Free This Week

Inject some arts into your week with these great events

  • Location: Various Venues

Can you believe it’s already the middle of October? Time might be flying by, but you can make the most of it by checking out these free events. Explore readings, workshops, artist talks, sales, screenings, celebrations, and so much more.

ProArts Presents Richard van Camp & Harold R. Johnson

October 16, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission

With a pair of compelling Indigenous storytellers, check out one of Wordfest’s favourite opportunities to experience its Imaginairium authors in an intimate, illuminating venue. Don’t miss this free lunch hour presentation.
proartssociety.ca

Crash Course: Discussions in Contemporary Art

October 16, 2019, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended

Continuing this new informal lecture series presented monthly over the course of the Esker Foundation’s current exhibition, hear Judy Anderson and Cruz Anderson speak to the art behind their collaborative projects.
eventbrite.ca

Artist Talk with Jeffrey Gibson

October 18, 2019, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration required

Join the Esker Foundation as Jeffrey Gibson discusses his work. Time Carriers conjures a vision of many hands providing a framework of support, a fluid utopia where trust and movement go hand in hand.
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Single Onion #162

October 17, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission

The Single Onion kicks into high gear for the fall with five excellent poets: A.B. Dillon, Kate Marshall Flaherty, Diane Guichon, Neil Surkan, and Bernadette Wagner. Don’t miss it!
facebook.com

Conquering Beauty: The Life and Music of Malcolm Forsyth

October 17, 2019, 7:30pm
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary (206 University Ct. NW)
Free admission, registration required

A documentary screening with director and producer Theresa Wynnyk in attendance, the program also includes live music. Swing by to hear chamber music from Edmond Agopian, Stan Climie, and Rod Squance, vocal music from Elizabeth Windnagel, and a trombone quartet featuring James Scott and friends.
vendini.com

90th Anniversary of Persons Day

October 18, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00pm
The Famous Five Monument, Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Commemorating Persons Day and celebrating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Persons Case, join the Famous 5 Foundation to celebrate with speakers and performances. The victory was a pivotal moment, championed by five Alberta women who petitioned for the inclusion of some women in the definition of the word persons.
famou5.ca

Long Lunch Quick Reads

October 18, 2019, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Enjoy a collaboration between an artist and a poet—this read features the beautiful art of Stacey Walyuchow and the poetry it inspired, written by Erin Emily Vance. Hear Walyuchow read while Vance is in Dublin. Chapbooks are available for $5 and you can pre-order your lunch for $10.
faceboook.com

Masquerade Gala

October 18, 2019, 5:00pm
CORE Shopping Centre (324 8th Ave. SW)
Free admission, registration required

This gala is big, bold, and full of life! Come dressed to impress for an evening of art, music, and a unique atmosphere in which to celebrate our local artists. The gala supports Indefinite Arts Centre through an auction.
artspaceanddesign.com

Calgary Artists Society Fall Show & Sale

October 19, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Parkdale United Church (2919 8th Ave. NW)
Free admission

This much anticipated show features a diverse selection of original paintings in a variety of media by 45 local artists, as well as high quality framed artwork in a variety of sizes and subject matter.
calgaryartistssociety.com

Beacon Original Art Fall Exhibition & Sale

October 19, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association (917 Centre Ave. NE)
Free admission

Showcasing over 30 artists in attendance with painting, jewelry, glass, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and textiles—this sale creates an environment of belonging and celebrates the group’s 10th year of bringing artists and art enthusiasts together in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bridgeland-Riverside.
facebook.com

Calgary Sketch Club Art Exhibition & Sale

October 19, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Dalhousie Community Centre (5432 Dalhart Rd. NW)
Free admission

The Calgary Sketch Club is having its annual show and sale, and you can check it out. Featuring paintings, sculpture, art cards, and more on display and for sale, swing by this free, family-friendly event.
calgarysketchclub.com

Sheep Creek Weavers

October 19, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Millarville Racetrack Hall (306097 192nd St., Millarville)
Free admission

With spinners, weavers, knitters, felters, quilters, crocheters, dyers, and sewers, the Sheep Creek Weavers’ annual sale features fibre arts creations from over 70 local artisans as well as complementary tea, coffee, and snacks.
sheepcreekweavers.ca

To Name An Other

October 19, 2019, 3:00pm
Atlantic Avenue Art Block Lobby & Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission

A special performance as part of Jeffrey Gibson’s exhibition Time Carriers, watch as 50 artists are brought together for a drumming event to give names to our current political climate. The afternoon is presented in partnership with Springboard Performance, as part of the 2019 Fluid Festival, and the Esker Foundation.
facebook.com

Calyx Distinctive Arts Art Exhibition & Sale

October 19 & 20, 2019
Crescent Heights Community Association (1101 2nd St. SW)
Free admission

Showcasing all types of art made from artists in all sorts of media including painting, drawing, mixed media collage, glass, metal, jewelry, wood, fibre, and more, join Calyx Distinctive Arts each day of the sale to explore different artists.
calyx.ca

Blown Glass Sale & Glassblowing Shows

October 19 & 20, 2019, 12:00 – 4:00pm
Bee Kingdom Glass (427 22nd Ave. NW)
Free admission

Join Bee Kingdom for a live glassblowing show and sale! A one stop shop for high quality, handmade gifts and for your own home decor, check out new studio creations and spooky-themed glass demonstrations all weekend long.
facebook.com

On LGBTQ2S+Animation 3

October 22, 2019, 6:30 – 9:00pm
Alberta University of the Arts (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free admission

Quickdraw Animation Society presents this screening series and publication exploring the role of LGBTQ2S+ artists and subjects throughout animation history. For the third zine, the focus is on non-western animation, specifically anime, and the first 50 folks to arrive receive a free copy.
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