Culture Days

St. Catharines City Hall (Downtown)

50 Church St. | Third Floor

ART EXHIBITION & OPENING RECEPTION
4 to 6 p.m.
2019 City of St. Catharines Juried Art Exhibit: Transformations
“Transformations” investigates the positive and negative transitions and transformations that shape human beings and the world.

Oddfellows Temple (Downtown)

36 James St. | Second Floor Artist Studio

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
Four, 60-minute reserved sessions starting at: 4, 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.
Explore Encaustic Painting & Collage Workshop
Artist: Sandy Middleton
Sandy Middleton will demonstrate and guide you through tips & tricks for successful encaustic exploration. Using hot wax medium participants will learn to layer, fuse, collage and transfer images into a unique piece of art, yours to keep!
Spend one hour learning & creating (stay for the duration). A stair chair lift will be available for those with limited mobility. Participants MUST be ages 15-plus due to safety concerns. All participants must sign waiver available at venue (under 18 must have parent's signature).

Advance registration is required. Limited to six participants pre-registered per session. NO DROP IN SPACES AVAILABLE.

Register FREE online here: http://bit.ly/CultureDaysEncaustic

UPDATE: THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT

Marilyn I Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts (Downtown)

15 Artists Common | VISA Gallery, located off the Main Lobby

ART EXHIBIT
On view noon to 6 p.m.
Home, From Above | Artist: Kira Pretty
The VISA gallery presents the work of Visual Arts Student Kira Pretty. This solo exhibition is the culminating project for an independent study course, where Pretty is exploring a combination of photography and video work.   

Niagara Artists Centre (Downtown)

354 St. Paul St.

ART EXHIBITIONS
On view noon to 5 p.m.

Show Room Gallery | Teiakwanahstahsontéhrha’ We Extend the Rafters | Artist: Skawennati
A futuristic saga set in 3025 yet firmly rooted in the ancestral Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) confederation story and featuring historical figures such as Tekanawí:ta, Jacques Cartier, and a president addicted to Twitter! This new machinima—an animation-style movie produced on the virtual reality platform Second Life created specifically for a youth audience. 

Plate Glass Gallery | Magic Carpet | Artist: Diana Hosseini

Dennis Tourbin Members Gallery | Strange Happenings & Rare Findings | Artist: Emily Andrews 

Rodman Hall Art Centre

109 St. Paul Cresc.

ART EXHIBITION
On view 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Task at Hand | Artist: Carolyn Wren
For over twenty years, St. Catharines-based artist Carolyn Wren has explored the relationship between identity and place through structured and laborious processes. Known for her large-scale drawings and relief prints that poetically conflate landscapes and the human body, during the last decade she has turned her attention to the written narratives that have shaped her worldview. 

St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre

1932 Welland Canals Parkway

MUSEUM EXHIBITS
On view 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy permanent exhibits illustrating the history of St. Catharines and its people: The Welland Canals, the Underground Railroad, and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum. Temporary exhibits include: Outbreak: the Spanish Flu, Victorian Tweets, Blowing Our Own Horn: The Niagara Symphony Orchestra at 71 and the Mack School of Nursing Alumni Photo Exhibit.

During your visit also check out the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum and the Lock 3 Welland Canal Ship Viewing Platform. 

Rodman Hall Art Centre

ART EXHIBITION
On view noon to 5 p.m.
Task at Hand | Artist: Carolyn Wren
For over twenty years, St. Catharines-based artist Carolyn Wren has explored the relationship between identity and place through structured and laborious processes. Known for her large-scale drawings and relief prints that poetically conflate landscapes and the human body, during the last decade she has turned her attention to the written narratives that have shaped her worldview. 

GUIDED HISTORIC TOUR
2 p.m.

GUIDED EXHIBITION TOUR
3 p.m.

