Alcove April 2026 Newsletter

Welcoming Spring at Alcove!

Author

Alcove Centre
April 01, 2026

More Sunshine = More Creativity

Spring is here, and we’re excited to bring you another month of workshops, live events, and partner programs! April features a mix of returning favourites alongside some exciting new programs, including resin jewelry making and our new lunchtime series, Clock Out! Your Creative Escape.

This season is all about fresh starts! So why not try something new, meet new people, and make space for your creativity? Check out our programs calendar below!

TL;DR (Too long; didn’t read!):

  1. Music Production Workshop w/ OG Spaceman
    Apr 11 | Core | Admission by donation ($20–30)
    Learn to turn ideas into finished tracks, faster and more confidently

  2. Writing Funny Characters w/ Mollie Risa
    Apr 12 | Core | Admission by donation ($20–30)
    Beginner-friendly comedy writing workshop (no experience needed)

  3. Clock Out! Your Creative Escape
    Apr 15 | Core | Free
    New lunchtime program! This week is focused on workplace well-being

  4. Community Card Sponsor Highlight | Canary
    10% off at Canary Refillery + vote for them in Best of Calgary
    Community Card is $30 for 63+ local discounts!

  5. Beltline Open House Thrift Market
    Apr 19 | Beltline | Free | Drop-in
    Shop second-hand clothing and accessories from local vendors

From Idea to Execution: Building a Fast & Creative Production Workflow w/ OG Spaceman

Meet your facilitator! OG Spaceman is an Afro-fusion artist and producer based in Canada. He creates emotionally rich, genre-bending music that resonates globally. His work focuses on storytelling, creative experimentation, and building soundscapes that connect with listeners across cultures.

Looking to level up your music production process? This workshop led by OG Spaceman is designed for beginner to intermediate producers who want to build confidence, work more efficiently, and stay creative in the studio.

Learn how to quickly turn ideas into finished tracks, develop a smooth workflow when collaborating with artists, and avoid overthinking your process. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at sampling techniques and how sounds are shaped into a full record.

Spend less time stuck and more time creating!

Saturday, April 11 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM @ Alcove Core 244 7 Ave SW

  • The workshop is admission by donation! Suggested $20 - $30 to support facilitator fees and supplies.

  • Registration on Eventbrite required.

  • Ages 12+ recommended

This workshop is graciously funded by City of Calgary.

Writing Funny Characters Workshop w/ Mollie Risa

Meet Mollie Risa! A comedian, sommelier, and classically beautiful woman. Her upbeat brand of stressed out feminism has been featured on the JFL Originals Album, Stand Up Alberta: Substitute Teacher Energy and on stages across Canada. Check her work out in all platforms @somollieyay

Curious about comedy writing? Come join this fun workshop with Mollie Risa to explore how to create characters that are both human and hilarious. Through exercises in interpersonal dynamics, absurdity, and timing, you’ll learn how to bring your writing to life with plenty of laughs along the way!

No experience needed! You don’t have to be a comedian or writer to join. This workshop is open to everyone who wants to play, experiment, and get creative.

Sunday, April 12 from 1:30  to 3:30 PM @ Alcove Core 244 7 Ave SW

  • The workshop is admission by donation! Suggested $20 - $30 to support facilitator fees and supplies.

  • Registration on Eventbrite required.

This workshop is graciously funded by City of Calgary.

Clock Out! Your Creative Escape: Well-Being in the Workplace

Introducing Clock Out! Your Creative Escape: our newest monthly series designed to bring a little creativity (and joy) into your workday. Join us every third Wednesday at lunchtime for a fun, casual drop-in series designed for downtown office folks. This is where you can step away from your desk and recharge through art, music, or conversation.

This month, we’re discussing well-being in the workplace, exploring simple, everyday ways we can better support ourselves and each other.

Come down to Alcove to take a break, grab a coffee, and get creative with us. You’ve earned it!

Wednesday, April 15 from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM @ Alcove Core 244 7 Ave SW

  • Free admission

  • Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged on Eventbrite

  • All Ages

Community Card Sponsor Highlight: Canary

Meet one of our longtime Community Card partners we love: Canary Refillery & Zero Waste Market!

