B-wof put on a great performance last Friday night…watch for them on future stages. A few familiar tunes and even some originals…keep creating lads!
The show even allowed the Habitat to setup lights and sound equipment and continue training youth how to use these resources. Well done to the tech team and the musicians!
Thank you Jasper high school band room for the use of the drum set.

Next on the YAH Youth Art Hope lineup is a June presentation by Sasha Galitzki - EMBERS.
(For those of us who dont qualify as YOUTH anymore…
Sasha will be presenting for community as well!)

While on the topic of film…the Edmonton Short Film Festival has a FREE FILMMAKING OPPORTUNITY…

Their FREE 48hr Filmmaking Challenge tests all filmmakers to gather their team, start from scratch, and produce a short film in one weekend. All participants have their short films screened at an online YouTube premiere on May 31. After the screening, 4 awards will be handed out. The award-winning films will be featured at our 2026 Festival in October, and the filmmakers will receive screening fees as well as a VIP pass for our Festival Weekend!

This event encourages both first-time filmmakers - one of the awards is Best First Time Filmmaker - as well as experienced filmmakers to test their abilities, enjoy a fun weekend of filmmaking with friends, and earn the opportunity to have their film screened in front of a large live audience.

Register for the FREE 48hr Challenge here! PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND MUST REGISTER BEFORE MAY 22 6pm

GOT talent?

On May 21st, the ACFA are hosting the second 2026 edition of our Open Mic Night at Su Casa Mexican Lounge! Join us for a fiery, unforgettable evening! Sign‑ups to perform will take place directly on site.

OR maybe you would like to be on the Canada Day Stage? Get in touch with Matricia to register for that!

As summer approaches there are lots of way to engage in the most inspiring place we know…the PARK! We have been told this excursion would give you a whole new appreciation for the colour(s) GREEN!!

After 10 days of creating programming for YOUTH ART HOPE we discovered that perhaps there are things the youth would like - rather than our team creating things we THINK the youth would like! SO…there is a survey online that we hope the youth in your world can fill in for us.
(Thank you to the Library for hosting a writing workshop last week…the participants have spurred some future planning we can all get into!)

So far we have heard:

• Drop in sessions where individuals can come and go would be good.

• Outdoor walks and talks in nature would be low pressure ways to connect.

• A shared art project - a group experience would feel meaningful.

• Activities will ‘too little direction’ are not desireable.

• Support needed right now includes being around others and creative expression.

• Multi day projects are not wanted.

We are listening!
Maybe some sketchers and poetry walks about town are just what is needed!?

For Jasper’s older youth…there is an ART WORKSHOP this week…contact Kacie to register!

The Jasper Museum has an ongoing exhibit…a book launch…and plant sale coming up!

And because there is an opportunity in our wee community - as we see the rebuild of the churches - the McCready Centre, the food bank, the thrift shop, the places to worship, the acoustically perfect performance spaces the Anglican and United Churches offered…
We offer these thoughts on an opportunity NOT to miss…the spring performances of Jasper Acts saw audiences of over 500 in one weekend, the Jasper Theatre Production sees audiences of over 2000 each summer, last weeks CBC comedy show saw an audience of 300+. All of these events take place in temporary facilities where lights and sound and staging and chairs all have to be setup and taken down…

In a town where piano recitals see audiences of over 100!

In a place that is a world destination, a UNESCO world heritage site, a Dark Sky Preserve … we cant help feeling that maybe its time to have a dedicated space for performances.
A permanent venue with integrated lighting, sound, staging, seating, accessibility features, and conference infrastructure would create a flexible, year-round hub capable of supporting:

• Conferences, retreats, and tourism events

• Community theatre and youth arts programming

• Visiting performances and cultural presentations

• Educational workshops and regional gatherings

• Fundraisers, ceremonies, and civic events

• Economic diversification through cultural tourism

• Places to worship and study

Such a facility would not simply serve the arts. It would strengthen the tourism sector, support local businesses, increase conference and event capacity, extend visitor stays, and contribute to the long-term vibrancy and resilience of the community.
If not now…when?

There is a delightful community theatre space in Hinton…versatile and well thought out design…just ask some of Jasper’s thespians who are now regularly performing on that stage!

Contact Habitat to add your voice to these ideas! habitatforthearts at gmail dot com

SUMMER programming for youth…is lining up - watch the Community Calendar on the Muni website…still a couple of spaces in Grace’s Forest Art Camp in July and Ms Tina’s Culture Camp in August!

We are away for two MuseLetters…back on June 3rd!

If you have anything to share arts/culturally related! Let us know…we will share.

THANK you to the L'ACFA régionale de Jasper and Ecole Desrochers we secured three sewing machines, Marcia Tofer from Dream Dance Circus and our lovely Elena Kellis, were on site to show us how to use a sewing machine…and things evolved! One clown costume, a couple of neck ruffles (for those neck ruffle occasions) and one costume custom made for July’s Renaissance Fair!!

SO…If you have your costume ready…see you at the Masquerade Ball on Friday at the Legion Games Room…only 45 tickets!! Grades 9-12, an alcohol-free event with LIVE MUSIC by B-wof!

Thanks Nikki for this beautiful expression of YAH!!

YOUTH ART HOPE

TONIGHT…at the Library…youth are the voice of our future and we want to hear from you! Get inspired by the power of creative expression through words in an engaging and interactive workshop tomorrow night!

TOMORROW

A youth directed talk with fire specialist Nik Kellis…followed by Matricia at the firepit for a drumsong and a Habitat beading project.

YOUTH ART HOPE continues into Saturday with a felting and pottery workshop…you can register at Habitat as space is limited…qr tag for easy registering!

YAH moves into June with a youth oriented afternoon with Sasha Galitski. Sasha will present her award winning film EMBERS. Her film reflects the beauty of nature, the challenges of a changing climate, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Sasha lost her home in Jasper and this film evolved from that loss. After the screening, she will invite the kids to share their thoughts, ask questions, and explore big ideas—like adventure, grief, hope, and how art can help us make sense of it all.

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to all of the volunteers and actors who brought over 500 people together this weekend through a community theatre production!
We didnt plan it this way...but the YouthArtHope week started at the same time as Jasper Acts put Charlottes Web on the stage!

From the stage designs of Jennifer Ann Hoffele to the construction skills of The Mens Shed…to the fearless and humorous performers of all ages…over 67 lighting cues, 18 individual microphones and 58 sound cues…talent behind the scenes and on the stage showed us what passion and inspiration can do!
We will miss Wilbur - aka Emerson - who has graced many Habitat and Jasper Acts stages over the years...Emerson graduates this year...happy trails!

Adelle’s pursuit of theatre really showed as she wove us into the story of Charlottes Web. There was a lot of talent on that stage (we dont know all their names!!)...they can all be proud of what they brought to life.

None of this would have been as wonderful as it was without the teams who lit the stage, mic’d the actors, made the popcorn, corralled the backstage, setup the chairs...its a lot of work that without these ‘teams’ could not happen! CONGRATS EVERYONE!!

So for the week coming up…lots of Youth Art Hope programming…but what about the rest of us!?

FOR BIG KIDS

Saturday May 16 for Print Day in May!! There is still some room in the linocut workshop.

LINOCUTS wtih Kailey

ART for LUNCH at Habitat. Comfy chairs, tea is on…bring your lunch and take in a screening - this May 13 - lets think about spring for 50 minutes. WILD SPRING. Springtime bears new beginnings, where pairs come together to form a family and much of the animal kingdom introduces its young to the world. Thanks to the Knowledge Network.

