"Paintbrush; Community Rising"

When artists come together, amazing things happen. Locals and visitors alike experienced art in action through the summer 2024 on Canmore’s Main Street as 22 emerging and established Bow Valley artists raised a powerful sculpture symbolizing creative individuality and how vastly different artistic processes can come together in a cohesive, elegant and beautiful piece of communal art. Conceived and fabricated by architect/artist Lesley Russell, “Paintbrush” is a representation of the indigenous wildflower that grows throughout our Valley. The Stoney people consider it medicine, and a symbol of individual expression…..so in keeping with that, well-known Bow Valley painters will contribute their own style and content to a series of steel petals and leaves, demonstrating process each weekend in our Main Street Pedestrian Zone. The addition of each series of petals slowly raised the sculpture, each individual voice adding another layer of meaning to the finished sculpture.

artsPlace is a vibrant, welcoming space where Bow Valley residents and visitors can gather to discover, explore, and celebrate the arts and culture through a full range of classes, workshops, camps, live performances, films, exhibits, and community events.

Guided by our community and an unshakeable belief in the power of the arts and creativity to transform lives, artsPlace exists to inspire everyone to think differently and see themselves, and their world, in a new light.

We take our role as a community arts centre to heart; helping artists of all ages and abilities uncover their creative potential, explore their passions, and share their talents with the people they care about.

No matter your age, background, abilities, or financial means, you’re welcome here.

Enjoy a diverse slate of programming in our creative spaces and beyond, including a visual arts studio, ceramics studio, fabrication studio, the Hub Gallery, and the black box theatre.

artsPlace is operated by the Canadian Mountain Arts Foundation, a registered charity, operating independently from the Town of Canmore.