The Labour Day Parade is an annual celebration of the town of Cochrane, and it highlights the town’s history and culture. Floats representing community companies and citizens, including Cochrane’s own Final Touch Art Studios, were featured in the parade.
Studio owner Sharon Kulhavy wanted used the float as an opportunity to promote the business and inform local artists there is a venue that can help promote and sell their work. Kulhavy said Final Touch can help those who are either looking to get back into the arts and cultures scene, or trying it for the first time.
“The idea for us to put our float into the parade was to see all the people in Cochrane as there are so many people from here, and some from out of town who attend the parade on Labour Day.” Kulhavy said. “We wanted those people to actually see that there is an art hub to go to, and hopefully they’ll bring their kids in or come themselves and see that they are welcomed without any experience.”
Final Touch was the only art studio to enter a float in the parade, to not only showcase the studio to potential new members, but to show off arts as a whole.
“You have to understand, we’re celebrating all of the art community because we got a number of different clubs, such as the Wildcats, the Foothills Club, the Cochrane Art Club and all the other local artists from Cochrane displaying their work.” Kulhavy said. “It’s not just about our studio and what we teach, but local artists are what we take in to try and showcase their work. So when we were out on the parade route, we’re trying to show any local artist that they can get their stuff in here and then get their paintings sold.”
Studio instructor Caroline Boulet said the float was a great way to promote local businesses.
"Although Cochrane has grown so much it still has a small town feel and I really do believe that people truly love to support local businesses.” Boulet said. “So it is important for us to let people know what we have to offer, and just as important for small businesses to get out there and support our town's events."
Final Touch is hosting a wine and cheese event on Sept. 9 with Cochrane artist Gina Groot.
Groot, who studied at Alberta College of Art and Design, paints portraits, wildlife and landscapes.
