Ongoing | Online

Virtual Artist Conversation Series | 5 x 2 Visual Conversation

Presented on the second Tuesday of every month
5 to 7 p.m. Presentations from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Community facilitator: Bart Gazzola

Suggested for ages 18+, everyone is welcome

Please Note: there is no live-stream rather a live conversation via the facebook group sharing images and comments in real time.

Artists, architects, designers, image-makers and those who enjoy visual culture are invited to attend 5x2. Contribute to the conversation by providing 5 images and talk about each for 2 minutes. Show us what you are working on, have finished, what inspires you, or just enjoy the discussion.

You can also contact Bart Gazzola at bart.gazzola@gmail.com

We also invite non-presenters to attend and share in the conversation.

(Click here to) join the Facebook group to contribute to the conversation.
 

Recorded Workshops | Visual Arts

Watercolour and Pen Illustration 

Artist: Jon Shaw
Suitable for all ages

Explore illustration with artist Jon Shaw as he guides you through the process using ink markers and watercolours. Using a tracing technique, participants will create basic line drawings onto watercolour paper. Then learn professional tips & tricks in drawing and painting to enhance your completed piece of art!

Gather the following materials:
thick white paper (watercolour suggested), watercolour paints, brushes, water cup, water and paper towel, carbon transfer paper (optional), pencil and waterproof black pen/fine marker.

(Click here) to download the handout and image samples

(Click here) for the instructional video recorded during the live session.

Intersecting Mixed Media (Painting and Collage)

Artist: Janice Low
Suitable for all ages

Explore an intersection of mediums as we combine a partial photocopied picture or magazine picture with paint to complete a composition on canvas. The Artist will lead the activity as both a quick experiment and will provide extension ideas for those interested in adding more details for a finished piece.

Gather the following materials:
background (canvas panel, carboard or thick bristol/cardstock), a photocopy or magazine image, pencil, scissors, glue or gel medium, acrylic paints and brushes, water & water cup, paper towel or rags, or as an alternative to paint, any drawing materials

(Click here) to download the image samples

(Click here) for the instructional video

If you do not have access to materials, there is a free art kit available for pickup in limited quantities. Email culture@stcatharines.ca to request a kit. Limited one kit per household, kit contains enough materials for 2 participants. Kit contains canvas boards, acrylic paints and brushes. Those with access to these materials already at home are encouraged to leave kits available for those who do not.

Collage Hour

Artist: Jenn Judson in partnership with Silver Spire Church
Suitable for all ages

Learn the fundamentals of collage while the artist gives you prompts and tips to make amazing art! This activity is a chance to explore collage beyond simply just cutting and pasting – it will be an excellent expression of creativity! 

Gather the following materials:  
scissors, glue, a piece of thick backing paper or cardboard, old magazines, books, posters or any other interesting paper material you have laying around the house

(Click here) for the instructional video 

Ready, Set, Paint!

Artist: Dena Colling Gelentso
Suggested for children up to age 8

Get creative as you take a brush for a walk across your canvas. Dab, stroke, twirl, and twist your brush as we explore acrylic painting.

Gather the following materials:
acrylic or tempera paint (red, yellow and blue), brushes, water bowl and paper towels, a background (canvas board, cardboard, bristol or watercolour paper), (optional) cut out paper shapes or leaves, protect your table and wear "messy clothes"

(Click here) for the instructional video 

Mixed Media | In Our Shoes

Artist: Leona Skye | Presented by OUT Niagara
Suitable for all ages

In Our Shoes Collective Art Project: This project will tell the story of Niagara’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. Participants are invited to share their unique stories by decorating shoes. Completed shoes can be submitted to OUTNiagara to be added to the community project. Email: info@outniagara.ca for details on submitting your completed piece.

Gather the following materials:
A pair of old shoes (canvas/fabric works best, or use matte spray paint to prepare other shoes for painting), acrylic or fabric paint, brushes, water bowl and paper towels,  (optional) crafty bits, beads, feathers etc. for decoration, scissors and glue (white or hot glue works best - ensure children are supervised), protect your table and wear "messy clothes"

(Click here) for the instructional video 

 This series presented by OUT Niagara will tell the fresh, unconventional stories of Niagara’s sexual and gender-diverse community through various artistic media. Join OUTniagara and beautifully diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community members for painting, music, and other creative forms.

