September Recap: Fort McMurray Fringe Fest, Words & Birds, and More

Wow, where the hell did September go? I honestly feel like I blinked and it was gone, which I’ve probably been saying every month for the last few years. … I hear it only gets worse.

Anyways, it’s crazy to think how much time has passed since I had the pleasure of joining Theatre; Just Because for their Fort McMurray Fringe Fest on September 6th as a market vendor!

The day couldn’t have been better. It was perfect weather, a good amount of traffic came through, and there was the bonus of live performances I could enjoy right from my booth. This was fantastic second market experience for me, selling several prints, stickers, and even a few more of my upcycled tees!! I even had some self-proclaimed “fangirling” happening which is honestly blows my mind and I can’t even describe how grateful I am. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by my booths so far this summer, saw my art in the gallery, and paid me a compliment. Nothing beats seeing/hearing that people connect with the work you’ve poured so much energy into and put it into the world. Just wow, even if it’s just one person. (It’s also nice when it’s more than one, then at least you know it isn’t a fluke.)

The following evening of Fringe, I stuck around to take in all the shows: live poetry, comedy, and a double-bill play, and each one left me completely inspired. We have incredible poets of all styles in town, and I got to hear some pretty moving pieces and some very clever ones. Shout-out to my friend Will, who is quite the funny guy. He also has a fantastic sense of style in socks like myself, I might add. Erica is always killing it with her jokes, and the performances in Popcorn and Other Marital Aids were incredible. I will always have a deep admiration for those who can get up on stage and perform.

Side quest: I did it once in Grade 3(ish?) - I was the Narrator for Hansel and Gretel’s Trial. Opening and closing monologues, and I friggin’ killed itttttt… and then apparently retired my acting career immediately. Must have been the pressure of showbiz.

This busy September (Month of the Artist - if you didn’t know), I also had the opportunity to be a part of the Words & Birds Project, hosted by Arts Council of Wood Buffalo, where each artist was provided a wooden square panel this past Spring to take home and create an artwork depicting a local bird of their choice. Naturally, I chose the Red-breasted nuthatch, based purely on the name. I created my bird out of scraps of pages from an aerial view photo book (a BIRDSEYE view, if you will, because I thought it was clever) as well as paint (acrylic and watercolour), thrifted doodads and materials, and a branch I picked up on a walk. It was super cool to be a part of a project that had specific parameters, but loose enough to add your own creativity and style.

This project also included poetry from local writers and I submitted a poem called “Fight or Flight'“ which has become one of my favourite poems I’ve written so far. We all gathered for a VIP event at Acden on September 4th, where all panels and poems were in one place for viewing and bidding.

The evening also featured amazing meatballs (seriously), tiny adorable forks (I took 4 of them), and some really great live poetry and music.

I had a super hot date too. Thanks to my friend Kaitlyn for stepping in as supportive husband for the evening while mine was busy making music!

The creativity in this city never fails to impress me, and every time I attend a local arts event, I’m reminded just how much talent we have right here at home. It sounds corny, but connecting over art is just a truly human experience. Like one of my favourite quotes, “There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people” by my guy, V.G.G.

The Collective Threads exhibit (you can read more about that in my blog post here) also came to a close this month! On September 11th, we attended the closing reception at the Kirschner Family Community Art Gallery where Mayor Sandy Bowman proclaimed September as Month of the Artist. Again, another opportunity to gather and talk about, celebrate and enjoy art! And more great food - a PEROGI BAR you guys… I’m telling you, it’s the little joys. It was also a very special evening, because two nights earlier at our municipal council meeting it was announced that the city was finally investing large in our arts & culture in the region by purchasing the Arts Inc. building downtown from ACWB, finishing its construction, so that the organization can continue doing what they do best, building a thriving community through the arts.

Learn more about Arts Inc. project here.

No tiny forks this time though unfortunately. (Please note how displeased about this I must have been, given this photo. In fact, many people seem to be upset about the lack of adorable utensils.)

Since then, I’ve had some space to reflect on the summer, think about the work I’ve created, and plan for what’s ahead. I’m excited to share that my next stop will be the Winter Maker’s Market, hosted by Arts Council of Wood Buffalo at Keyano Theatre on November 30th, 11am to 4pm. Hope to see you there!

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