Event Type : Speaker Series

Observe the exciting world of virtual reality and learn about the process and capabilities of working in augmented and virtual reality. Watch as Centre for Making Coordinator, Zachary Williams paints and sculpts within the VR headset, projecting his virtual POV to The Great Hall. This demonstration will feature a live narration of the tools and techniques being used for those that wish to learn or follow along. This is a great opportunity for those with no knowledge of this technology to learn, ask questions, and see the possibilities.

Pay-What-You-Can Community Event!

Hear the 2026 participants sing their personal favourite music – other than opera – and talk about what brought them to opera.

A Banff Artist residency is a highly sought after opportunity for many Canadian artists. HSAD alumni and current Studio Technologist, Alex Chouinard McLellan will share her recent experience participating in the program and the impact she sees it having on her artistic career. Alex will discuss her continued study of craft post ceramics certificate, and the creative splicing of both formal and informal learning opportunities – community wood firings, apprenticeships, mentorships, and work exchanges – that have supported her ongoing artistic growth and clay exploration.

The Minden Hills Cultural Centre will host the second part of the Community Heritage Series speaker events this summer: Hands at the Loom: Weaving Heritage in Minden by Andrea Coysh on Thursday, August 13 at 5:00 PM. Andrea’s presentation features a live barn loom demonstration and reflections on her time leading the former local weavers and spinners group, which regularly gather at Pritchard House in Minden. The presentation highlights sustainable practices connected to weaving and spinning traditions.

Admission is by donation. No pre-registration is required. All ages welcome.

Shannon Litzenberger and Mairéad Filgate of PlaySpace will share research findings from an ongoing inquiry into creative practice as a vital support for collective well-being. Through stories, embodied research, and reflective practice, they will shed light on how creative processes foster resilience, connection, and relational leadership within artistic and social ecosystems. The presentation draws on shared research as well as the artist’s individual practices as creators and educators, each with over 25 years of experience working across professional and community contexts.