Mardi Gras Workshop

Mask Decorating

Presented by the TD Niagara Jazz Festival with artist Austin Patterson
Suitable for all ages, adult assistance suggested for young children.

(Click here) for the instructional video 

Recorded Workshops | Puppetry 

Shadow Puppets

Presented by Waterwood Theatre Projects with the support of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Suggested for children up to age 12, adult assistance needed

(Click here) for the instructional video 

2. How to Make Shadow Puppets

(Click here) for the instructional video 

(Click here) for print-at-home puppet patterns 

3. Performance Recording:  Professional Shadow Puppets
Discover the magical world of shadow puppets and learn to make your own! Waterwood Theatre will share two instructional videos on the making and use of shadow puppets that will be shared before their event (links above). These family-friendly activities will provide steps to make your own. We invite children of any age to delight in making puppets and telling stories using a screen and a light. 

As a culmination of these activities, Waterwood Theatre presented two shadow puppet performances as well as a short question and answer period.

(Click here) to watch the performance recording 

Make Your Own Giant Puppet

Presented by Carousel Players featuring artist Alexa Fraser
Suitable for all ages, adult assistance needed

Gather the following materials: 
Newsprint, cardboard (two large boxes worth), craft paper, 3 broomsticks or long poles, 1 large old bedsheet or large pieces of fabric, decorations, masking tape, white glue (one large bottle), white acrylic paint, acrylic paint colours, scissors, stapler, paint brushes, sandpaper

Note: As an alternative the video can be used to create small puppets as well!

(Click here) for the instructional video 

Recorded Workshops | Performing Arts

Music Workshop 

Presented by OUTNiagara featuring artist Colleen McTigue
Suggested for ages 12+

Colleen is developing her practice in a variety of artistic disciplines and mediums, primarily exploring visual arts and music as singer/songwriter, showcasing this work in local festivals and art exhibits. In her work Colleen frequently explores themes of nature, and LGBTQ2+ issues through a social justice lens.

(Click here) for the instructional video

This series presented by OUT Niagara will tell the fresh, unconventional stories of Niagara’s sexual and gender-diverse community through various artistic media. Join OUTniagara and beautifully diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community members for painting, music, and other creative forms.

Improv Workshop

Presented by Improv Niagara with the support of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Suggested for all levels of experience, all-ages

Participants will learn about improv by joining in fun scenes and games with some of Improv Niagara's best improv performers and educators.

Mardi Gras Workshops

 Jug Band & Musical Spoons Workshop with The Vaudevillian

Presented by the TD Niagara Jazz Festival with artist Austin Patterson
Suitable for all ages, adult assistance suggested for young children.

(Click here) for the instructional video 

Second Line Dance Steps Workshop

Presented by the TD Niagara Jazz Festival with artist Percy L. Ellis.

(Click here) for the instructional video 

Intro to New Orleans Culture and VooDoo

Presented by the TD Niagara Jazz Festival with Witchdoctor Utu.

(Click here) for the instructional video 

Drama Games for Kids

Artist: John Sweeney in Partnership with Silver Spire Church 

Suitable for children grades K to 6, with adult support for younger children

Join in for word games and improvised storytelling as well as some small-space physical engagements.  

(Click here) for the instructional video | Part 1

(Click here) for the instructional video | Part 2

Digital Lectures and Podcasts

St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

Virtual Cemetery Tour 2020

Guided Spirit Walks at Victoria Lawn Cemetery

(Click here) to watch the virtual tour 

Virtual Museum Lecture Series

Suggested for ages 16+

Discover your local history from the comfort of your home, with fascinating new stories and fresh takes on St. Catharines' past. These engaging talks are led by our Museum historians and feature expert special guests from the community. Click the lecture title to watch on the Museum's YouTube page.

