We are inviting local organizations and businesses who provide arts and culture opportunities in Edson and the surrounding area to join the Culture and Arts Network of Edson (CANOE). This initiative was spearheaded by the community several years ago as a response to the need for a collective. As a municipality, we are hoping we can carry the momentum forward long into the future.
What is it?
An informal, member-driven group which will be facilitated by the Town of Edson Community Development Coordinator, Diana Inscho, to create a collective voice and collaboration opportunities for arts and culture providers and supporters in our community.
What are the benefits for members?
You will be kept up to date on local & provincial initiatives and grant opportunities.
Have the opportunity to connect with like minded people and inspire each other.
Find support to move initiatives forward.
Provide opportunities to solve challenges your organization faces.
Share ideas on attraction and retention of volunteers and staff.
Work together to recognize gaps or issues pertaining to our community and find creative ways to address them.
Promotion of your organization. As a member, you will have the opportunity to be listed in the Directory below where the community can access your up-to-date information.
Network members will be kept informed and be able to refer people to one another's events and programs.
Being at the table will help you build partnerships and identify opportunities to share resources.
Together, we build a stronger, healthier and more vibrant community.
There is no cost to join CANOE!
Who can join?
Not for profit AND for profit organizations/businesses
What is the commitment?
As much or as little as you want; we will have quarterly meetings that are optional to attend. This may change based on need and engagement.
Meeting format will be based on feedback and suggestions from our members, but may include things like: round table updates, guest speakers, training opportunities, community concerns, etc.
We recognize that your schedule may not allow for your attendance at meetings, but whether you attend or not, you will still be included on our email list to stay in the loop and be listed in the directory on our website.
Give Diana a call at 780-723-8107 or email at dianai@edson.ca
CANOE Directory
For Profit & Not For Profit Organizations.
Last updated April 19, 2021.
A Life in Progress
I'm a writer (just signed my first publishing contract) and promote seasonal & sustainable living - but mostly I'm a fan of the arts and believe that art is a life-line for many. I've raised three creative kids (each of them artists) and art is an important part of our family culture. After the death of my son in 2019, I started the O'DaviDesign Art Scholarship in his name which is in part about supporting post-secondary study in the arts and about recognizing and promoting the beauty of diversity. (It is also about sharing a message of hope and compassion around living with mental illness or simply being human in a messy world). I am not sure that I have a lot to offer honestly - only that I'm curious about this and believe that the arts are critical to building healthy community.
Mailing Address: 1006 62A Street Edson, AB T7E 1Y8
Edson and District Historical Society (EDHS)
The EDHS is the governing body of the Galloway Station Museum & Travel Centre. The Galloway has hosted (and partnered with) many artists and organizations throughout the years, as well as created and presented many cultural and artist events. The gift shop offers a myriad of beautiful pieces by talented locals. We would be happy to support CANOE and art and artists!
Mailing Address: 223 - 55th Street Edson, AB T7E 1L5
Edson and District Public Library
The Library serves as a research and information center. We are a communication hub for the community and community groups. We host art and cultural exhibits. We also provide programming based on arts and culture to all age groups.
Mailing Address: 7 5429 10 Avenue Edson, AB T7E 1K2
The Heart of Edson Gallery and Studio
The Heart of Edson Gallery and Studio is a project being undertaken by Jayne and Julian Buchwald. The notion is to provide main street Edson with a vibrant venue for local artists to share their work with the world. Edson has a very active arts community comprised of many talented individuals and a number of groups. Our hope is to help nurture the arts community and fan the flames of creativity in Edson. A ‘gallery’ classically caters to the visual arts but we would like to expand on that to include what we are calling the ‘studio’. The Gallery is a formal space for local artists to display their work. By ‘formal’ we do not intend for our visitors to wear tuxedos and ball gowns. Simply explained, this space is designed to allow the visitor to explore art in a viewer friendly atmosphere. It will be arranged and illuminated in a way to reduce distractions letting the viewer the best environment to appreciate the work. It is closely linked to a retail area which will feature a slightly less formal display of local artisans work. The Studio is very much a work in progress that is evolving as we receive input from our artists and visitors. At this time, there are two divisions of the Studio: A meeting place that is available to groups and/or individuals to host classes, meetings, workshops and the like. There are tables and chairs to accommodate 25 to 50 attendees. At the present time, there is access to a projection screen, a digital projector and a simple sound system. Users will have to supply their own video/audio source (laptop or similar). We will also be hosting a variety of musical events in this space. Essentially our version of ‘house concerts’. Check out the EVENTS page for a list of events from classes to workshops to concerts. A photography studio that is also available to groups and/or individuals to make photographs. It will be available to rent with or without equipment (backdrops and studio lighting and other gear) and will be a space amenable to doing portrait work and possibly product photography. Are you planning a session but worried about the weather making outdoor work impossible? Would you like to try some portrait work but don’t want to invest in advanced lighting gear? This might be the space for you.
The Holy Redeemer Drama Department is a world-class theatre-arts program within Holy Redeemer Catholic Jr/Sr High School. This program offers classes to students in grades 7 to 12 and includes Drama 7, 8, 9, as well as Drama 10-20-30, Advanced Acting 15-25-35, and Technical Theatre 15-25-35. The HRH Drama Department also produces a major theatrical production each December that has become a major staple in the fine arts community. In the spring, the Program also produces three one-act plays that are presented at the school's Dessert Theatre. These one-act plays also compete at the Zone Drama Festival where the school has won a combined total of 16 Best Production Awards.
Spencer Richard (Srvent) specializes in videography and music production. He works out of his home-based studio in Edson, AB. As a freelancing artist, he works with others in the community in their endeavors in a variety of ways; from making music videos to advertisements, producing music, podcasts, filming event coverage, and more--both for individuals and commercial clients.
Ultimately, his business is an offshoot of what he does as an artist under the name Srvent. He specializes in creating engaging narratives, evocative visuals, and unique sound design. He also mentors other artists on occasion. Lastly, besides his own music and videos that are made in this community, he hosts his own podcast called 'Creative InSanity' that features hyper-creative individuals from all around the world, with occasional local guests. It's intention is to be fuel for creative people, to inspire them to stay in the zone, to stay sane, and grow into the artists they're meant to be. (//www.srvent.com/podcast)
Mailing Address: 5104 18th Avenue Edson, AB T7E 1X3
Three Tree Photography
Bradley is a generalist photographer, who loves photographing families, couples, weddings, and other events. She is always open to hearing the creative ideas people have for their sessions.