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Photo Transfer Yourself Into Art! (Drawing)
Artist: David Figueroa
Turn a printed photo of yourself into a piece of art by using an embossing drawing process. The artist will capture you in a photo to use while you explore creating your very own self-portrait.
Spend 30 minutes creating | Drop-in for all ages

THEATRE | Interactive
1 to 4 p.m.
The Drama Garden
Presented by Carousel Players
The Drama Garden is promenade-style arts experience grown from the creative soil of Rodman Hall Art Centre. Find the artists of the Drama Garden to see a short performance, create puppets and masks, or take part in a play yourself – it’s a theatrical scavenger hunt for the whole family!
Spend 30 to 60 mins. participating | Drop-in for all ages

The Pen Centre

221 Glendale Avenue | Start at the Food Court

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
Noon to 4 p.m.
Cell Phone Photography Art
Artists: Danny Custodio & Jessica Bishop-Custodio
Create stunning works of art as you use your cell phone to take, manipulate and create images that you can then print as a mini Polaroid. Then take that print and add your own creative spin using markers, collage and more!
Spend up to 60 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages
**Participants provide their own cell phone
 

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
Noon to 4 p.m.
Expressive Drawing
Artist: Geoff Farnsworth
Explore expressive drawing with a focus on shape and colour. Artist Geoff Farnsworth specializes in portraiture through his own work and will be sharing insights and demonstrating to visitors throughout the workshop. Don’t feel like drawing? Then join in by posing for the group!
Spend up to 60 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages

MUSIC | Interactive
Noon to 4 p.m.
Steel Drum Music Experience
Presented by PK Hummingbird Steel Drum Orchestra
Join PK Hummingbird for a hands-on exploration of steel drum music that will help you to release your tropical vibes. Steel drums are the easiest musical instrument to learn, join in and try it for yourself!
Spend up to 30 mins. participating | Drop-in for all ages

Kiwanis Aquatics Centre & Dr. Huq Library

425 Carlton St.

IN THE DR HUQ LIBRARY:
VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tree-Mendous Creative Collage Workshop
Artist:  Dena Colling Gelentso
Trees are beautiful sculptures in nature. Get creative as we draw, cut, tear, twist and collage. Explore drawing autumn trees and then incorporating a variety of collage techniques.
Spend 30 to 45 minutes creating | Drop-in for all ages

 Downtown Mural Project

At the corner of St. Paul and Court Streets near the NAC Studio/Shop.

MURAL | Interactive
10 a.m. to Noon
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE MURAL-MAKING
Presented by the St. Catharines Downtown Association with Artist Jana Simms-Bergsma
Join in as you contribute to a collaborative mural as we also beautify this downtown location. Guided by a professional artist – we will take our inspiration from our beautiful garden city! Please note that this activity will be adjacent to the Grande Parade route (St. Paul Street) on Saturday, impacting access to the location. 
Spend up to 30 minutes creating | Drop-in for all ages 

Marilyn I Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts (Downtown)

15 Artists Common | VISA Gallery, located off the Main Lobby

ART EXHIBIT
On view noon to 6 p.m.
Home, From Above | Artist: Kira Pretty
The VISA gallery presents the work of Visual Arts Student Kira Pretty. This solo exhibition is the culminating project for an independent study course, where Pretty is exploring a combination of photography and video work.   

Niagara Artists Centre (Downtown)

354 St. Paul St.

ART EXHIBITIONS
On view noon to 5 p.m.

Show Room Gallery | Teiakwanahstahsontéhrha’ We Extend the Rafters | Artist: Skawennati
A futuristic saga set in 3025 yet firmly rooted in the ancestral Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) confederation story and featuring historical figures such as Tekanawí:ta, Jacques Cartier, and a president addicted to Twitter! This new machinima—an animation-style movie produced on the virtual reality platform Second Life created specifically for a youth audience. 

Plate Glass Gallery | Magic Carpet | Artist: Diana Hosseini

Dennis Tourbin Members Gallery | Strange Happenings & Rare Findings | Artist: Emily Andrews 

St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre

1932 Welland Canals Parkway

MUSEUM EXHIBITS
On view 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy permanent exhibits illustrating the history of St. Catharines and its people: The Welland Canals, the Underground Railroad, and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum. Temporary exhibits include: Outbreak: the Spanish Flu, Victorian Tweets, Blowing Our Own Horn: The Niagara Symphony Orchestra at 71 and the Mack School of Nursing Alumni Photo Exhibit.

During your visit also check out the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum and the Lock 3 Welland Canal Ship Viewing Platform. 

Rodman Hall Art Centre 

109 St. Paul Cresc.

ART EXHIBITION
On view Noon to 5 p.m.
Task at Hand | Artist: Carolyn Wren
For over twenty years, St. Catharines-based artist Carolyn Wren has explored the relationship between identity and place through structured and laborious processes. Known for her large-scale drawings and relief prints that poetically conflate landscapes and the human body, during the last decade she has turned her attention to the written narratives that have shaped her worldview. 

