Kamloops Art Gallery asks residents to imagine what a thriving neighbourhood could look like

What would make a Kamloops neighbourhood feel more connected, welcoming and alive?

The Kamloops Art Gallery is asking residents to explore that question through scissors, paper, photographs and imagination during a free community workshop on October 10.

Craftivism: Thriving Neighbourhoods will bring people together to create a large collaborative collage representing their ideas about what a thriving community could look like.

Rather than simply watching an artist work, participants will take part in the creative process themselves, learning collage techniques and contributing to a large shared artwork that will become part of an Open Gallery exhibition this fall.

People at the art gallery enjoying a night out | Photo credit: Kamloops Art Gallery 

People can also create an individual collage or zine to take home. The gallery will provide the materials, but participants are encouraged to bring things connected to their own Kamloops neighbourhoods, including flyers, photographs and maps.

The workshop is about more than creating something colourful to hang on a wall.

Craftivism has previously been used by Kamloops community organizers as a way to connect art with issues such as housing, food systems and creating more equitable communities. A previous Craftivism exhibition at the gallery brought together creative work from community workshops and explored how art could help people express ideas for change.

That history gives the October workshop a bigger purpose. Participants are being invited to think about the kind of neighbourhood they want to live in and contribute those ideas to a shared piece.

The workshop is being co-hosted by the Kamloops Art Gallery and Propolis Cooperative Housing Society.

The event is open to all ages, making it something families, young people and adults can participate in together. No previous art experience is required, and supplies will be provided.

Craftivism: Thriving Neighbourhoods takes place Saturday, October 10, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Kamloops Art Gallery, 101-465 Victoria Street.

Admission is free.

For anyone who has ever looked around their neighbourhood and wondered what could make it better, the workshop offers a chance to turn those ideas into something visible alongside others in the community.