If you’ve ever struggled for something to do on the weekend and you enjoy exploring Edmonton’s arts and culture scene, look no further!
The Alberta Craft Council showcases and sells the work of Alberta craft artisans. The lower level functions as a gallery, with 15 to 20 different exhibits each year. The upper level is a shop, selling clay, wood, stone, metal, glass and fibre crafts. It’s hard to leave empty-handed. One of my favourite purchases is a mug set by potter Kalika Bowlby. The Alberta Craft Council is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The Nina,” as regulars call it, is an art studio for adults with developmental disabilities. Professional local artists mentor member artists, who pay a low membership fee to access art supplies and studio space. Their art is displayed and sold in the gallery. The public is welcome to visit during business hours to see the artists at work and to peruse the artwork on sale. The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Browse Crankpots’ selection of bisque designs - pottery in its unpainted state - including mugs, vases, serving platters and home décor. Make your choice and then get painting! Crankpots has a studio area, along with all of the supplies you’ll need to glaze your pottery. At the end of the day, the ceramic artists will fire the glazed bisques in the kiln, and then they’ll be ready to pick up.
The Art Gallery of Alberta building was designed and re-built in 2010 by architect Randall Stout. Inside, you’ll find three floors of exhibitions featuring current and historical art. The gallery occasionally offers talks and classes on Sundays, so check out their online schedule, or just explore the exhibits on your own.
Explore Edmonton’s history at Fort Edmonton Park. There’s plenty going on all year long, including Sunday Brunch at Johnson’s Café in Hotel Selkirk. Brunch takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu is packed with more than 25 items, from cold selections, such as salads, pastries, breads, cheese and cold cuts, to entrees, including salmon, roast beef, scrambled eggs, hash browns, vegetables and rice. There is also an omelette station and a selection of desserts.
Every December, the Devonian Botanic Garden’s Kurimoto Japanese Garden is transformed into a candle-lit winter wonderland. Thousands of candles line the paths, and visitors can enjoy apple cider, warm up at bonfires and listen to carolers. This year, Luminaria takes place on December 5 and 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.devonian.ualberta.ca/Events/Luminaria.aspx.