Classes & Workshops

This program guides artists through the exciting process of crafting original songs in a fun and collaborative environment. Participants will explore song structure, lyric writing, melody creation, and performance techniques through hands-on activities and group collaborations. Each week offers new opportunities to create, refine, and share music, culminating in the recording of original compositions. 

No prior experience required! Verse, Hook & Harmony is for people 16 and older and is open to mixed-ability participants and community members.

Artists will develop skills in lyric writing, melody and rhythm creation, song structuring, and performance. They will also learn basic recording techniques and gain confidence in presenting their work. 

You will enjoy this class if you love writing songs, exploring musical ideas with others, or bringing your stories to life through music. 

Register here: accessarts.ca/whats-on/verse-hook-harmony

About the Instructor:

SJ Obatusin is a musician, producer, and audio engineer with a deep passion for fostering creativity through music and sound. With over 15 years of experience in music production, recording, and composition, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the NaAC’s music programming, aiming to introduce artists to the world of digital audio, production, and sound design.

SJ has experience teaching and leading workshops with artists of all skill levels. He believes in adapting his teaching methods to meet the needs of each participant, ensuring accessibility and engagement. His goal is to create a welcoming environment where artists feel empowered to explore sound, experiment with new ideas, and express themselves through music. 

ART/Work: That's a (Vinyl) Wrap – From Idea to Install

Curious about how public art vinyl wraps come to life? Join us for the next session in our ART/Work professional development series, That’s a (Vinyl) Wrap: From Idea to Install, on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 pm. 

Learn about the full journey of Lethbridge’s Public Art Vinyl Wrap projects—from concept development to installation. Our expert panel includes KT Wilde, Public Art Coordinator with the AAC, and Suzanne Griffin from Generation Design, plus representatives from Warwick Printing to answer your technical questions. 

This hybrid session will take place in-person at the Sisters’ Boardroom and online via Zoom. Space is limited for in-person attendance, so register today to take advantage of the best experience—networking with fellow artists and gaining insight into the process of transforming urban spaces with art. Attendance is FREE. 

Register here to attend! 

Learn more about programs & events Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge

For more information, please call 403-320-0555

We Need Your Support!

To provide our students with an enriching learning experience, we are urgently seeking
donations of sewing machines. Your contributions will not only enhance our sewing classes but
also profoundly impact the lives of the families we serve by giving them hands-on experience
that leads to empowerment and independence.

Here’s How You Can Help:

•  Donate gently used or new sewing machines (or more than one!)
• Contribute accessories such as sewing machine needles, thread, bobbins, or fabric.
• Financial donations for purchasing new sewing machines are also greatly appreciated.
• Spread the word to your friends and family who may be able to help.

Your generous support will enable participants to create, learn, and thrive in their new communities. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one stitch at a time!

Donation Drop-Off Location: 

Centre for Newcomers (Youth Hub)
565 36 St NE #125, Calgary, AB T2A 6K3

If you are unable to drop off a sewing machine, we can arrange for pickup in the local area.

Please contact our sewing program coordinator, Akberet Ande, at
a.ande@centrefornewcomers.ca or call 403-477-6836.

Don’t let your art hit a wall — paint it! This course, taught at Red Deer Polytechnic, is designed to deconstruct the mystery and trepidation around mural-making for new-to-it artists. Learn practical mural-making skills, and how plan & propose your own murals to granting organizations. We’ll look to visual projects from around the globe for inspiration and learn from talks by local mural artists. Throughout the week, class-mates will create their own collaborative group murals.

Taught by Amber Solberg, a muralist and project facilitator for not-for-profit kindness society, Altruistic Current. To date, Amber’s worked on a handful of murals, bringing together the work of 200 Community Members and 15 Professional Artists in making community murals for the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Downtown Halifax Business Association, and Parks Canada.

Registration deadline: July 7, 2025
Dates/times: July 14 – 18, 2025, 9am – 4pm
Location: Red Deer Polytechnic, AB
Cost: $695

Learn more and register online at RDP Continuing Education.

Edmonton Poetry Festival Celebrates 20 Years with Month-long Festival and Local Focus.

Edmonton, AB – The Edmonton Poetry Festival Society (EPFS) proudly unveils its official artwork and programming for the 2025 Festival, marking two decades of celebrating poetry in the city. This year, the theme is all about local energy, talent, and partnerships. The festival’s official image, The High Level Magpie, by Ashley Rosenow of Illustrious Interiors, embodies Edmonton’s creative spirit. Featured on the exterior of the iconic High Level Diner, the magpie symbolizes the city’s poetic vibrancy. 

The 2025 Festival Programming runs throughout April’s National Poetry Month, showcasing local poets, open mics, regionally based publishers showcase, and collaborations with local arts organizations. New initiatives include:

• Full month-long programming – Previously a week-long celebration, the festival now expands to a full month in honor of its 20th anniversary.
• Project: The Twenty – An anthology of twenty young poets, inspired by the theme "my turn of phrase."
• High Level Bridge lit with EPF colours – On Friday, April 4, the bridge will glow at night in the two shades of blue that reflect the Edmonton Poetry Festival.

The festival is bursting with unique events, including open mics, book launches, and diverse community programs like the French Twist (for the francophone community), Deaf Poetry Jam, a collaborative poetry night with Rapid Fire Theatre, and "Sage" poetry events with elderly folks.  

There are workshops, a poetry-music event with our city's current Poet Laurette, and a 20th anniversary birthday party for the festival. 

Join us in celebrating 20 years of poetry in Edmonton! Visit our website for more details. 
to edmontonpoetryfestival.com