Alcove March 2025 Newsletter

What's Happening at Alcove!

Author

Alcove Centre
February 28, 2025

Alcove is Back—Drop-In Art Space and Full Programming Launches March 1st!

We’re kicking off March with a full schedule of workshops, events, and community programs! Also, starting March 1st, our Drop-in Art Space officially re-opens with new hours! Whether you're looking to explore new art forms, connect with the community, or just enjoy a space to create, there’s something for everyone at Alcove!

Check our website for more information and updated Drop-in Art Space hours!

Alcove 2025 Community Survey

What programs and activities would you love to see at Alcove this year? Share your thoughts and ideas through our survey! Your feedback will help shape the events, workshops, and experiences we plan for 2025. We truly appreciate your input and can’t wait to hear what you have to share—thank you for helping us make this year amazing!

*This survey is anonymous and takes approximately 5-minutes to complete.

Community Mural Opening with Finn

We have a new community mural on the wall of the “Den” (our workshop/paint room) for YOU to collaborate on from March until May! Come down to the opening and be the first to make your mark!

The mural is led and designed by Finn F! This will also be an opportunity to meet the artist. Lets build the community mural together!

Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 7:00PM - 9:00PM

All ages welcome, family-friendly, free to participate, supplies are provided!

Workshops Are Back!

Get creative with Alcove’s exciting lineup of workshops! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, our workshops offer something for everyone. Come explore new skills in a welcoming and supportive space!

We offer a variety of workshops across different disciplines including:

  • Creative Writing, Performance & Music – Ie. Acting, Rap, Spoken Word

  • Visual & Media Arts – Ie. Photography, Collage, Animation

  • Textiles & Crafts – Ie. Resin, Embroidery, Punch Needle

  • And so much more!

Check out our program schedule and register on Eventbrite to secure your spot!

*Workshops are pay what you can! Suggested $20 - $30 to support facilitator fees and supplies.

Introducing: Daytimes on Wednesdays

Starting March 5th, Alcove will be open every Wednesday from 11AM – 2PM for a new series of daytime programs in partnership with Downtown Core Neighbourhood Association (DCNA) and the City of Calgary to bring people together through art, music, and conversation!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Lunch N’ Learn & Artist Talks – Thought-provoking discussions with artists, industry professionals, and community leaders.

  • Window Case Concert (2nd Wednesday) – A live lunchtime concert with complimentary coffee, tea, or snacks.

  • Grounds for Gathering Coffee Club (3rd Wednesday) – Casual, open conversations with your downtown neighbours!

  • Drop-in Art Sessions & Workshops – Try your hand at music, textiles, painting, and much more!

Join us and make Wednesdays a time for creativity, connection, and community!

Event Highlights

There’s so much to explore at Alcove this month—here’s what’s coming up!

Artist Callout: Exhibit at our Mini Gallery

Are you a visual artist looking for a space to showcase your work? Our Mini Gallery on 2nd Street is now accepting submissions for its next exhibit!

Visible to the public 24/7, this space is designed for artists facing barriers in finding exhibition opportunities. When Alcove is open, visitors can also explore the gallery from the inside. Each showcase runs for an average of 4–6 weeks, providing a unique platform to share your creativity with the community.

2025 Community Card for Sale

The 2025 Alcove Community Cards are now valid to use for the entire year! Come get your 2025 Community Card today at Alcove!

The Alcove Community Card is available to purchase for $30 and gives you access to special offers/discounts at 51 businesses around Calgary! We also offer team packages at a discounted rate! Enjoy discounted coffee, beers, galleries, lessons, art supplies, and quality time all while supporting local businesses! Valid from January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.

A huge thank you to everyone who has purchased a Community Card so far, as well as Arts Commons and Rozsa Foundation for purchasing team packages. If your team is interested, please contact Bethel at bethel.afework@alcoveartscentre.ca for more information!

We also have new additions to the Community Card this year, including, a quarterly Insider Newsletter, giving an exclusive look into Alcove and the local art scene, as well as a change to our Creatives Mixer admissions. Starting in 2025, you must own and register a Community Card to attend our quarterly Creatives Mixer events.

*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.

Check out the Alcove Store!

Drop by our space to purchase our new line of merch, and grab our 2025 Community Card! We are also selling copies of Ryan Lee’s Photobook, Embroidery Kits by Ellie’s Markets, and Collage Prints by Lauréat Nkinzo, our summer resident artist.

About Us
The Alcove Centre for the Arts is a non-profit located in Calgary (244 7th Avenue 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 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.