MOTHERS DAY - take mom for tea, take mom shopping for something great…baking, jewelry, coffee, clothing, flowers…ART!!

Until next humpday…enjoy the spring and if you have something to share - let us know!

The end of April and the beginning of May…there are a few things going on this next week WE think are worthy of you NOT MISSING!!

Like,
YAH ~ a week of FREE arts programming for grades 9-12…YOUTH ART HOPE!
On Friday May 1st community and youth can join Matricia at the Firepit in Robson Park for a drumsong to open the week…and a beading activity with Jacqui.

On Saturday May 2nd youth can join Marcia of Dream Dance Circus in an 11-4 day of creating characters and costumes - with Elena Kellis - for the MASQUERADE BALL on May 8th!
TICKETS to the Ball are at Tekarra…space is limited.

MIDWEEK…youth can take in a writing workshop at the Library on Wednesday and on Thursday youth are invited to a presentation by Jasper Fire Specialist Nik Kellis at the Library.

On May 9th there are two workshops - pottery with Kayla and felting with Vicki.
(we know not everyone has registered…but it would be a drag if we ran out of materials for you!! Let us know if you are coming… )

Details in the poster…
Oh…did we mention LIVE MUSIC at the Ball…with B-wof!

Thank you to the Red Cross for helping bring these things to life!

And because sometimes programming benefits when we stop deciding what you want and you tell us what you need!

There is a survey online related to YOUTH ART HOPE…please get your youth to check it out HERE

The annual uplift festival that brings colour and art to our streets through murals begins this weekend. Follow the festival

Our other neighbours in the JLCC are hosting a SUNDAY MAY 3 workshop!
CONTACT for details!

Next Tuesday…

and while the Taste of Spring is in the distance (a bit) there are some deadlines for registering for Art’s glass&resin workshop…so register soon! RESIN WORKSHOP

The same great workshop from Culture Days last year that the Alberta Foundation for the Arts shared! Art has some new techniques - registrations are filling fast.

Get your youth to create their costumes this weekend…with MARCIA…this comes with some FREE tickets to see CHARLOTTES WEB!

AND keep Sunday May 10th open for MOM
Another amazing ARTISAN Market and a Mothers Day Tea with your hosts from the Girl Guides!

Until next week…enjoy your weekend!

CUZ there are 25+ amazing people working every week since late 2025 on bringing together the annual SPRING production from Jasper Acts!

This years production - now 56ish hours away will see 21 Jasper thespians take the stage on Friday night at 7PM. Doors will open at 6:30

Tickets at the door will be very limited!
We suggest you get your ticket soon at Tekarra Photo across the street from TGP…

or TICKETS ONLINE HERE

A teaser of the things you will miss if you dont have a ticket!

See you at the theatre!

(and just cuz we are advocates for all things art…and because Jasper is still recovering and growing…one of the most notable opportunities we are following is the new community/church reconstruction - with options on the table for the new construction to include, of course - spaces to worship, a food bank, offices, a thrift shop…AND A THEATRE SPACE!? In a town that attracts millions of people each year…where conferences happen in gymnasiums…where chairs for events are dragged in and back away every time…where audio and lighting equipment is dragged in for every event…lets talk facilities!!
Habitat sat in the inaugural dream sessions a few months ago…and put the concept of a space for programs and productions outfitted for welcoming a world of visitors on the table. If we build it…maybe we wont have to put the chairs away at the end of the night!)

NOW…on to the weekly MuseLetter…I hope you dont mind this second edition today!

With a focus on our youth…
Starting on May 1 we have an outdoor gathering at the building, a firepit and Matricia of Warrior Women will be at the fire to drum - an opening for the week of events for YAH. There is an opportunity for youth to do some beading that evening too…please let us know if you are hoping to do some beading so we can lineup the materials!!

YOUTH ART HOPE has had some hiccups BUT you can still take the Saturday workshop with Marcia Tofer and Elena Kellis. Create your character and costume for the May 8th Masquerade Ball! Live Music by B-wof.

The ball has been moved to the Games Room at the Legion…7-9pm May 8th…
there are only 45 FREE tickets at Tekarra…so get yours soon!

MAY 9th register for two free workshops for Grades 9-12!

Ok
We are not all in grades 9-12!!

Take a glass&resin workshop with Art Laurenson setup for the TASTE OF SPRING festival! Register here: https://www.showpass.com/workshop-resinandglass/

OR

Take a linocut workshop on May 16th!
Register here: https://jasper-community-habitat-for-the-arts.square.site/product/linocuts-with-kailey/TULGC7MYXGZ6K2YRZQBMXUOB?cs=true&cst=custom

ART FOR LUNCH continues this week…tomorrows short film is THE LAST ICE AGE.

For Earthday we screened the documentary on the Eastern Slopes. We still have a few stickers left is you would like a WATER NOT COAL sticker!

Next week for CANADIAN FILM DAY (late but still great!)
EJ Hughes paintings are best known for their strong and appealing images of the landscape and seascape of British Columbia. Jack Shadbolt described Hughes as "the most engaging intuitive painter of the BC landscape since Emily Carr." His distinctive style of painting is marked by the use of flattened space, skewed perspective, and simplified shapes. The paintings combine compelling clarity with a sense of the unknown and an appreciation for his natural surroundings.

ART FOR LUNCH…bring your lunch, grab a comfy chair…enjoy…tea will be on!

AND of course…you really should grab your tickets for CHARLOTTES WEB soon!!

ONLINE: https://jasper-community-habitat-for-the-arts.square.site/product/charlotte-s-web/WR2D37OLBJYXULQH6TCUAEZC?cs=true&cst=custom
or
At Tekarra!

Got something you want us to share?

Let us know!
The MuseLetter goes out midweek every week….

For the rest of the month you can catch some amazing Pride festivities - Taste of Spring is coming - and UPLIFT Festival starts soon….

We did get a bit of bad news this week…an old friend and a huge supporter of Alberta arts and culture passed. Going to share a bit of Alberta history - as he was one of the first Alberta Ministers of Culture. We had an opportunity a few years ago to speak with Horst Schmid, Albertas FIRST Minister of Culture.

Q: How did Alberta get a Minister of Culture?

Horst: In 1971 Premier Lougheed assigned the first Minister of Culture portfolio to me. When I became Minister, I remember very fondly the first time the members of the Edmonton Opera came to see me to ask for support for costumes. At that time they were very strongly dependent on support from the private sector, government support was very very small.
(Horst was known after a time - for answering the phone with a YES before questions were even asked!)

We were trying to create the ALBERTA ARTS FOUNDATION, I was able to convince the Premier and the cabinet we should have this. after a caucus meeting i was called out by the deputy treasurer Chip Collins. He wanted to know how much money I wanted for the Foundation. I said $50,000 - he said ‘Thats quite a bit isnt it’. I then said ‘Per year’.

If you look back into the history of Edmonton or anywhere in Alberta, you’ll find that there is always some community spirit or community spirited person that would start some kind of function that had to do with - not only the work to live - but the idea that part of our lives - without question - is cultural enrichment.
excerpt from DREAMERS AND DOERS, 2005 Alberta art history documentary

Thank you Horst.

The upcoming week of YOUTH ART HOPE is on the horizon…a few deadlines are approaching. Deadline to register for the sessions by Integrity Seminars on Sunday May 3rd.