GUIDED HISTORIC TOUR
2 p.m.

GUIDED EXHIBITION TOUR
3 p.m.

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Photo Transfer Yourself Into Art! (Drawing)
Artist: David Figueroa
Turn a printed photo of yourself into a piece of art by using an embossing drawing process. The artist will capture you in a photo to use while you explore creating your very own self-portrait.
Spend 30 minutes creating | Drop-in for all ages

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Printmaking a Monotype Hybrid
Artist: Metka Manfreda
Come and create a unique hybrid creature by exploring monotype printmaking. Created by applying colour to plexiglass then transferring using a special technique; you will see interesting images appear on your paper!
Spend 30 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages

CRAFTS | Make & Take
12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Keep Calm and Adjust your Mermaid Crown
Artist: Rhiannon Barry
Inviting all mermaids and mer-men to create your own crown using marine-themed materials. Will you make yours cute and whimsical or strong and powerful?
Spend 30 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
12:30 to 4:30 pm
Creative Cards for Caring
Artist: Janice Low
Cards for caring encourages participants to have fun, learn an art technique and engage in designing and painting greeting cards that they can give to friends or family members to show they care. Please note that this activity is located in the second floor board room and has limited accessibility.
Spend 30 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (Downtown)

250 St. Paul St.

ALGOMA LOBBY
Noon
Celebrate the PAC’s 4^th Birthday with cake and a community photo.

ALGOMA LOBBY
Noon to 3 p.m.
MUSIC | Interactive
Instrument Petting Zoo
Presented by the Niagara Symphony Orchestra
Try a variety of instruments with instruction from professional symphony musicians and student volunteers. Instruments provided in part by Long & McQuade.
Spend 20 mins. participating | Drop-in for all ages

PARTRIDGE HALL
Sessions begin at: 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
DANCE | Interactive
Zen and the Art of Contact Improvisation
Presented by Dahlia Steinberg of Contact Improv Niagara with artists Lisa-Ann-Emmons and Mayumi Lashbrook of Aeris Korper Dance Company 
In this introductory dance workshop, audience members have the opportunity to experience the movement and partnering technique, known as Contact Improvisation. Through demonstration, participation and viewing of professional performance, the audience can see how the skills they've just learned can be transformed into dance.  
Ages 5+, parent companion required. Those with mobility issues/injuries are encouraged to participate as audience members only, due to safety concerns.
At scheduled times, stay for duration.

RECITAL HALL
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., new sessions begin every 30 mins.
THEATRE | Interactive
PLAY WITH A PRO!
Presented by The Foster Festival
Get up close and personal with the Foster Festival - come play with a PRO! Join professional actors from Niagara onstage to read scenes from one of Norm Foster's 60 plays. This is your chance to shine!
Actors include Cosette Derome, Gabrielle Jones, Peter Krantz, Melanie Janzen and Jamie Williams, along with Artistic Director Patricia Vanstone facilitating.
Participation on stage encouraged by ages 14+ | Suitable for audiences of all ages.

RECITAL HALL
2 to 4 p.m.
IMPROV | Interactive
IMPROV FOR EVERYONE
Presented by Improv Niagara
Participants will learn about improv by joining in fun scenes and games with some of Improv Niagara's best performers and educators.
Spend up to 60 mins. participating | Drop-in, suggested for ages 12+
Workshop available in French by request

RBC INNOVATION STUDIO
2 to 4 p.m.
THEATRE | Interactive
POETRY IN MOTION
Presented by Twitches & Itches Theatre
Be a part of a new theatrical creation as you interact with the Twitches & Itches ensemble. Poetry in Motion is a participatory piece in which the audience contributes titles or sentences that the ensemble will use to create and present a spontaneous physical "poem". 
Spend up to 60 mins. participating | Drop-in for all ages
Accessible for ASL visitors who wish to contribute using sign language.