• Next Stop: The NS&T (Niagara, St. Catharines & Toronto Railway)
  
• Open For Business: The Welland Canal in 1830
• 1918 Pandemic in St. Catharines
• Tracing the Tracks of the Underground Railroad
• Archaeology of a 19th Century Shipyard
• The Horseless Revolution: Packard and REO in St. Catharines
• Racetracks & Runaway Carriages: Horses in 19th Cen. St. Catharines
• Lost and Historic Architecture of St. Catharines
• Holding the Torch High: Remembering War in St. Catharines
• Stones and Symbols of Victoria Lawn Cemetery
• Where they Walk: the Making of the Guided Spirit Walks
• Ontario's Racially Segregated Schools
• Lost and Forgotten: the Third Welland Canal

Museum Podcasts

Click here for a full listing of 60+ podcasts exploring all things history in St. Catharines. 
https://stcatharinesmuseumblog.com/category/stcmuseumpodcasts/

Featured Podcasts:  

• The BME Church (Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad)
• The Welland Canal Fallen Workers
  Part 1   |  Part 2  |  Part 3  |  Part 4  |  Part 5
• In Conversation with Author and Historian Tim Cook
• Historical Monuments
• After the Underground Railroad

 Art Exhibitions

Art Exhibition, Virtual Artist Features

More than Words: Truth and Reconciliation
Presented by the City of St. Catharines Cultural Services Office
A virtual exhibition walk-through and artist features will be posted online on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/StCathCulture/

Virtual Opening Reception | Livestream on YouTube
Friday, Nov. 20, 5 p.m.
(Click here ) to watch the live-stream opening reception by tuning in to the City of St. Catharines Page on YouTube at 5 p.m. on event day, or find the recording after the presentation.

More details: www.stcatharines.ca/exhibits

Virtual Concerts | TD Niagara Jazz Festival

The TD Niagara Jazz Festival Presents Live-Stream Jazz Concerts

The TD Niagara Jazz Festival is a cutting edge celebration of all types of jazz, performed in intimate indoor, outdoor and online venues in the heart of Niagara. The TD Niagara Jazz Festival presents the finest Canadian and internationally-acclaimed jazz musicians as well as a youth competition. 

• Lance Anderson 
• International Jazz Day 
• Roberta Hunt, New Orleans 
• Chris Butcher, New Orleans 
• Caribbean Club Trio 
• Eric St. Laurent 
• Bruce Tournay 
• David Restivo 
• Miguel de Armas and Miguel Jr. 
• Adrean Farrugia 
• Roy Patterson 
• The Vaudevillian 
• Richard Moore Duo 
• Tom McDermott 
• Thompson Egbo-Egbo 
• Jillian Lebeck 
• Floris Windey Trio 
• Greg Rodman 
• Chris Gestrin 
• Amanda Tosoff 
• Tom Van Seters 
• Gabriel Palatchi 
• Miles Black Duo with Tom Keenlyside 
• The Aline Homzy Duo 
• Mark Eisenman
  
• Laila Biali 
• Christopher Butcher 
• Rob Fekete 
• Bernie Senensky
  
• Brian Dickinson
  
• The Neil McVey Duo
  
• Hungry 4 Hammond PT 1: Organomics and Matt Weidinger 
• Hungry 4 Hammond PT 2: JV's Boogaloo Squad, The Joint Chiefs of Soul, Lance Anderson 
• Bill Mays 
• Jay Reed and John Stowell 
• Ashley St. Pierre 

The TD Niagara Jazz Festival Presents World Music Concerts

• Clerel
  
• Amanda Martinez
  
• Itamar Erez 
• Badié 
• Laura Fernandez 
• Juneyt 

The TD Niagara Jazz Festival Presents Mardi Gras Concerts

• Intro to Mardi Gras with Chris Butcher and Windex Pete
  
• Red Hot Ramble 
• Big Smoke Brass
  
• The Vaudevillian
  
• Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra 
• Ecirb Müller's Twisted Dixie 
• Dragon Ritual Drummers 

Niagara Performs | Virtual Concert and Performance Series

Virtual Concert and Performance Series

#NIAGARAPERFORMS 
A lineup of local talent spanning a variety of performing genres. Over 40 live-stream recordings available to watch.
(Click here) for the full playlist on the PAC YouTube page.