Canary is all about making sustainable living accessible, offering refillable household products, low-waste goods, and thoughtful alternatives to everyday essentials. You can save 10% off when you bring your Alcove Community Card!

Even more exciting — they’re currently in the running for Avenue Calgary’s Best Stores Readers’ Choice! Voting is open until April 3, and they’d love your support! Cast your vote here.

Our Community Card is just $30 and unlocks discounts at 63+ local spots while supporting local artists and programming.

Scroll down or visit our website to learn more!

You are now entering: ALCOVE BELTLINE

Please note that our Beltline space is not open for drop ins - this space is open for private events and workshops only, so be sure to check out our programs calendar to see what’s on.

*Alcove Beltline is not wheelchair accessible, and has a few steps to enter

Open House: Thrift Event

Ready for a spring wardrobe refresh? Come browse our Open House: Thrift Event and discover unique second-hand clothing and accessories, thoughtfully curated by local vendors.

From hidden gems to statement pieces, you never know what you’ll find!

Stop by, shop sustainably, and give your closet a new life!

Sunday, April 19 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM @ Alcove Beltline 1040 8 St SW

  • Free admission

  • Drop-in, no registration required

  • All ages welcome

Beltline Open Houses are graciously funded by the City of Calgary.

Best Way to Support Us? The 2026 Alcove Community Card!

One small card. Big local impact.

For just $30, unlock exclusive perks at 63+ local cafés, bookstores, breweries, studios, galleries, and more — all while directly supporting Calgary’s creative community. Here’s what you get:

✨ Discounts across the city
✨ Access to our quarterly Creatives Mixer
✨ Insider arts podcast from our Executive Director, Bethel
✨ Year-round creative perks

Every card fuels free & by-donation programs, helps us pay 100+ artists annually, and sustains Western Canada’s first and only recreational arts space.

The perfect local, impact-driven gift (yes, even for yourself).

Take a look at our amazing sponsors below!

We also have discounted Team Packages available! Email [email protected] for details.

Valid January 1–December 31, 2026.

Buy yours at our front desk during regular hours!

Help Us Make Calgary’s Creative Scene Thrive!

Alcove is a creative hub for everyone. Whether you're an artist, a supporter, or someone who believes in the power of community, there’s a place for you here. As a charity, we rely on the kindness and actions of people like YOU to help us make Calgary’s art scene accessible. Here’s how you can get involved and support our work:

  • If you’re able, consider making a donation! Donations help fuel our mission to provide a full-time space where people can cultivate their creativity and build meaningful connections within our community. Donations over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt. 

  • Snag a 2026 Community Card — Treat yourself or a friend to an all-access pass to special offers and creative experiences in Calgary for $30! Every purchase helps support local businesses AND accessible arts programming in Calgary!

  • Bring Alcove to Work — Does your workplace support local arts and culture? Whether it’s through an employee giving campaign or a corporate donation, your workplace can help fuel creativity in Calgary. Email [email protected] and let’s chat!

  • Show Up & Get Creative — Swing by during drop-in hours, join a workshop, or check out one of our events. When you show up, you support local artists and help build community. Click here for our program schedule. 

Alcove belongs to all of us — thanks for being part of it!

*Friendly reminder to guests that hot food is not permitted in the space, with exceptions during special events. This is to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the recreational art space.
*Parking in the loading zone by the back door is not permitted, except for staff and facilitators/performers who have a workshop or performance at Alcove. Please do not park there otherwise.

About Us
The Alcove Centre for the Arts is a charity located in Calgary (Alcove Core - 244 7th Avenue SW & Alcove Beltline - 1040 8 St SW). Our aim is to make the arts accessible through pay-what-you-can events and art workshops. We believe that art and creativity are integral to the human experience and in building vibrant and dynamic communities.

Visiting Us
Affordable parking for Alcove Core is located at: TD Core’s Underground Parkade (745 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4K9). It has free 3-hour parking after 3pm on Weekdays, and a flat rate of $2 for longer. There is free 3-hour parking all day on Weekends, with a $2 flat rate for longer. If you are taking Calgary Transit, we are just across the street from 3rd Street Station.