RBC INNOVATION STUDIO
2 to 4 p.m.
POETRY | Make & Take
MINI-POETRY ZINES
Presented by St. Catharines Poetry Slam
Join members of the St. Catharines Poetry Slam collective in one of two fun-filled micro-workshops. POETRY ZINES | Learn how to make your very own mini-zine from one sheet of paper.
Spend up to 30 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages

ROBERTSON THEATRE
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5 ACTIVITY PUPPET THEATRE SERIES | Interactive
THE HUMAN BEE-IN

ONE | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PUPPET-MAKING | Make & Take
Make a Polinator Puppet Workshop
Artist: Karen Waterman
Create a bee or butterfly hand puppet with paper, pastels and watercolour paints. Join in again at 3 pm and bring your puppet to the live performance by Waterwood Theatre (details below).
Spend 30 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages

TWO | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MUSIC | Interactive
The Busy Bees Band Workshop
Artist: Aaron Robillard
Learn about instruments and music in theater by listening, creating and playing with the Busy Bees Band! Pop back in at 3 pm and help the band accompany a live puppet performance by Waterwood Theatre (details below).
Spend 30 mins. participating | Drop-in for all ages

THREE | 2:15 to 2:45 pm
PUPPETS| Interactive
SHADOW PUPPET DEMONSTRATION
Presented by Waterwood Theatre
Learn about how a shadow puppet show is created directly from a professional puppeteer.  Then the artist invites you to pick up a puppet and try it yourself!
Please stay for the duration | For all ages

FOUR | 3 to 3:30 p.m.
PRESENTATION | Interactive
the "Bee there for Me" Show
Participatory Puppet Theatre
Presented by Waterwood Theatre
See it all come together as Waterwood Theatre presents a world premiere of this collaborative play. Join us at the "Bee There for Me Show" caps off the Human Bee-In Event. A fun and interactive event where you can learn about pollinators and flowers. 
Please stay for the duration | For all ages

FIVE | 3:30 to 4 p.m.
ARTIST MEET & GREET | Interactive
Post-Show Artist Question Period
With Waterwood Theatre and Artists Karen Waterman and Aaron Robillard.
Meet the artists and learn more about theatre, making music, puppets and more…this is your chance to ask them questions!
Spend up to 30 minutes | For all ages

JOY WILLIAMS LOBBY
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ART EXHIBITION
Carl Beam: Us & Everything 
An exhibition of works by contemporary Indigenous artist Carl Beam. Carl Beam (Ojibwe, 1943 – 2005), is one of the most important artists in Canadian Contemporary Art History, noted as the first Canadian of Native Ancestry to have his work purchased by the National Gallery of Canada as Contemporary Art.

JOY WILLIAMS LOBBY
11 a.m. to noon
Indigenous Storytelling
Share in the oral tradition that teaches, entertains and remembers.
Drop-in for all ages

JOY WILLIAMS LOBBY
Noon to 4 p.m.
POETRY | Make & Take
Make a Micro-Poem
Presented by St. Catharines Poetry Slam 
Join members of the St. Catharines Poetry Slam collective in one of two fun-filled micro-workshops MICRO POEMS | The poets will give a crash course in micro poems and haikus. They will be breaking down their form and showing you how to craft your own.
Spend up to 30 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages

UPPER FILM HOUSE MEZZANINE
Noon to 4 p.m.
POETRY | Interactive
Poetry at PAC
Artists: Kevin Hobbs, James Millhaven & Kim Van Stygeren
Drop in, meet a poet and have a discussion. Return later to receive your own unique poem based on your conversation! You are then encouraged to read it aloud and contemplate its meaning.
Spend up to 30 mins. | Drop-in for all ages

THE FILM HOUSE
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A Series of Short Films
Curated by ImagineNATIVE
Playing continuously, for all ages
Discover 6 short films curated by the largest presenter of Indigenous films.

The Story of Pasha, Ara Marumaru (The Shadow), Shin-chi's Canoe, E'sekati, Sacred By Nature, Onyota'a:ka khale Tsi'tkalù:to (Oneida and Toronto), Mahiganiec (Baby Wolf) BA'O - The Cannibal Giant and Biidaaban (The Dawn Comes) 

COGECO LOBBY, AT FILM HOUSE ENTRANCE
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Interactive Architectural Display
Presented by the Niagara Society of Architects
Interact with the history of the architecture in downtown St. Catharines. 
Drop-in for all ages

Start Me Up Niagara Work Action Centre (Downtown)

203 Church St.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENT | Make & Take
45 minute sessions begin at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m.
**Pre-registration is required (see below)
Make a Fall Centerpiece
Artist: Linda Phillip
Join floral artist Linda Phillip to create a fall centerpiece. Learn to wire and assemble various elements from faux leaves, flowers and other decorative elements.
Spend 45 mins. creating | For all ages, youth require adult companion.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Limited to six participants pre-registered per session. Three additional spaces per session will be available first come/first served at the venue on event day. Youth require adult companion - working together, need only to reserve one space.

