Looking for a one-of-a-kind art show this weekend, but have no idea where to go? Just keep reading about the 19th annual Night of Artists art exhibition taking place at the Enjoy Centre today and tomorrow.
For a show that’s a surefire hit and delivers more than you would expect, it’s a place of endless discoveries with 40 different visual artists exhibiting their wares.
This year’s theme is Oh Canada and artists have embraced it with gusto putting on public view everything from acrylics, watercolours and caustic works in different styles from abstract expressionism to pointillism.
Yes, it’s a sumptuous event that introduces a vast swath of paintings to the middle class. But it also entertains with a showcase of local performance artists, a fashion show and colouring workshops.
Best of all, celebrated Inuit singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark presents Nomad, a 60-minute speaking, singing and visual presentation of Inuit history through the last 1,000 years.
The three-time Juno Award winner uses Nomad to shed light on the psychological and cultural impact of rapid change. It starts at 2 p.m. A question and answer period follows the one-hour presentation.
“I contacted Susan in October 2015 and met her when I went to Oakville, Ont., to work on Canada’s 150th anniversary mural mosaic. She lives in Oakville, by the way, and when I was there we formed a friendship,” says Phil Alain, founder of Night of Artists.
“Her presentation ties in really well with this year’s theme of Oh Canada.”
Just prior to Aglukark, the Brazilian Samba Caliente Dancers strut the stage at noon wearing glittery, feathery costumes reminiscent of Rio’s carnival parade.
“They’re another group that shows Canada’s multicultural heritage,” Alain said.
On Saturday, the day begins at noon with roots entertainers Erin Kay, Ken Stead and Mohsin Zaman. All were featured at the Edmonton Folk Festival.
“Erin and Ken are a couple. They play together and solo and Mohsin is a phenomenal guitarist. He’s almost more of an instrumentalist than a vocalist. He has a very captivating stage presence,” Alain said.
The rule-breaking world of local fashion is highlighted on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. with a fashionista’s gala accompanied by some soft, fluid jazz.
International fashion designer Laura Dreger is on the top bill.
“Laura and I actually went to Grande Prairie College and we both followed our path down the arts road,” Alain said. “Through Night of Artists I’ve tried to help her get a leg up in the creative spirit and I’ve included her since 2006.”
One of Dreger’s big moments occurred two years ago when the fashion designer showcased her line at a cocktail soiree at the Canadian embassy in Washington, D.C.
In addition, models from Western Canada Fashion Week will deliver a sampling of wearables featured during the eight-day event starting March 24.
WCFW fashion designers include Eve and Enoch, Ebb and crow, Suka clothing, and Tressa Heckbert’s striking Sessa wearables. Heckbert is the former owner of St. Albert’s now defunct Meese Clothing, a Canadian designed and manufactured garment store.
“I like to call this a smorgasbord for the senses. People can visualize art, discover a musician or see a fashion designer they’ve never heard of before or a presenter they’ve never seen,” Alain said. “Most festivals focus on one thing. Here we try to raise the profile of the people in the show and introduce new artists to people excited about exploring the arts.”
For more information on Night of Artists visit nightofartists.com.