Rae-Anne of Integrity Seminars will host a firepit meetup on Friday evening…then two FREE workshops on Sunday…morning for grades 9/10 and later in the day for grades 11/12. (REGISTRATION IS NEEDED so we can move forward!! just email us at habitat for the arts at gmail dot com )

9/10: Finding Your Strength After Hard Things

• “When hard things happen, our brains and hearts try to make sense of them. Sometimes we feel sad, angry, confused, or numb. All of those are normal.”

• Understanding grief, unpacking feelings...ending with finding places and people who make us feel safe

• “Hard things don’t only break people. They also show us strengths we didn’t know we had.”

11/12: Rising after loss

• how trauma impacts teens

• You are not the only one feeling the way you do

• Empathy and peer care, write a letter to someone suffering

• “Communities heal when people look out for each other. And every one of you is part of that healing”

Watch our facebook page, stop by the Habitat and ask us anything!
We are here everyday between 11 and 3 and often longer…

Got something ‘arts and culture relevant’ to share? Let us know!

LIKE this amazing weekend workshop!!

Register here: https://jasper-community-habitat-for-the-arts.square.site/product/glass-resin-with-art-laurenson/QNDV4FOIOZTBOOWBQ6MG6KBW?cs=true&cst=custom

STARTING with this Friday April 10. The 11th annual art exhibition by the students of Madame Vanessa’s winter art school. Not to be missed!
Opens this Friday and runs daily (except Sunday) until April 17.

In keeping with the theme of youth - a selection of workshops for youth to gather, create, pursue wellness, make some art and even dance at a Masquerade Ball has evolved.

May 1 - FIREPIT opening night - DrumSong by Matricia of Warrior Women and a beading activity with Integrity Seminars.

May 2 - A full day of making characters and costumes for a Masquerade Ball, with Marcia Tofer and Elena Kellis! Start saving those bits of fun fabric or fur or prop materials. This day ends with a complimentary ticket to see Charlottes Web!

May 3 - 11AM, workshop with Rae-Ann of Integrity Seminars, for grades 9 and 10. A two hour program aimed at finding strength after hard things happen! THIS WORKHOP requires registration by the 20th of April!! No cost.

2PM, workshop with Rae-Ann of Integrity Seminars, for grades 11 and 12. A two hour program aimed at deeper discussions, making meaning and rising after loss. THIS WORKSHOP requires registration by the 20th of April!! No cost.

Midweek - The Library will host a writing workshop with the amazing Sandy Cox and fire talk with Nik Kellis - all designed with youth in mind…Youth Art Hope!

May 8 - A Masquerade Ball with live music for grades 9-12 - where you can wear that character you made last Saturday! Tickets at Tekarra are $10, and include two drinks at the TOONIE MOCKTAIL bar. Bring your toonies!
LIVE MUSIC provided by B-wof.

May 9 - Morning workshop with Vicki Myers…make a creature! Afternoon workshops with Kayla Lanigan… REGISTER at habitatforthearts at gmail dot com soooooon!

AND could you use an extra $100 in your week? We will soon choose a logo for YOUTH ART HOPE from those that have been submitted to the Library…where you can STILL GET A SUBMISSION FORM!!

WE ARE LOOKING FOR ARTISTS of all ages, to create a logo for the May YOUTH ART HOPE week - a week designed for Grades 9-12.
NO AI will be accepted...you can leave your submissions at the Library, not online.

The mini-conference for youth in Grades 9-12 is building from Habitat being approached to see if we can bring some wellness through art to community with the focus this time - on youth - some of whom are carrying a quiet but persistent eco-anxiety - a mix of grief, uncertainty, and fear about the future of the place we call home.
The logo should look at concepts that intersect with climate, environment, mental health, and creativity as we create a collaborative week of workshops and hands-on experiences. We wish to do this through a series of events that are creatively inspiring!!
Things to think about when creating your logo!
The logo will go on tshirts and the honorarium is $100 thanks to the Library and Habitat!

WORKSHOPS on the horizon

ART is home - two workshops on April 26 weekend!
(its always home at Habitat…)

New to the ‘Smallest GiftShop’
Books from GoodMinds…including one we thought was fitting for this week.

Four Faces of the Moon is a book by Métis filmmaker, illustrator, media artist, and stop-motion director Amanda Strong and with an afterword by Dr. Sherry Farrell-Racette, a Métis scholar. In Four Faces of the Moon, Spotted Fawn, who is on a journey to uncover her family’s story, travels through time and space to reclaim connection to ancestors, language, and the land. In the dreamworld she bears witness to a mountain of buffalo skulls. They stand as a ghostly monument to the slaughter of the Plains bison to near extinction. On this path, Spotted Fawn knows she must travel through her own family history to confront the harsh realities of the past and reignite her connection to her people and the land. Her darkroom becomes a portal, and her photographs allow her glimpses into the lives of her relatives over the course of four chapters of this book, which follow the phases of the moon. Time and space become unlocked and unfurl in front of her eyes. Guided by her ancestors, Spotted Fawn’s travels through the past allow her to come into full face, like the moon itself. Four Faces of the Moon is adapted from the acclaimed stop-motion animated film of the same name, written and directed by Amanda Strong. Four Faces of the Moon brings the oral and written history of the Michif, Cree, Nakoda and Anishinaabe Peoples and their cultural link to the buffalo alive on the page.

This weekend Jasper Pride Festival takes off…the mystery of the mushrooms in the lobby at Habitat is solved! With the theme of Alice in Wonderland they will be moving to the Main Hall for family pride day…and then on to the GALA!! Follow the festivities on their socials!

(We will miss those mushrooms!)
(Cookies you can find at the Bears Paw Bakery as well as some great music!)

Follow our socials … we are on instagram and facebook … we post on the Municipal calendar and love to share…so send us your news!

APRIL 10th is the opening night for the winter art ‘Exposition’ by the students of Madame Vanessa! Always a treat to see what they have been doing since fall…mark your calendar!

The JLCC has some great programs not to miss…like Beth and Jennifer’s presentation at the gallery. Beth continues to keep the artists popup seacan full of ideas!

The lobby of Habitat has been taken over by !!! aliens? mycology?
Nope…Elena and friends have been busy for many weeks getting ready for the annual Pride Festivities!!
It takes immense bravery to live authentically in a world that can sometimes make it difficult…these artisans have made sure the Habitat is full of colour and creativity.

TONIGHT is Chess Night at the Library…(hopefully you get this before then!!)

APRIL lets us celebrate Earthday…with films (for Canadian Film Day!) and another series of glass and resin workshops with Art Laurenson!

There are still a few tables left for vendors who want to be part of the MOTHERS DAY FAIR on May 10…

Contact jaspervendorsmarket at gmail dot com!

Tickets at Tekarra for JASPER ACTS second year…CHARLOTTES WEB!

(Big thank you to the Jasper Masonic Lodge for their support of this production!!)

We were happy to be able to support the Canadian Arts Coalition with some thoughts from Jasper …

‘In the summer of 2024, Jasper, Alberta was devastated by wildfire. Over the past twenty months, as the community has navigated a long and complex rebuilding process, arts-based programming has played an important role in supporting community wellness, connection, and recovery. A meaningful portion of community support funding, including resources distributed through the Red Cross, has supported arts-related activities — a clear reflection of the value these programs bring during times of crisis and healing.

Through this experience, we have witnessed firsthand how investment in arts and culture contributes not only to economic vitality, but also to the wellbeing and resilience of residents, particularly during periods of disruption and recovery. The outcomes of this recent investment reinforce the strong case for continued government support of Canadian arts and cultural programs.”

