Alberta Culture Days is quickly approaching and with it comes the promise of a full weekend and a broad slate of events, including music, dance, film, exhibitions, lectures and activities.
Helen Cretu, arts and events co-ordinator, said two highlights of the Sept. 27-29 weekend are the fifth anniversary of Alan Henderson’s Ceannmore, better known as the Big Head, and an annual celebration of the arts, the Mayor’s Spotlight on the Arts.
The Big Head was unveiled on Sept. 24, 2008 and it has since become an integral part of Canmore’s Main Street and cultural fabric.
Decorating the sculpture, carved from a solid piece of blue granite and weighing about nine tonnes, is now a regular occurrence. Over the years the Big Head has sported all sorts of headgear, including a giant knitted toque, sunglasses, a wide variety of hats and even helmets.
On Sept. 24, Cretu said the Town will be hosting a party at the Big Head at noon with cake and an opportunity to learn the story behind Canmore’s interactive sculpture.
Canmore piper Muriel Davidson will be on hand to play the bagpipes in honour of Canmore’s Scottish heritage.
The Mayor’s Spotlight on the Arts gala, meanwhile, is scheduled at the Canmore Miners’ Union Hall Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Cretu said the format for this year’s celebration, presented by Mayor John Borrowman and the Community Public Art Committee, will honour Cheryl Baxter and Martin Finnerty.
Baxter, owner of Elevation Gallery Contemporary Art Gallery, is being recognized for her role as an artist, mentor and champion of the arts and Finnerty as this year’s Community Builder.
Tickets for the Mayor’s Spotlight are available by calling 403-678-1546, emailing [email protected] or by pickup from the Community Enrichment office at the Canmore Civic Centre.
Along side the Town of Canmore events, the ninth annual artsPeak Festival will this year take place over the Alberta Culture Days weekend, featuring artStage performing arts; artLearn workshops and artCollaborate community art project.
Go to www.mountainartsfoundation.com/artspeak.html for more information on the 2013 artsPeak events.
A full listing of events scheduled in Canmore during Alberta Culture Days can be found at culture.alberta.ca under events.
