Find out more about our upcoming Artist-in-Residence workshops for local school groups.
Please note: we are only booking classes within School District No. 43 at this time.
Artist in Residence is supported by Beedie.
Métis Jigging Workshop
September 21-25, 2026 (Dance)
Led by a Métis dancer, each workshop begins with an accessible introduction to Métis history and culture, with a focus on the origins of their traditional dances. Students will watch a lively demonstration of the Red River Jig, widely recognized as the national dance of the Métis people, before taking part themselves. Through guided, interactive instruction, students will learn the Red River Jig along with other traditional Métis community dances such as the Sash Dance and the Seven Step, as well as more contemporary interpretations like the Orange Blossom Special.
Artist Group: V’ni Dansi
Rhythm Explorers: Bucket Beats & Body Grooves
October 19-22, 2026 (Music)
Build confidence, coordination, and creativity through bucket drumming, body percussion, and rhythmic language in a fun, hands-on setting. Through movement, call-and-response games, and ensemble-based playing, students will learn to keep a steady beat, speak simple rhythm patterns, layer parts together, and perform as a group, while developing focus, listening skills, and musical expression. Each workshop combines active warm-ups, skill-building grooves, and collaborative “beat challenges,” culminating in a rhythmic showcase that celebrates every student’s creative potential.
Artist: Gregory Samek
Sweet Traditions: Blown Sugar Art
February 1-5, 2027 (Visual Art)
Blown sugar art is a traditional handcraft with a long cultural history of using just warm sugar dough and a pair of scissors to shape animals, flowers, as well as delicate sugar balloons. In this workshop, artist Yee Chan invites students to step back hundreds of years. Through live demonstrations, watch as warm sugar is blown and shaped by hand using simple tools. Then, following a clear step-by-step process, you will learn this traditional technique and craft your own sugar design.
Artist: Yee Chan
Circular Weaving
April 19-23, 2027 (Visual Art)
Weaving is an ancient technology that has developed independently across cultures worldwide. Throughout history, people have created baskets, textiles, and functional objects using materials available in their local environments. Students will explore weaving using repurposed materials such as old CDs/DVDs, plant prunings, leftover ribbons, yarns, and other discarded items. They will create circular woven forms, each one reflecting the individuality of its maker. While every piece is inherently unique and imperfect, the collective impact emerges when all works are brought together, forming a connected and collaborative community installation.
Artist: Dawn Livera