Youth Leaders, Elders, and Newcomers: A Community-Filled Free Art Day

November 15, 2025

This past Saturday’s Free Art Day – Fish, Beads, and Useless Things was a wonderful reminder of what makes our community programs so special: creativity, curiosity, intergenerational exchange, and those unexpected moments of connection that stay with you long after the art materials are packed away.

Although attendance was a bit lower than anticipated, the quieter pace opened the door for deeper, more personal engagement, with most participants staying for at least an hour—some much longer. In total, we welcomed around 20 makers of all ages, including long-time regulars and many new faces. The themes of fish and beads were particular favourites, inspiring imaginative stories, playful experimentation, and lots of laughter around the tables.

Meaningful Moments & Community Connections

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this Free Art Day was the presence of Elder Liz, who volunteered from 12–1 PM and brought along her young mentee, Allie. Liz’s presence brought a calm, generous energy to the room, and several participants expressed how meaningful it was to have an Elder participating and supporting the space. Liz also shared interest in volunteering more in the future—a gift we are deeply grateful for.

We also want to highlight Addison McInnis, now 14, who volunteered for the entire day from 10–3 PM. Addison, who is Métis and now beads and sells her own work, spent much of the afternoon teaching a family of three how to bead. We are incredibly proud of her growth; her involvement began through her mother seeking ways to help her build confidence, and it’s clear she’s truly blossoming.

Another promising connection came through Sienna, an adult participant who has attended recent workshops. With experience teaching children’s art programs and an interest in art therapy, she expressed a desire to become more involved in Prince Albert’s arts community. We encouraged her to bring in a résumé, and we’re excited to explore potential volunteer or employment opportunities with her.

We also had support from Madeline, who was a tremendous help during cleanup, and a visit from Michael at the Prince Albert Daily Herald, who stopped in to see the creativity in action.

A Wide Mix of Participants

This Free Art Day welcomed people from ages 4 to 50, including a teacher coordinator for an international student organization. She brought students for the second time, including youth visiting from Montreal and Ukraine. One teenage participant joked, “I thought this gallery needed some more European-style art,” as he proudly showed off his dynamic piece.

Another family, who works with the Wollaston Lake commercial fishery, delighted in the fish-themed activities—sharing stories and decorating their aquatic creations with enthusiasm. One participant told Lana a memorable story about an uncle wrestling a pelican for a fish!

Hands-On Creativity for All Ages

Participants explored a variety of low-mess, tactile projects including:

• Decorating fish and sharing personal “fish tales”

• Learning beading techniques from both Addison and Sienna

• Creating “useless things” such as a fabric guitar pick

• Pressing beads into plasticine—an activity enjoyed by makers of all ages

• Working with fine wires for bead-stringing, a great needle-free option for older children

The atmosphere was relaxed, supportive, and joyfully hands-on—exactly what Free Art Day is all about.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who attended, volunteered, shared stories, or simply spent time making art with us. These gatherings continue to grow into beautiful snapshots of our community’s creativity, generosity, and spirit.

We look forward to welcoming you back for our next Free Art Day on Saturday, December 6, featuring holiday card-making—a festive, family-friendly celebration of creativity.