ART IS THE WAY BACK!

Like our summer camps!

So far we have confirmed Ms Tina’s CULTURE CAMPS
JULY 6-10 & AUGUST 3-7 ages 9-12 $275

AND new this year…FOREST ART CAMP with Grace & Friends
JULY 13-17 ages 8-12 $300 includes excursion fees

APPLICATIONS by request! Email us at habitatforthearts at gmail dot com!

Something to check out at the Museum this month…

YOUTH ART HOPE IS GROWING!!
We were approached in February to help with a week of wellness for the community. As many of the community events have focused on adults or children…we felt the demographic in the middle (our old ‘children’ that are truly our ‘young adults’) were being missed SO…with the support of Habitat, the Library, Red Cross, Rotary and Tekarra…we think we have designed a nice lineup of programs for GRADES 9-12!

At this time there are fees for some events…but we are confident that as more support arrives…these fees will go to zero…and if you paid you will be refunded!

The YOUTH ART HOPE week runs from MayDay to Mothers Day…home made treats, art, wellness products and even a TEA to take mom to! Our market guru has found 30+ vendors offering unique treats for everyone…
There are still a few tables left if you would like to present your wares!

We have been approached to offer an ART FOR LUNCH program by Business Link. They would like to show the supports they offer and their free resources…while artists explore the business side of their work.

IF you have interest in this…email us soon so we can setup a date in April! This would be a hybrid…you could come for tea and do an online ART FOR LUNCH or connect from your own computer at your studio.
Contact habitatforthearts at gmail dot com if this is something you think your arts business would benefit from!

While it was raining last week and skiing wasnt what Katherine Koller wanted to do…she stopped into Habitat and shared her new book release with us. Katherine is known in Edmonton for her writing salons, one of which we did in Jasper a few years ago!
Her new book Earthen stories “takes us into the lives of ordinary people—poignant family relationships; longings, loves, betrayals, tragedies. These intimate stories unfold in a world teeming with beauty, death and fear: lush gardens, harvests, ‘sun-green forests’, avalanches, toxic tailings ponds.
Earthen evokes a world under threat—characters redeemed in a folk-tale horror; a future in which personal mementos and belongings are to be destroyed; the amorphous present, in which women’s lives play out against a backdrop of ecological devastation or beauty. Each story brings us close to Koller’s insistence on tenderness, hope, and survival in a fragile world that refuses to be destroyed.” —Lynn Hutchinson Lee, author of Nightshade

Katherine Koller will be part of this fall’s CULTURE DAYS popup bookstore offerings…for our 10th birthday!!

YES…the JLCC will be 10 this fall…thats gonna be a BIG birthday cake!

March has seen some amazing stuff going on at Habitat…including a weekend of the Charlottes Web sound techs checking cables and microphones…to make sure your theatre experience is great! (how could community theatre NOT be great!)

Tickets are available at Tekarra!

AND HAPPY WORLD THEATRE DAY Friday March 27th…
we love thespians!

SPRING means that the Alberta ZONE shows for the ACACA are on the horizon. Check out this 58 year old Alberta organization that was created under the direction of Professor Harry Wohlfarth from the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta. The Alberta Community Art Clubs Association aims at uniting, serving and networking with artists throughout the province. Their goals are to foster and maintain instruction in art and to develop an interest in the knowledge of art and culture in the communities throughout the province.

AND
FOR OUR 10th birthday and in keeping with YOUTH ART HOPE Habitat will be sponsoring some youth to get into the Northern Zone Show…ask us how! habitatforthearts at gmail dot com…SOOON!

Please watch our facebook page or our instagram page for daily updates!
And if you have things you want to share that is arts&culture related…please let us know!

(and yesterday marked the end of Madame Vanessa’s YEAR 11 art school…we cant wait to see what the youth have done this winter!!)

Even though we are separated by a lot of kilometres…the connection to Jasper is there! Pottery by Urban Forest - you can find at Tekarra Photo. The lighting displays by Dylan Toymaker have been part of the Dark Sky Festival. Several of the 160 artists have done workshops in Jasper. And Habitat was part of the selection process for the 2026 Wild Alberta book put out by the Society of Western Canadian Artists…several of whom belong to the Jasper Artists Guild!

Its always nice to get home though. This week Habitat had its volunteers (yes…you can volunteer too!) and instructors gather for a treat to see Kiwii and her brother off for a few months. Kiwii contributes to many of our programs…keeps the doors open occasionally or runs classes and makes lots of spoon rests for the animal shelter. When she returns she already has plans to bring home the ‘Art of Cyantype Printing’ Happy trails Kiwii and Tim!

We know MAY is still 5 weeks away…but there are a few things you can get excited for NOW.

Like the Mothers Day Fair and Tea on May 10. Thanks to Jacqui and Shannon you will be able to shop for mom and take her to tea. The tea is put on by the Girl Guides. If you remember it from a few years ago…you will remember the treats!
AND if you are a vendor of handmades or baking or a service that moms might like - get an application soon - tables are filling… jaspervendorsmarket at gmail dot com

May will also see a youth oriented mini-conference, for grades 9-12, as part of the broader community recovery. The week of events will intersect with climate, environment, mental health and creative practice through workshops, talks and hands-on experiences!

We know that as humans we are often hesitant to look put ourselves out there in situations that might make us appear vulnerable … so we got that covered too … youth will create their own character/costume/masks to wear to the YAH Masquerade Ball on May 2nd.

Integrity Seminars will bring two workshops to town. Dream Dance Circus’s Marcia will lead the character building day with Elena. A ball, some guest speakers and films, and some handson workshops will end the week…YAH IS STILL EVOLVING.

ARTISTS CALL
There is a need for an original non-AI generated logo for YAH (Youth Art Hope). The artists whose image is chosen will be gifted a tshirt with their logo, and an honorarium of $100 from the Library and Habitat. You can drop off your logo submissions at the Library until APRIL 10…not online!!

And sadly we are now looking at the end of Madame Vanessa’s 11th year of winter art school. That means that since starting her annual school in 2015 she has inspired over 400 Jasper youth to create, be inspired by-and experiment with-art! wow.

That also means that the annual exhibition is coming!!

That also means that summer camps are open for registrations!

So far we have the fantastic CULTURE CAMPS of Ms Tina in July 6-10 and August 3-7. Ages 9-12 $275

Grace is back this summer, partnered with another creative, to bring a week of FOREST ART CAMP…July 13-17. Ages 9-12 $300
(some excursions included)

CHARLOTTES WEB!!

Presented by JASPER ACTS in their second year…

Tickets online or at Tekarra!
$10 | $5 for youth and seniors

The SQUARE link to online: https://jasper-community-habitat-for-the-arts.square.site/product/charlotte-s-web/WR2D37OLBJYXULQH6TCUAEZC?cs=true&cst=custom

The JLCC is always busy…watch the Library offerings, check the online community calendar at the Municipal website

OR

Drop by the heART of Jasper and see what happens inside the JLCC!!

March welcomes Pascale Robinson as she presents three Sundays of painting classes. There might still be a few seats available. Contact Pascale soon as the classes start on the 15th!

