Make & Mingle + Queer(y)ing Ecologies Workshop Series:
Upcycled Collaging
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Time: 7 PM - 9 PM (Please arrive for 7 PM)
Location: CanMore Together (Thrive Room)
Please enter through the entrance located in the alleyway on 9th street.
Presented by: Canmore Pride Society, Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, artsPlace
Funded by: Town of Canmore Community Grants and Pursuit Community Fund
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This month, we are teaming up with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley for a special edition of our monthly Make & Mingle. This workshop is part of Biosphere’s larger Queer(y)ing Ecologies Workshop Series.
About the event:
In this mixed-media collage workshop, participants will transform reclaimed and natural materials into expressive visual stories. Led by Stoney mixed-media artist Cheyenne Suwataga-Mu and vegetation ecologist Rebecca Smith, the session blends ecological knowledge, and queer creative practice. Using upcycled materials, yarn, newspaper, found objects, and dried flowers, participants will create collages that explore relationships to land, identity, and environmental care. The workshop encourages playful experimentation while highlighting reuse, reciprocity, and respect for the more-than-human world.
More about the Queer(y)ing Ecologies Workshop Series:
How is queerness reflected in nature? Why does it matter? How have dominant scientific narratives shaped our understanding of gender and sexuality in the natural world, and what can we learn by looking beyond those assumptions?
The Queer(y)ing Ecologies workshop series will create space for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members to explore relationships between queerness, land, and environmental care through art, storytelling, and dialogue. Guided by local queer artists, knowledge holders, and facilitators, participants will engage in creative and reflective activities that connect personal experience with broader ecological themes, such as belonging, resilience, and alternative ways of relating to nature. The workshops will foster community connection, amplify underrepresented voices in environmental conversations, and support inclusive, justice-oriented approaches to climate and conservation in the Bow Valley.
This workshop series is intended for 2SLGBTQIA+ participants only and will center the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. To help create a space where participants feel comfortable sharing openly about their experiences, these sessions are not intended for allies. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize a safe and supportive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ attendees.
Allies are warmly invited to engage with the work through the public art exhibition, which will run from August 12 to September 7, 2026. Join us for the opening reception on Thursday, August 13, 2026, where everyone is welcome to celebrate and experience the artwork created through this workshop series.
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Who is this event for?
This event is for 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all ages. Please note, anyone ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or caretaker.
You do not need to have any crafting experience to come!
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What to expect:
Make & Mingles are a monthly casual space to make connections with other 2SLGBTQIA+ community members in the Canmore area. Thanks to funding from the Town of Canmore, we will be hosting facilitated group activities every other month.
This month will feature a facilitated activity: Upcycled Collaging
Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
No registration is required.
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What to bring:
Water bottle
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Accessibility:
This venue has a door that can fit a wheelchair at the entrance located in the alleyway of 9th street. However, there may be a tight hallway to access the washroom.
The venue features several breakout rooms that attendees can access if they need a quiet space.
The entrance and washroom do not have an accessible door button.
Washroom is gender-neutral (private stall). There is a tight hallway to access the washroom (approx 36 inches wide).
The venue capacity is around 40 people.
This event is held indoors with ample lighting.
See this link for photos of the CanMore Together Thrive Room: https://www.canmoretogether.com/thrive-room/
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Getting here:
Paid parking is available on the streets nearby. However, we encourage you to walk/bike/roll or take public transit to the venue if it is accessible for you.
Note: the entrance is located in the alleyway on 9th street.
Here is a map of Canmore’s accessible parking spots: https://www.canmore.ca/your-community/community-supports-and-services/accessibility
Closest bus stop is: 9th st Canmore, behind Arts Place. It is 140 m from the venue space.
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Contact:
If you have any questions leading up to the event, please contact the Canmore Pride team directly via email at community@canmorepride.ca.
Please note, due to the volume of emails, we suggest that you get in touch with us a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event so we have time to respond to your inquiries