• Price Free

December heats up with some great, free events to check out. From Free First Thursday Night at Glenbow to artists talks and opening receptions, here’s what we’re hitting up this week:

She Who Dares

Until December 10, 2017
Fort Calgary (750 9th Ave. SE)
Free

Heading to its final stop, YW Calgary’s Canada 150 project is a creative, engaging, and interactive installation highlighting the stories of 150 women who have impacted Calgary during the last 150+ years.
ywcalgary.ca

Northern Reflections Window Exhibition

Until December 31, 2017
Throughout Downtown Calgary
Free

Celebrating the magic of wintertime through a series of painted windows created by local artists, this immersive experience allows visitors to use Augmented Reality to explore this urban art gallery. Just download the app AUGLE and use it to find the window locations.
facebook.com

Elder Series

December 6, 2017, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Contemporary Calgary (117 8th Ave. SW)
Free, registration required

A tour and roundtable discussion with Lisa Baldissera, this program is geared towards seniors (65+) who would like to learn more about art in a social and convivial space.
eventbrite.ca

ProArts Presents Repsol Choir Concert

December 6, 2017, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free

Always an audience favourite, the Repsol Choir is in its 15th year and performs under the direction of musician, composer, and musicologist Bruce Petherick, accompanied by Ron Proctor at the piano. This four-part choir takes the role of company ambassador seriously, performing at various downtown and community venues including this free lunch hour concert.
proartssociety.ca

Mini Masters

December 7, 2017, 11:00am
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential

A hands-on art class, bring your little ones, ages two to five, and explore art making in this fun and social program. All are welcome to participate, just make sure you dress for the mess!
eventbrite.ca

Free First Thursday Night

December 7, 2017, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free

Did you know that the Glenbow stays open late with free admission on the first Thursday of every month? Explore new exhibits and old favourites at the last offering of the year.
facebook.com

The Bitterness of Bad Solitude: Publication Launch

December 7, 2017, 7:00pm
Untitled Art Society (343 11th Ave. SW)
Free

Celebrate the launch of Hannah Doerksen’s publication, The Bitterness of Bad Solitude, with a reading by David Balzer. Presented in conjunction with Doerksen’s solo project of the same name, currently on view at Untitled Art Society, the publication takes inspiration from DIY conspiracy theory pamphlets, religious propaganda on a busy street corner, and elaborate stream-of-consciousness manifestos.
facebook.com

Boy

December 7, 2017, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential

Continuing its film series, join the Esker Foundation for this film directed by Taika Waititi. Exploring the relationship between Boy and his absentee father who makes a sudden appearance after seven years, don’t miss your chance to see this coming-of-age comedy-drama from New Zealand.
eventbrite.ca

PULL 3.0 Opening Reception

December 7 & 8, 2017, 5:00 – 7:30pm
cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free

Presented by students from the University of Calgary’s Department of Art, this show provides an opportunity for the school’s emerging artists to showcase and sell their work. Check it out at one of two opening nights.
facebook.com

The Side Door To Perception

December 8, 2017, 1:00 – 3:00pm
cSPACE King Edward (Room 310, 1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free

Exploring art and social justice, this 45 minute talk introduces a number of artists whose work is gaining recognition followed by an open discussion.
facebook.com

Not So Mini Exchange & Exhibition Opening Reception

December 8, 2017, 7:00pm
Alberta Printmakers (4025 4th St. SE)
Free

Each year, Alberta Printmakers holds this non-juried show and sale to showcase the work of local and international print artists. Raising funds towards its artistic and educational programming, swing by the reception.
albertaprintmakers.com

Christmas Craft Parade

December 9, 2017, 10:00am – 3:00pm
St. Michael School (4511 8th Ave. SW)
Free admission

Featuring over 40 vendors, find jewellery, art, wood crafts, knitting, crochet, candles, pottery, homemade baked goods at this craft parade in support of St. Michael School.
facebook.com

This+That Opening Reception

December 9, 2017, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free

A playful alternative to the thematic holiday show, This+That is made up of unconventional groupings of artworks by seemingly disparate artists. Featuring work by Diana Thorneycroft, Ulrich Panzer, Madeleine Lamont, Michael Schreiner, and more, check it out at its opening reception.
christineklassengallery.com

East Village Life Long Learners

December 12, 2017, 4:00 – 5:30pm
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free

Geared towards retired Calgarians, discover the East Village through poetry, fiction, film, and photography. Focusing on the changes in the East Village, join George Webber to discuss his photography series Last Call. A Q&A follows the short talk.
loft112.org