You might also want to follow Pascale on FB…

JASPER ACTS returns to the stage…
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
MAY 1-3
FRIDAY night, SATURDAY night, SUNDAY afternoon!
Adults $10, Seniors and Youth $5
https://jasper-community-habitat-for-the-arts.square.site/product/charlotte-s-web/WR2D37OLBJYXULQH6TCUAEZC?cs=true&cst=custom

2026 is the International Year of the Volunteer!
And as volunteer month approaches you might want to consider becoming a volunteer at Habitat!

National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026) is a nationwide celebration led by Volunteer Canada every April that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes volunteerism across the country.

Canadians reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. It encourages people from all backgrounds to “Find Your Thing” — discovering personal ways to contribute, whether through local events, grassroots initiatives, or ongoing volunteer commitments.

VOLUNTEER CANADA LINK : https://ivy26.ca/share-your-story/

Volunteer Canada wants your volunteer story! (And I know our volunteers have a few!) Including the one that sent us an email last week about how happy they are to have found such an inclusive space in Jasper!

Need to try something new???

Pam is back in Jasper and is hosting a one off workshop!
March 25th…try your hand at watercolour crystals.
Contact Pam to register

ABOUT TOWN:

Jasper Museum is hosting a Ukrainian Sunday this weekend. March 15
Ursadie Lair has an evening of Irish tunes for St Patrick’s Day this Saturday. March 14
The Winter Scavenger Photography Hunt is still on until March 23.
There are still a few weeks of movies left…tonight and March 25.
Need to laugh…the Legion TONIGHT!

What is Habitat up to?
We are prepping (seems like we are always prepping!) for the end of Madame Vanessa’s 2025 Winter Art School. The annual Exhibition will take over the Habitat and run from April 6-17.
Our event planner is busy booking vendors for the Mothers Day Fair May 10th. If you want a table let us know!
Piano and guitar lessons continue.
Our letter to the Canadian Arts Coalition supporting the advocacy work undertaken by all of us - that is grounded in the shared belief that together we strengthen the arts and culture of Canada - is almost ready to send! (big thanks to all the Red Cross funding that has flowed into Jasper in the past 20 months…it has greatly boosted Jasper’s creative community!)

SUMMER CAMPS!! Ages 9-12
Ms Tina returns…and Grace will offer a theatre games/nature arts camp!
Ask us anything.

WHAT is truly exciting is the energies building towards YAH…

Youth Art Hope

A gathering for youth in May, a collaboration of workshops, talks, and hands-on experiences…that intersects with our natural environment, climate, mental health, and creativity (of course!).

Registration and information on costume making, theatre tickets, guest speakers, felting a creature, pottery…a Masquerade Ball! and more is building in partnership with the Library and school…

Want to be part of YAH…we shall have a display at Habitat soon where you can sign up to volunteer or add your ideas!

Adults are welcome to join the YAH weekends…IF THERE IS ROOM!

While this is a nice vibrant image created by AI…its not something we want to use…lets get our young artists to create something for us!
Send concepts based on ‘our natural environment, climate, mental health, and creativity’ to habitatforthearts at gmail dot com … we pay our artists!

Got something arts and culturally related coming up?
We will share your news.

One program is over…and its time for more!
We have been approached to see if - once again - we can bring some wellness through art to community. This time to work on climate anxiety and youth. Many of our young people are carrying a quiet but persistent eco-anxiety — a mix of grief, uncertainty, and fear about the future of the place they call home.

As part of a broader community recovery week, we are developing a youth-focused weekend devoted to climate, creativity, and wellness. We are inviting those whose work intersects with climate, environment, mental health, and creative practice to join us in Jasper for a collaborative weekend of workshops, talks, and hands-on experiences. Our hope is to revive the spirit of the ACTION group that once empowered young people here — reminding them that change begins with informed, collective steps.

Habitat will have host an initial meeting space to start on Monday March 9th at 10AM. If you cannot make that time…there will be a display and sign up / information table for you to engage with in the Habitat lobby.
All input will make this weekend a success!

If you would like to help with this May 8/9 weekend please contact Habitat

ART FOR LUNCH anyone?
Mondays we screen films for you…last one was HAIDA MODERN based on the carvings of west coast artist Robert Davidson.

Monday March 9th we will screen Petroglyphs to Pixels with a story on Alan Syliboy - a Mi'kmaq artist, author, filmmaker and musician whose subjects often revolve around family and traditions as well as the plight of Indigenous people. There is a note on this 22 minute film that it may have sensitive material to some.

Alan Syliboy is one of the artists we have brought into the ‘Smallest Giftshop’. His Humpback Journal!

Pascale Robinson is presenting three midday Sunday workshops in March….to register contact Habitat or Pascale! March 15 and 22 and 29
habitatforthearts at gmail dot com

‘Artwork of Pascale Robinson’ is on Facebook.
Landscapes Bears and Slopes!

On March 8th you are invited to stop by the Habitat from 1-3pm and carve into a tile of clay…press your pets paws or simply design a new spoon rest or a mini hanging for the wall.

Cost is $10 for the firing…this makes the tile ready for your paint. It is drop-in - and its ok to bring the cat or dog for a quick impression!! We will have 25 tiles ready for imprinting…if you miss out…we will do this again.

Yes its a blurry image…but its a concept! If you have kids or pets…make a hanging!

ABOUT TOWN

If you have arts related things to share…we will share them!

SAVE THE DATE!!
May 1 OR May 2 OR May 3!
Jasper Acts presents YEAR TWO - a production of Charlottes Web…tickets will be for sale online soon and at our favourite ticket outlet…Tekarra Photo! SOOOON

On to March!

AND
In March you can take a three week series with her.
Space is limited so register soon!

Our neighbours at the Library invite you to an Open House on Friday Feb 20th.

Exploring the library's role during the first year of recovery; researchers from UBC collaborated with the library's director to guide staff and volunteers in a series of participant-led photo documentation - photovoice. The project captures experiences, challenges & supports a greater understanding of the Library's contribution in long-term recovery from the 2024 wildfire, both in the community, organization & to envision that role in the years to come.

Our neighbours at the ACFA have lots going on…a full weekend of workshops. Looking forward to Cabane Sucre!

Le mois de mars (mois de la francophonie) arrive à grands pas, et avec lui, notre traditionnelle cabane à sucre! Nous sommes heureux de vous annoncer la présence de Joël Lavoie et Dominic Plamondon, qui seront là pour nous faire danser et célébrer tous ensemble!

15h - Spectacle de Circomedy
17h - Souper traditionnel et tire sur neige
18h - Spectacle de Joël Lavoie et Dominic Plamondon: Multi‑Purpose Hall – Jasper Activity Center
Événement familial

FOLLOW ACFA JASPER on Facebook for all kinds of updates!

And if you should be in Banff check out the Flying Canoe Volant! Inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and shaped by French Canadian, First Nations, and Métis traditions, this enchanting winter festival transforms Central Park into a glowing landscape of light, story, music, and movement. Wander illuminated pathways, discover interactive artworks, and feel the spirit of winter come alive through creative expression…YES PLEASE!

Over the past 19 months, as Jasper has navigated an extended period of rebuilding, arts-based programming has played a meaningful role in supporting community wellness, connection, and recovery. A significant portion of community support funding, including many of the resources distributed through the Red Cross, has been directed toward arts-related activities — a clear reflection of the impact that such programs have during such times.

We have seen firsthand how investment in arts and culture contributes not only to economic vitality, but also to the health and wellbeing of residents, particularly in moments of disruption and recovery. The outcomes of the recent investments strongly reinforce the case for support for Jasper arts and cultural programs, affirming the positive role arts and culture continue to play in community.

