Free Community Event

CREATE ยท DISCOVER ยท PLAY ยท CONNECT

Our Cultures. Our Community. Our Alberta. Our Home.

๐Ÿ“… Sunday, September 13, 2026 ย |ย  ๐Ÿ• 1:00โ€“5:00 PM ย |ย  ๐Ÿ“ Edmonton Public Library โ€“ Riverbend Branch

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About the Event

A Celebration of Culture, Creativity & Community

Join us for a free, all-afternoon celebration of multicultural arts, hosted by the Alberta International Young Artists Association (AIYAA). This youth-led event brings together children, youth, and families from across Edmonton to explore, create, and connect through the universal language of art.

From vibrant open studio activities to carefully curated heritage craft workshops, every corner of the afternoon is designed to spark curiosity and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that makes Alberta home. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or sharing a tradition passed down through generations, there is a place for you here.

No tickets. No cost. Just creativity, community, and connection โ€” open to everyone.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026

Time: 1:00โ€“5:00 PM

Location: Edmonton Public Library โ€“ Riverbend Branch, Program Room

Address: 460 Riverbend Square, Edmonton, AB T6R 2X2

Admission: Free

Hosted by: Alberta International Young Artists Association (AIYAA)

Drop-In ยท All Afternoon ยท 1:00โ€“5:00 PM

All-Afternoon Drop-In Activities

No registration needed โ€” drop in anytime between 1:00 and 5:00 PM and dive into our open creative spaces. These activities are free-flowing, family-friendly, and open to all ages and skill levels.

๐ŸŽจ Open Art Studio

Explore a range of creative stations including calligraphy, creative writing, traditional line art, cultural patterns, and a special "This Is Me" self-portrait artwork activity. Each station celebrates a different artistic tradition โ€” try one, or try them all!

๐ŸŒ Community Collaborative Art Board

Leave your mark on a giant community canvas! Children and families are invited to add their colourful handprints and write "Our Alberta. Our Home." in any of eight languages. Watch as the board transforms into a living, breathing mosaic of our shared community.

Heritage Craft WorkshopsMax 10 Participants Each

Three Hands-On Heritage Workshops

Step into a world of cultural craftsmanship. Each workshop is led by youth artists and begins with a special 10-minute Piano ร— Guzheng Youth Music Showcase, followed by approximately 35 minutes of guided hands-on creation. Spaces are limited โ€” advance registration is strongly encouraged.

1

2:00โ€“2:45 PM

Colourful Bamboo Weaving Workshop

Atelier de tissage colorรฉ en bambou

Weave vibrant bamboo strips into beautiful patterns inspired by traditional basket-weaving traditions from across Asia and beyond. A tactile, meditative craft for all ages.


2

3:00โ€“3:45 PM

Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Accessory Workshop

Atelier d'accessoires incrustรฉs de nacre

Discover the shimmering art of mother-of-pearl inlay, a prized decorative technique found in cultures from Vietnam to the Middle East. Create your own keepsake accessory to take home.



3

4:00โ€“4:45 PM

Batik-Inspired Round Fan Art Workshop

Atelier artistique d'รฉventail rond inspirรฉ du batik

Be inspired by the ancient wax-resist dyeing art of batik to paint bold, flowing designs onto a decorative round fan. A wearable piece of cultural art you'll be proud to display.


Opening Each Workshop

Piano ร— Guzheng Youth Music Showcase

Each heritage craft workshop opens with a 10-minute live music performance featuring youth musicians playing the piano and guzheng โ€” a beautiful pairing of East and West, tradition and innovation.

The guzheng, a classical Chinese plucked string instrument with over 2,500 years of history, harmonizes with the piano in a short showcase that sets a calm, inspired tone before the hands-on crafting begins.

Following the music, participants enjoy approximately 35 minutes of guided creation with all materials provided. Workshop facilitators will share cultural context and step-by-step guidance โ€” no prior experience is needed.

Registration

Reserve Your Spot Today

Each heritage craft workshop is limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a personal, high-quality experience. Advance registration is strongly recommended, as spots fill quickly.

A small number of spots may be available for on-site sign-up on the day of the event โ€” arrive early to check availability at the registration desk. Walk-in participants are welcome for all drop-in open studio activities, which have no registration requirement.

Workshops are free of charge. Select the workshop time you'd like to attend and complete the registration form to secure your place.

๐Ÿ•‘ Workshop 1

Bamboo Weaving
2:00โ€“2:45 PM

๐Ÿ•’ Workshop 2

Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
3:00โ€“3:45 PM

๐Ÿ•“ Workshop 3

Batik Fan Art
4:00โ€“4:45 PM

Venue & Organizer

Find Us & Learn More

๐Ÿ“ Edmonton Public Library โ€“ Riverbend Branch

The event takes place in the Program Room at the Riverbend Branch of Edmonton Public Library โ€” a welcoming, accessible community space in southwest Edmonton.

Address: 460 Riverbend Square, Edmonton, AB T6R 2X2

Free parking is available on site. The branch is accessible by public transit. Please check the EPL website for branch hours and any building updates.

๐ŸŽจ Alberta International Young Artists Association (AIYAA)

AIYAA is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating multicultural arts, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and empowering young artists across Alberta.

Through events like CREATE ยท DISCOVER ยท PLAY ยท CONNECT, AIYAA creates spaces where children and youth from all backgrounds can share their heritage, build friendships, and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive Alberta arts community.

Presented With Support From

This event is proudly presented as part of Alberta Culture Days, a province-wide celebration of arts, culture, and heritage, supported by the Government of Alberta.

CREATE ยท DISCOVER ยท PLAY ยท CONNECT ย ยทย  Sunday, September 13, 2026 ย ยทย  1:00โ€“5:00 PM ย ยทย  EPL Riverbend Branch, Edmonton, AB ย ยทย  Free Admission