As part of the Alberta Culture Days Festival 2015, the Arts and Culture Foundation of Cochrane (ACFC) has been busy working to shine a spotlight on the town’s artistic side in ‘Cochrane Has Arts!’
The upcoming two-day festival is happening Sept. 26 and 27 at a number spots around town and features a veritable feast of everything arts and culture that Cochrane has to offer.
On Saturday, the “Cochrane, So You Think You Have Talent?” show is taking place at the Cochrane Ranche Historic site on the stage during the final Cochrane Farmer’s Market, showcasing the talent of our youth, along with local artisans selling their wares.
The four local art clubs will be having “shows and sales” at various locations around town. ACFC will also provide a location for local artists not associated with the arts clubs an opportunity to “show and sell” their work at the Farmer’s Market.
Mary Louise Brooks, founder of the Beaupre Artist Guild, said they want to support anything that has to do with arts. “There’re so many people in our area that work together to create art together and we like to promote it.”
Foothills Art Club president Karen Stienstra reflected that sentiment. “We all love doing art and we like to see the various arts. If no one participates, then it’s a bust!”
The Cochrane Art Club and Wildcats Artists will also showcase their works during the festival.
Centennial Square will act as the main stage for the Nakoda-Cochrane Pickin’ Party jam session being held after the Outhouse Races with Aboriginal art displays and cooking. Organizer Buddy Wesley of the Stoney First Nation said the event is an open and inviting affair.
“Anybody who plays is welcome. Sometimes it’s a band of five, sometimes solo, sometimes it’s a duo.”
Girls Got Rhythm and the Highwood Ramblers are confirmed to play.
A number of different businesses throughout town will also be showcasing local talent throughout the day, promoted by ACFC.
On Sunday, ACFC will host their own jam at the BullHorn Saloon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ACFC is also working with the Town of Cochrane and will be hosting a community painting project at the saloon to work on painting a new mural for the 150th Anniversary of Canada in 2017.
For more information visit the Arts and Culture Foundation of Cochrane’s Facebook page or go to their website artscochrane.ca. Information will also be posted on the ACFC’s bulletin board downtown by Centennial Square.