As the JLCC heads into its 10th anniversary (the building opened its doors in fall 2016) watch for more community programming as we continue to contribute to our health and wellbeing through art!

We have a few more seats at the tables for Denise Lefevre’s workshop on Sunday! You do need to register…this class is part of the TWO COMMUNITIES ~ ONE heART series sponsored by the Red Cross. Adults 13+ Email us!

We post our events as they grow… https://www.facebook.com/arthabculturelabs/events

We share events if you have any you would like shared…

MOTHERS DAY ARTISAN FAIR is coming May 10th…if you are an artist/artisan, baker, photographer, potter…contact jaspervendorsmarket at gmail dot com soon.

The Pathfinders will be there again with their ‘cafe’ - bring mom for tea and some amazing treats….

AND
Art Laurenson is back! Watch for his next GLASS & RESIN workshop!
Scarlett was in and our next FOR THE LOVE of evening might be FOR THE LOVE of MEXICO!

Elena continues to offer a safe and inclusive space to be creative on Sunday evenings at 6pm at Habitat. Art for Lunch is on for Feb 23 Monday at noon…and Jennifer is back on Jan 23 evening for JUNK JOURNALING!

Become a creature of Habitat!

Case in point: the wonderful little art supply shop tucked beneath the Raven Bistro. One of our very favourite places to “accidentally” shop for ourselves, Three Sheets is packed with inspiring supplies — the kind that make you start a new project before you’ve even left the store!

Or the popup seacan village that has one seacan dedicated to artists. It’s also a place to sometimes encounter the work of Jennifer Ottaway, whose pieces capture the rhythms of everyday life in Jasper, and Beth McLachlan, whose art reflects her narrative of Jasper as it continues to recover and reimagine itself. Their works can often be experienced at the Pop-Up Village.
Beth McLachlan of ELM Contemporary has an exhibit coming up in February.

And sometimes walking around Jasper feels like a scene out of the Vinyl Cafe…friendly shops, dog walkers, cafes full of friends…maybe one day a week should be dedicated to walking about!

That way we can find out what workshops or skills people want to build on…like costume making or puppetry or upcycling clothing…if you have something you want to share or know of someone who would be great at teaching that - the space is here. The Habitat exists to give the arts space! (it says so right on our website!)

And here are a few things coming up…

Even though the film HAIDA MODERN is slated for Monday Feb 16 - and the JLCC is closed…we will be here. Tea will be on…

FOR THE LOVE OF TAIWAN will be something NOT to miss. Kiwii will share her love of the arts and where her creativity comes from!! And as with every culture night we ask the presenter to share a culinary ‘art’ taste…treats!

Other workshops in the JLCC…watch the ACFA Jasper page, the Jasper Library and the Jasper Artists Guild page on Facebook!

We are beginning to get peeks online at whats coming to a Jasper stage in May!
Charlotte’s Web by Jasper Acts!
Your favourite youth actors are at it again (well actually they have been ‘at it’ for several months) getting ready to entertain us again.

Tickets will go on sale ONLINE soon…and of course you can always buy them at Tekarra (if you want to help the troupe save the online fees)

THERE are a few seats left in this amazing afternoon of art and friends, catered by the Gourmet Kettle and supporting the kitties of the Hinton Spay & Neuter Society…what more could you ask for in a midday paint party?
Transit passes are available … contact habitatforthearts at gmail dot com sooooon!

As always…we want everyone to know what goes on in this amazingly creative community(s)…send us what you are up….we will share!

2026 marks the 10th year since the grand opening of the JLCC.
Just putting this out there…as the planning begins.

February events at Habitat include a return of the ‘FOR THE LOVE OF’ series starting with an evening to hear about the arts & culture of Taiwan with Kiwii.

Kiwii is one of the instructors at Habitat. Having a solid background in the arts from Taiwan she often hosts art workshops in charcoal or suncatchers - or making spoon rests for the animal shelter! You might have also seen her art on the smiling faces at Canada Day or theatre productions as she does face painting as well.

Perhaps journaling is something you would like to try…Jennifer is hosting two JUNK JOURNALING workshops this month. Like art journaling, there is no “one size fits all” definition for what a junk journal really is.

Junk journals can vary from person to person, but most of them do share one primary characteristic: The journal is made with mostly a mix of found and recycled materials. And Habitat has a lot of those!

There is no cost to join Jennifer for the workshop, there are some very special junk journal kits from Shelley May ‘The Metis Mama’ that are $10, but there is lots of FREE found and recycled materials for use as well! This workshop is for all ages - youth under 10 please bring an adult!

There are two evenings…the 9th and the 23rd!

ART FOR LUNCH is back for Monday February 16. Stop in with your lunch and nourish the creative!! Film for the 16th is HAIDA MODERN, an 80 minute film on Haida carver Robert Davidson. In the 50 years since he carved his first totem pole and saw it raised on Haida Gwaii, Robert Davidson has come to be regarded as one of the world's foremost modern artists. This intimate portrait tells the story of how his work led to the revival of Haida culture.

All of our events and classes are on our FB page…
facebook dot com /arthabculturelabs/events
and listed on the Municipal Community Calendar.

Still time to register for this amazing workshop with RED PEPPER PAINT PARTY!
habitatforthearts at gmail dot com
And thanks to the support of the Red Cross there are transit passes for those who need one. Email us!

While we believe the JLCC is the heART of Jasper - there is more for the creatives in the community - are you aware of the PopUp seacan for artists?

You may use the studio for: (if you meet the criteria)

• Creating, exhibiting, and selling artwork

• Art classes, workshops, or demonstrations

• Community or public art events

  

DETAILS can be found on the Municipal website at jasper-alberta.ca/p/pop-up-village

And artisans/artists looking for outlets to sell their wares…the Jasper Artisan Market at 402 Patricia Street is worth checking out!

All great opportunities for artists and great ways to support local artisans.
Which leads to sharing something from Jasper’s Smallest Giftshop!
(located at Habitat - sandwich board coming soon so you know when the doors are open! We discovered this winter that the fire regulation - that means our door must be closed - has led to some confusion as to when we are actually open for visitors…)

THE SMALLEST GIFTSHOP supports Habitat programming.

And sometimes we have to shuffle programs like the ONE MINUTE film program we had hoped to see this February…it has moved into the future…maybe Culture Days this fall when we celebrate being 10!

Thank you for supporting Jasper arts & culture — your support keeps our doors open, ideas flowing, and creativity rooted in this community.

Ms Tina and Megan return this summer to continue seeking culture throughout the world through art!! Ages 9-12, daily July 6-10 from 10-2…for details you can email us habitatforthearts at gmail dot com….

August dates for Culture Camp are August 3-7.

We just finalized our report to the Muni for the end of 2025. Thanks to an impressive group of volunteers, instructors and culture seekers we saw over 1400 people engaged in everything from a paint class to a theatre show to Bowls with Soul. All of the events at Habitat are community driven and made possible by volunteers.

What stands out to us, when we get into collating all that goes on up here, is the continuity…that has always been Habitat’s strength. Rooted in our history, (15+years!) we exist in the space between change and the human desire to meet it creatively — a space held steady by the artists, volunteers, families, and young people who show up again and again.