Register FREE online here: http://bit.ly/CultureDaysFloral

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
One-hour sessions begin at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m.
**Pre-registration is required (see below)
Intro to Linocut Printing
Artist: Steve Plews
Learn to carve your own simple designs into a linoleum block to make unique prints. Use this reuseable "stamp" to make cards or original art with your designs.
Spend 1 hour learning & creating.
Participants MUST be ages 15+ due to safety concerns. All participants must sign waiver available at venue (under 18 must have parent signature). 
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Limited to six participants pre-registered per session. Two additional spaces per session will be available first come/first served at the venue on event day.

Register FREE online here: http://bit.ly/CultureDaysLinocut

NAC Shop/Studio (Downtown)

433A St. Paul St.

VISUAL ARTS | Make & Take
Noon to 5 p.m.
Pull a Print: Intro to Screen Printing
Artist: Colleen McTigue
Experience the art of Screen Printing, a technique of producing an image with stencils that has its origins in ancient times. Participants are encouraged to create their own stencil or "pull" a unique print from a stencil provided by the artist.
Spend up to 30 minutes creating | Drop-in for all ages

Downtown Mural Project

At the corner of St. Paul and Court Streets near the NAC Studio/Shop.

MURAL | Interactive
Noon to 4 p.m.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE MURAL-MAKING
Presented by the St. Catharines Downtown Association with Artist Jana Simms-Bergsma
Join in as you contribute to a collaborative mural as we also beautify this downtown location. Guided by a professional artist – we will take our inspiration from our beautiful garden city! Please note that this activity will be adjacent to the Grande Parade route (St. Paul Street) on Saturday, impacting access to the location. 
Spend up to 30 mins. creating | Drop-in for all ages 

Oddfellows Temple (Downtown)

36 James St. | Third Floor Theatre

THEATRE | Interactive
Six, 30 minute sessions beginning at noon, 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Essential Designers Behind the Curtain
Presented by Essential Collective Theatre
Culture Days shines the spotlight on Essential Collective Theatre. Go behind the scenes as you learn more about costume and set design, projection and props. Get all dressed up and visit the photo booth to capture your star moment.
Spend 30 minutes, at scheduled times, please stay for duration | For all ages
Note: Accessibility between the second and third floors is limited to stair access. 

Marilyn I Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts (Downtown)

15 Artists Common | VISA Gallery, located off the Main Lobby

ART EXHIBIT
On view noon to 6 p.m.
Home, From Above | Artist: Kira Pretty
The VISA gallery presents the work of Visual Arts Student Kira Pretty. This solo exhibition is the culminating project for an independent study course, where Pretty is exploring a combination of photography and video work.   

St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre

1932 Welland Canals Parkway

MUSEUM EXHIBITS
On view 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy permanent exhibits illustrating the history of St. Catharines and its people: The Welland Canals, the Underground Railroad, and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum. Temporary exhibits include: Outbreak: the Spanish Flu, Victorian Tweets, Blowing Our Own Horn: The Niagara Symphony Orchestra at 71 and the Mack School of Nursing Alumni Photo Exhibit.

During your visit also check out the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum and the Lock 3 Welland Canal Ship Viewing Platform. 

Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism (Tai Chi)

222 Bunting Road 

MOVEMENT | Tai Chi | Interactive
ALL CULTURES MOVING TOGETHER IN HARMONY
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Presented by the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism
Learn how Taoist arts can improve your balance, reduce stress, and cultivate stillness. Watch demonstrations of Taoist Tai Chi, tour the facility, take a selfie with the dragon, and join a 'try-it' session for an introduction to the movements of the set. For more info email: niagara@taoist.org.

Expressive Arts Therapy

5 Cross Street

INTERDISCIPLINARY | Music & Sculpture | Interactive
7 to 8:30 p.m.
ART IS A MEETING AND MEETING IS AN ART
Presented by Expressive Arts Therapy
For adult participants. Pre-registration encouraged.
The artists invite you to engage in an intimate soundscape. Join in the music, meditate, and engage in the arts. The activity will feature the KoTaMo instrument which combines 3 instruments: the Monochord, the Koto from Japan and Tambura from India. For more info and to pre-register (strongly advised) contact angela@expressiveartstherapy.ca, or call 905 348 7283.