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Alberta Arts Days wrapped up with a talent-laden showcase on the Keyano Theatre mainstage on Saturday, September 19. The event, which began last year as "Alberta Arts Day" in 30 communities, grew into "Alberta Arts Days" this year with over 150 communities participating and over 500 events.

Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit, attended a Saturday morning breakfast at Keyano College sharing his enthusiasm for the arts in Alberta. In addition to visiting with the 40 artists, College staff members and community leaders who attended the event, Minister Blackett created some art of his own under the tutelage of spray paint artist Donald Miskolzie. He also visited the new Fort McMurray Public Library and the Oil Sands Discovery Centre before continuing his whirlwind tour of the province.

"This was a fantastic event. I love being at Keyano College" enthused Minister Blackett. "I enjoyed spray painting. The ballet dancers as well as the exhibition were impressive, and the enthusiasm was great," he added.

Minister Blackett said the goal of Alberta Arts Days was to bring together all the communities in Alberta.

"It's about highlighting all the regions and making them feel one, and letting the country know we have a great soul," he enthused.

"It was great to have Minister Blackett back at the College," said President Jim Foote. "His message about the importance of arts and culture in building healthy communities was excellent. When we are able to provide world-class facilities, instruction and performances it strengthens our ability to attract and retain the people we need to make this community tick. The government and this Minister have recognized this in a substantial way and Alberta Arts Days is emblematic of their renewed focus on arts and culture."

Our community was able to see a reflection of itself in the play Highway 63, created by Emergency Architect Theatre, a collection of theatre artists who traveled to Fort McMurray in February. The play captured the essence of our dynamic community through the words and stories of a wide variety of people who live here, weaved together by a touching love story. Featuring Jonathan Seinen, Georgina Beaty, and Greg Gale, Highway 63 played to a receptive audience on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

During the day on Saturday, the Keyano Arts Centre was buzzing with activity as Alberta Arts Days blew the doors open on a variety of artistic disciplines. Keyano Art Gallery featured an exhibition of art from Sean McLennan, Megan Storrar, Donald Miskolzie and Robert Woodbury. In the midst of auditions for Keyano Theatre's production of High School Musical and the Keyano Conservatory's dance lessons, the Visual and Performing Arts department was out in full force sharing their talents and studios providing unparalleled access to the arts.

Tim Tamashiro hosted a free cultural showcase on Saturday evening to an appreciative audience of hundreds.

"When I heard from Minister Blackett that one of the flagship sites was Fort McMurray I volunteered to come up here right away," said Tamashiro.

Events Wood Buffalo Executive Director Claude Giroux was thrilled with the event. "It's been a great couple of days capped by an incredible showcase of talent," said Giroux. "We appreciate being able to host this event in partnership with Keyano College and the Government of Alberta. You have great facilities, talented artists and amazing people who work behind the scenes to make the magic happen."