As we move into 2026 it is time to note our 10th anniversary in the JLCC is coming! As we celebrate our anniversary this fall, Habitat hopes to sponsor an arts incubator rooted in mountain life, creative resilience, and interdisciplinary practice. While the program itself can help shape artistic practice, it is the mountains that shape why many of us have found ourselves living and creating here in the first place. By providing access to space, mentorship, and technical resources — through short residencies, the development and documentation of original work, or socially engaged projects — the incubator would offer artists time to experiment, collaborate, and respond to change in ways that reflect both place and community.

What? Habitat is and always has existed to give the arts space…to explore experiment and engage…to celebrate being 10 this year we are offering creatives the opportunity to access the arts space to collaborate on the various disciplines and showcase Jasper!

What’s Included:

• Free use of the Habitat big room

• Artist honoraria

• Technical production supports

Program Criteria:

Focus on the following areas:

• Original, inspiring, and innovative ideas of a quality that will push the boundaries of the art form and practice

• Use of collaboration and exchange between artistic disciplines and cultures to address issues of our time and inspire dialogue

• Initiatives that use arts and culture for us to see places where community change can take root.

There will be an evening at Habitat in February 16th at 6pm where you can find out more about this 10th anniversary exploratory arts initiative! Mark your calendar.

To all the potters out there…you are being sought for a commission of espresso and cappuccino cups and possibly more! Please contact 780.931.2207 or inquiresoulsisters at gmail.com soon!

Two new workshops on the horizon…one to work on your journaling with Jennifer…junk journals!

MONDAY FEB 9 and MONDAY FEB 23 at 6pm…ages 10+…under 10 require an adult companion. $10 for the custom junk journal starter packages…no cost for using the mountain of inspiring materials at Habitat.
Drop in and explore!

Elena is also offering an evening of looking forward to spring by creating your own St Brigid cross.
While February 1st is St. Brigid’s Day, a time to celebrate one of Ireland’s most cherished saints and the arrival of spring, we will be creative on Feb 15th at 6PM (lots of time to celebrate spring in Jasper!)

St. Brigid is known as the patroness of healing and protection, and her legacy remains a powerful part of Irish heritage. For centuries, families have marked this day by weaving Brigid’s Crosses from rushes. (we will have a hard time finding rushes in February…so we will be using paper) These crosses were hung in homes and barns to bring blessings and protection for the year ahead.

There is no cost for this evening of paper craft with Elena.

I think congratulations are in order for another memorable evening at JAG…for last Fridays Jasper in January BuzzFest…check out the images on the Jasper Local site. All photos were taken by Jasper photographer Sergio Rodriguez https://www.jasperlocal.com/2026/01/27/jasper-artists-guild-puts-no-limits-on-buzzfest-2026/

Jasper in January has a big weekend lined up…who doesnt love a street party?
I did stop by the ACFA office the other day as their truck of maple syrup arrived for their street booth…who doesnt love maple syrup in the snow?

And for a finale to JinJ? A gathering at the Museum Sunday Feb 1 ‘Meet the Author’

If you have arts or culture related events happening…lets us know. We will share them!

Follow Habitat on Facebook or Instagram, check the community calendar on the Municipal website…or subscribe for a weekly email.

COPY AND PASTE
Send in by email or bring by the Habitat Mon-Sat between 11am and 3pm

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:​

1. Filmmaker must be at least 16 years of age. We will accept films from filmmakers under 16 with parental permissions.

​2. The subject/theme for ONE MINUTE films can be: comedy, horror, documentary, animation, art, narrative, music or sci-fi.

​3. The film must be kept close to 1 minute in length (not including credits which we would like kept to 10 seconds). Film format preferred for submission is MP4.

​4. Content must be suitable for family audiences.

​5.The producer or director must own or hold all rights to the film including music.

​7. The producer or director, by submitting the films, will have agreed to allow TWO COMMUNITIES ~ ONE heART Film Fest the right to broadcast on web and socials. They will be posted online for help awarding the PEOPLES CHOICE awards after public screenings in February in both Hinton & Jasper, for one month.

8. Submissions will be $20 which includes two tickets to the Jasper or the Hinton screening in February 2026. DEADLINE for submissions is end of January 2026

9. Films will be reviewed before screening. Peoples Choice prizes First $200, Second & Third $100 each. Awarded in March 2026 at the same time as the films will be taken off social media.

Name of Film

Name of Filmmaker
(under 16 add name of adult)

Genre of Film

Signature

By signing you agree to the above conditions and Habitat for the Arts and affiliates have been given full approval to screen and post this one minute film as stated in criteria. (under 16 signed by adult)

NOTES: One sentence to represent your film in programs and online information. If you have a screen shot that represents the film you can submit that in jpg form by email.

DATE:

The bench, handcrafted by Shawn Cunningham of Front Step Forge, was donated to the community of Jasper by Bert and Deanna Demeriez, at a tribute evening to Jaspers musical heritage. Deanna is the daughter of Frank Darlow.

Frank Darlow was the artist who brought life to the Jasper Park Band and the Frank Darlow Orchestra. He kept music alive in Jasper for many many years…
The evening included music presented by Peter Filice - the great grandson of Frank Darlow. The silver trombone on the bench is one that Peter plays occasionally in his jazz band.

“Frank’s great grandson, Peter ‘Frank’ Charles Filice, has followed in his great grandfathers footsteps playing Franks 80 year old trombone in celebration of the Darlow Bench at the same age as Frank some 99 years ago!” Sandy Robinson. Sandy is a long standing friend and former Jasper Band member and was instrumental in getting the bench to Jasper and providing the backstory in the form of a binder full of history!

As musicians come and go through Habitat we try to get a photo of them on the bench for Burt and Deanna! Thanks Ray and Shanon for posing!

Want to know more about Jaspers creative history? The Jasper Museum is full of surprises!

This week in Jasper…exhibition at the gallery, all kinds of events coming up through the Jasper ACFA or maybe an evening at the Library suits you better?

OR maybe you want to know more about the One Minute TWO COMMUNITIES ~ ONE heART filmfest that NEEDS your short stories!

Roberta Laurie did a Q&A with organizer David Baker….thanks Roberta and David.

Roberta: Tell me about this 2026 version of the Jasper Short Film Festival.

David: Jasper’s first Short Film Festival was in 2016. Ran for a few years until COVID, and then it was suspended. There’s a lot of organizing and a lot of logistics involved, so it’s been on a back burner ever since.

This year’s One Minute revival of the Jasper Short Film Festival will bring back an important opportunity for Jasperites to share their stories.

Roberta: What is the significance of this year’s theme: Two Communities — One HeART?

David: During the fire in 2024, we were all evacuated. Some of us went to Hinton and some went to Valemount and others as far as Edmonton and beyond. A lot of displaced Jasperites are still in Hinton, and others are still temporarily displaced elsewhere. Jasperists who are back in Jasper are one community. Those who are not yet home are the other, but Jasperites, wherever they are, share one heART.

Roberta: You’re encouraging people to explore a broad range of genres: comedy, music, sci-fi, even horror. How does that fit with “true stories”?

David: We’d like your film to be reflective of your 2025. We’d like it to be reflective of your Jasper, your place in Jasper, but you can be as creative as you want.

You can use animation, you can make a sci-fi story because — it sometimes feels like fictional here. It doesn’t need to be a documentary. It could be artistic, it could be childlike, it could be anything.

It’s a chance to present the ordinary as extraordinary.

Roberta: If people have questions, how can they get in contact?

David: They can email habitatforthearts@gmail.com.

If you are one of the readers of our weekly MuseLetter - chances are you are a creative or love what creatives come up with.
Then you might want to know about an upcoming market for MOTHERS DAY May 10th. Vendors are invited to contact jaspervendorsmarket@gmail.com for more info and an application.

