Community Art Days coming back to downtown Prince George

Two Rivers Gallery’s BMO Community Art Days are coming back this summer.

The event focuses on community growth and features free art activities, artist workshops, live music and performances, community booths, food trucks, and local artisan vendors in Canada Games Plaza in downtown Prince George.

This free, all-ages event is set to take place Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BMO Community Art Days is inviting many performers, including Paul de Guzman, an artist practicing in both Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and Vancouver.

de Guzman is excited to share “laro na tayo - let’s play,” a project that engages the general public in a pre-colonial childhood game popular in the Philippines.

The game is called "sipa" and is similar to hacky sack. Those who participate in the game can enjoy about two hours of play and meaningful conversation with Paul about the Filipino-Canadian experience. Play times start at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. both days of the event.

The stage will also showcase talent from northern B.C,. including Far From Linear and Scott LaPointe. Folks can also enjoy art activities hosted by Prince George organizations, artists, and Two Rivers Gallery.

There will also be activities like table tennis and train rides on the BC Railway museums’ Cottonwood Express.

BMO Community Art Days has been a staple event in Prince George for over 30 years and shows just how much fun can be had when the community comes together.

“It is a privilege to host BMO Community Art Days. Beyond promoting art, we hope to promote a healthy, loving, and inclusive place to celebrate community. We can’t wait to share it with everyone,” said Sofia Comas, Two Rivers Gallery’s Director of Learning & Engagement.

In addition to the variety of activities and performances at BMO Community Art Days, this event will also mark the opening of a new exhibition in the Galleria.

It is a collaborative installation between Two Rivers Gallery and The Makerie, called “Greening the Gallery,” which will see the Gallery transformed into a whimsical greenhouse filled with paper foliage created by members of the community.

“We are so excited to be part of BMO Community Art Days by kicking off a creative installation crafted by the community. We love nothing more than seeing people of all ages having fun and leaning into the wonder of the creative process and its magical results,” said Kim Hayhurst, owner of The Makerie.

Hayhurst will be in attendance both days of BMO Community Art Days to help participants create their own plants and add their contributions to the installation.

This event is also free and open to all to attend.