nine, and the afternoon session catered to the 10 - 17 age group. Lots of different media was explored in both sessions. "Everyone created a variety of mini-masterpieces," said Mercer.
The festivities began at 10 a.m. but many residents were so eager to take part that they began showing up early.
"We had several kids here, eagerly awaiting the 10:30 art class well ahead of schedule, which is fantastic," said Mercer. "It was easy to see it would be well attended."
2014 marks the seventh year of Alberta Culture Days, which actually began in 2008 as a single day event, Alberta Art Day. Alberta Culture Days is part of the larger national event, Culture Days, during which several hundred communities coast-to-coast host arts and culture geared activities.
Innisfail is no stranger to this event, which seems to be growing in popularity every year. With this year's success, Mercer has no doubt that the tradition will continue in Innisfail next year as well, though it is still far to early to say what will be on the bill for 2015.
In the meantime, Mercer will enjoy the success of the 2014 Arts Fest. "On the whole it was awesome. Just a fantastic day at the library," she said. "We can't wait until next year!"
For more information on Alberta Culture Days, visit the website www.AlbertaCultureDays.ca.