This market will have a Mothers Day Cafe presented by the Girl Guides…if you were at the last one - you will remember the treats!

We have a couple of new items in Jaspers Smallest Giftshop.

Anniversary calendars with the artwork of Barb Brooks and the newest release by Charles Mackesy ‘Always Remember’. I think the sentiment of ‘music coming through when things are broken’ fits with our Darlow family story!

If you have something coming up that you think fits into Jasper arts & culture community news…let us know. We will share it!

Best way to find out what workshops and opportunities exist at Habitat…subscribe to this MuseLetter!

Jasper in January…is almost here!
Some of us can remember when January in Jasper was a ‘sleepier’ time but not anymore! Art and Music and Food and…

One of our favourite musicians ~ Marie Flip-Bergeron ~ will take to a couple of Jasper stages. She will be at the annual Jasper Artists Guild BUZZfest on January 23rd. As well as Jan 22 at Terra Restaurant in the Crimson Hotel…where you can also try some of the ‘culinary art’ as the Poutine Showdown is on again this January!
(is poutine an art??)

And thats how easy it is to get sidetracked by the MOUNTAIN of things that will be happening in the next few weeks…

Marie, as you might know, was instrumental in the past three summers of MUSIC in the PARK. She brought musicians to the CN stage (she couldn’t bear to see an unused stage!) in Commemoration Park on Sundays through the summers. AND as she has ‘retired from Music in the Park’ to pursue her own music…the opportunity to keep the stage and music alive is open to suggestions!? The Municipality and Habitat have arranged for the stage to be used Sundays in July and August to keep the music alive! Send us an email if you want to know more…habitatforthearts at gmail dot com

The JLCC (Jasper Library & Cultural Centre) remains the heART of Jasper. With workshops and music lessons at Habitat, literacy work at the Library, gallery exhibitions at JAG, and cultural experiences at ACFA, there’s always something to inspire.
While we still miss Emilie, a kindred dreamer who has moved on to do wonderful things, ACFA continues to bring the community offerings like game nights and French lessons.

Abonnez-vous au journal Le Franco, c’est gratuit!
Votre journal d’actualité francophone en Alberta depuis 1928!

Coming by the JLCC? You may notice the doors to Habitat are closed this year due to fire regulations. Don’t worry—we’re open!

ONE MINUTE films are still being accepted until the end of January…a screening of these will happen in both communities, an evening in Jasper and an evening in Hinton. Email us for your submission form! I am sure most of us have something to say about 2025!
If you need help with the tech part of a ONE MINUTE film…David Baker is here to answer any questions you might have.

Habitat will be revamping the FOR THE LOVE nights…Kiwii is excited to share the art of Taiwan with us. FOR THE LOVE of nights allow us to see the world through the eyes of our arts and culture…its been a while since we hosted one of these! Looking forward to learning more about Taiwanese art and - best of all - every FOR THE LOVE OF evening comes with a ‘taste’ of!!

Serendipitously…FOR THE LOVE OF TAIWAN night is on Feb 14 from 6-7pm…see you there!

Find out what is happening - watch our FB/Insta posts or the Municipality’s Community Calendar or the Jasper Local events page!

FOLLOW the Jasper Theatre community at JASPER ACTS on FB!!
EVERYONE GETS EATEN BY SHARKS is coming up…

Let us know if there is something you would like to see more of?
TWO COMMUNITIES ~ ONE heART has a paint night with Denise on Feb 22 in Hinton…lots of room - sponsored by the Red Cross. Which image would you like to try??

We also love to connect with artists and events in other places in Alberta…we just got our tickets to NIGHT OF ARTISTS…and friends in Drumheller are in for a treat at the Medalta beehives! (Do you know what the phrase ‘all hell for a basement’ refers to? Its part of Alberta’s clay history!)

Wishing you a year full of making and imagining!

And to get things started we still have Spirit Doll kits by Metis artist Shelley May available for you to join Monday January 12 online! These kits are designed to create a holder for your keys that may not belong to a door anymore. Please ask for a kit before Sunday January 11 so Shelley can add you to the ZOOM.
This is a workshop supported by Red Cross funding.

She has also written a book that we have in Habitat should you like one!

Any Jasper folks temporarily living in Hinton please reach out for a kit…Shelley will connect with you on Monday to do the workshop.

Welcome to MuseLetter 15. We hope it’s served as a touchstone for staying informed and connected this winter. We warmly invite you to share news of any cultural programs you’re developing—community awareness begins with conversation. These two initiatives, in particular, stood out to us.

With 2026 ushering in the Year of the Horse—a time of energy, movement, bold choices, and collective momentum—these offerings feel especially timely.

Sundays at Habitat now include open creative evenings hosted by Elena: bring what you’re working on and create together. Alongside this, the Jasper Movement Collective is building a robust and growing schedule of movement-based classes.

We’re delighted to share that the Friends & Family screening on Boxing Day raised funds for both Habitat for the Arts and the Community Team. Heartfelt thanks to Jasper-born artist Jody Wilson for bringing her story home for the holidays.

Following in the footsteps of last winter’s return of Ryan Davis with his theatre production— we are seeing a continuation of growing connections with artists like Erin Karpluk and Elena Kellis—this feels like a tradition of Jasper creatives circling back to share their stories.

The Bearded Girl is a tender and thoughtful film about the ways we are both shaped by and resistant to family expectations and long-held traditions. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or misunderstood, reminding us that while our struggles may look different, they’re often deeply shared.

We’ll be watching for it in theatres. Congratulations, Jody.

We believe there’s something deeply inspiring about living in Jasper—for painters, storytellers, musicians, and makers of all kinds. Gifts from earlier organizations, including theatre troupes and craft clubs, offer a window into the creative life that has flourished here since the 1950s and ’60s.

(Thats quite the theatre troupe! You might recognize some of the faces…)

And of course long before the 60’s Jasper was home to dance halls and marching bands…we will dig out the photos and story for next week! But if you get to the JLCC and go downstairs you will see a bench dedicated to the Darlow family and probably wonder why! Next week…

Workshops pop up regularly at Habitat! Matricia just wrapped up her rattle-making workshop this week, with more on the way—so stay connected with her on Facebook, or send us a note and we’ll happily make the connection.

Free on Friday afternoons? A workshop with Madame Vanessa might be just the thing. Or perhaps piano or guitar lessons are calling your name.

Linocuts and Junk Journals are on the horizon—and that’s just the beginning. We share updates on the Municipal Community Calendar, Facebook, Instagram, the Jasper Local Events page…and right here.

And please submit your ONE MINUTE film soon for the screenings in February! Our techie - David - is here to help you with any questions! Check out MuseLetter 14 for all the details! And prizes!
(and deadlines…we know…we also love the sound they make as they go by!)

Pop into Habitat anytime—our doors are open daily from 11–7 (and often beyond). Looking for a creative space? We host arts-focused gatherings of all kinds: birthday art parties, film nights, pop-up studios, and more. And if you’re hunting for something special for the creative soul in your life, peek into Jasper’s Smallest Giftshop—a few treasures have landed.

And we are open to suggestions for workshops.

So - as someone said a few years ago…our logo should be - So, what do you want to do?

Happy 2026!
A new year begins—another blank page, another shared studio. Thank you for being part of Habitat: for showing up, creating, gathering, and reminding us that community is an art in itself. Here’s to a year of curiosity, courage, and making together.