The Innisfail Public Library was the cultural hub September 27 and 28 where paintings, writing and other forms of expression were on display.
“We wanted to showcase the talent in Innisfail and the surrounding area,” said Melinda Mercer, program coordinator at the library. “There's not a lot of venues to see this talent for free.”
In recognition of the Alberta Culture Days, library employees came up with a mix of activities for both children and adults.
Culture days began in 2008 as Alberta Arts Day, a one-day event to recognize the value of Alberta's arts and cultural communities. It has since expanded to a three-day provincewide celebration to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Albertans in the arts and cultural life of their communities.
“Friday we focused on the youth because Chinook's Edge School Division had a professional development day,” explained library manager Laurie Hodges Humble.
She said about three groups of children helped create a huge chalk mural outside. In addition there was a talent show set up inside. “It's always lots of fun.”
While Friday focused on children's activities, Saturday was geared towards adults.
Hodges Humble, who recently started a writing group for teens at the library, chose a local youth — Tianna Phillips — as one of the many writers selected to read some of her work.
“I thought it would be good experience for her,” said Hodges Humble.
Other local writers included Hodges Humble herself and Carol Ritten-Smith, who has been writing short stories and articles for magazines and anthologies for the last 20 years. Her debut novel, Stubborn Hearts, was published in 2012.
Other authors from Central Alberta including Annette Grey, Avery Olive and Fran Kimmel also read during the day.
In addition, local artists had their paintings on display.
