Residents can enjoy art displays, workshops, and cultural events throughout the fall.
The City of Coquitlam’s Visual Arts Exhibition pilot program will mark the beginning of this year’s Culture Days programming in Coquitlam.
Starting this week and continuing until January 2025, artwork will be showcased at two local recreation centers: Maillardville Community Centre and Town Centre Park Community Centre. Residents are invited to attend the opening reception of the Visual Arts Exhibition on Saturday, September 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Town Centre Park Community Centre. Remarks are planned for 4:20 p.m., with refreshments available.
The pilot program aims to highlight the talents of local artists while fostering dialogue and cultural awareness by increasing art’s presence in the community. This year’s exhibit, curated by the City’s Culture Services Advisory Committee, focuses on the themes of ‘Inclusion’ and ‘Growth,’ showcasing Coquitlam’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Artists aged 16 and up were invited to display their work, granting them significant visibility within community spaces.
The City also invites residents to participate in a free Cedar Friendship Bracelet Workshop led by Coast Salish master cedar weaver and Haida elder Todd Giihlgiigaa Devries at the Town Centre Park Community Centre on September 28. Attendees will learn to make cedar rope friendship bracelets while Todd imparts the cultural importance of cedar to the Coast Salish Peoples. Two workshop sessions are available for registration.
Additionally, the Town Centre Park Community Centre will host live art demonstrations by featured Visual Arts Exhibition artists. Jennifer Peng will present on September 26, Rose Kapp on October 9, and Baran Sabahi on October 12.
Coquitlam’s Culture Days create opportunities for residents to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant art and culture scene through various interactive activities. Additional events are scheduled at community venues such as the Coquitlam Public Library, Evergreen Cultural Centre, Place des Arts, and Coquitlam Heritage.
Nationally, Culture Days will be held from September 20 to October 13, offering thousands of free events, workshops, and activities across Canada to promote inclusion and cultural engagement.
For updates on Coquitlam’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture, residents can subscribe to newsletters, follow the city’s social media channels, and use the CoquitlamConnect app.