Featured Performances: 

• Spencer Mackenzie (blues)
• The Gallery Players (classical)
  
• The Foster Festival (theatre)

• Measha Brueggergosman presented by Bravo Niagara (vocalist)

• John Sherwood (piano)
• Bedtime Stories with Carousel Players (theatre)
• Laurel and Hulley (singer/songwriter/folk)

Virtual Concert and Artist Q&A | Saint Stone

Virtual Concert

Saint Stone
Presented by OUTNiagara

Saint Stone is a quartet of tender queers from Niagara, on the shared territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, Huron-Wendat, and Neutral peoples. STONE for the first brick thrown at the Stonewall Riots, and SAINT for the queer and trans people who were told that they were anything less than transcendent. This punk/grunge/indie group screams and shouts about what it’s like for some of us to live and love in this world. Their sound is unique, forward-driving, and lovingly described as “catchy, yet depressing”

(Click here) to watch the recording 

Digital Artist Q & A 

Saint Stone and Colleen McTigue
Presented by OUTNiagara

(Click here) to watch the recording

This series presented by OUT Niagara will tell the fresh, unconventional stories of Niagara’s sexual and gender-diverse community through various artistic media. Join OUTniagara and beautifully diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community members for painting, music, and other creative forms.

Performance Recordings | Performing Arts and Interdisciplinary

Virtual Performances and Artist Q&A

The Foster Festival | NORMFLIX

(Click here) for the Facebook playlist

Virtual Performances | Interdisciplinary

In the Soil Arts Festival | Virtual Edition
(Click here) for the full lineup of recorded presentations available on the festival YouTube page.

Featured Performances: 

• Festival Launch with special musical guests
• Slay Ladies, Slay (comedy/improv)

• Tree House Tea Party with DJ Marinko (kids dance party)
  Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3

• Family Fun with Carousel Players (puppet-making)

 Community Mad Libs Play Writing

Featuring Essential Collective Theatre Presented by the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

Stephanie & Genevieve Jones want to play a rousing game of Mad Libs with you! Mad Libs are fill-in-the-blank stories. To play, you choose words – nouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives – to fill in blanks in a story. The result is a strange, funny, and definitely original story!

(Click here) to watch the recording 

Nurturing Our Roots PowWow

Presented by the Niagara Regional Native Centre and Fort Erie Native Centre
The online Powwow experience features traditional dance demonstrations, teachings and songs.

(Click here) to watch the recording 

 Virtual Awards Ceremonies

The 2020 City of St. Catharines Arts Awards
Virtual Edition | Live-stream Recording

Presented by the City of St. Catharines in partnership with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

More details: www.stcatharines.ca/artsawards

(Click here) to watch the recording 

 Community Impact and Engagement 

In 2019 our community engaged over 5000 individuals with Culture Days including participants, activity delivery staff and volunteers. We were excited to make the Canada-wide top 10 list for the number of events offered! 2020 event stats are coming soon!

Funding for Activities | 2020 Now Closed

The Culture Days Activity Program Funding

As part of the St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP), the City offers the Culture Days Activity Program, intended for artists, businesses or organizations who wish to run a Culture Days activity in St. Catharines.

The application portal for funding of 2020 Culture Days activities is now closed. The deadline to apply was Mar. 27, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, including guidelines and application forms, please visit the SCCIP Development Funding page.

2021 Activity Funding

Announcement of funding information is anticipated in Winter 2021.

Culture Days in Canada, A National Celebration of Arts and Culture

Each year during the last weekend of September, millions of Canadians engage in thousands of free events hosted by artists, cultural organizations, institutions, and municipalities in communities across the country—these events serve to showcase the importance of arts and culture in our communities year-round. St. Catharines has participated in Culture Days as a community since 2015 by providing funding to Artists & Organizations.

Culture Days aims to:

• Foster appreciation and support of the artistic and cultural life that is lived, created and expressed across the country in urban, suburban and rural areas alike;
• Promote direct interaction between creators and citizens, as a key to increasing understanding and appreciation of art and culture; and
• Affirm that every citizen is the guardian of the cultural life of his, her or their community.

For more information please visit www.culturedays.ca.

For More Information

Contact Cultural Services Staff at:

email: culture@stcatharines.ca

phone: 905 688 5601 x 5232