We would love for you to join us for the 2 year Celebration of Open Space on September 27th, 10am – 2pm.
We are excited to be unveiling a Community Art Project called “Abbotsford Says Hello”, where we are bringing together the well more than 116 languages, and 167 countries, represented in Abbotsford in one artwork collage of a flower garden.
You are invited to write Hello in your native language on a petal, painted at one of our kids painting sessions, which will come together in the colourful and vibrant final artwork reflecting our beautiful city. This project is being created by talented local artist Linda Klippenstein, and supported by Open Space Art Coordinator Olivia Harks and Community Engagement Rupi Kanda-Rajwan of the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association.
We are thrilled to be welcoming Stephanie Ohlmann to the event – whose research at the UFV – “It Starts With Hello” – uncovered that there are now more than 116 languages spoken in Abbotsford, and what these languages are. Learn about her new children’s book “Hello Abbotsford” while exploring the interactive audio buttons to discover the many ways to say Hello in our city, and see how a single “hello” can make a difference!
We will be welcoming Irene Nviiri to the space to perform traditional African dance, and show us some of the crafts from where she grew up in an interactive setting.
We are working with The Reach Gallery to bring you Tour and Try – an opportunity for everyone to try their hand at creating artwork inspired by our exhibition, no experience necessary.
