Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

A different take on KidzArt Dayz

Two Rivers Gallery ’s KidzArt Dayz look a little different this year as it takes place until August 8. This special annual event will see the public engaged through a free printmaking project inspired by the Michif language.
Kidz Art Dayz
KidzArt Dayz is centred around a community engagement art project this year.

Two Rivers Gallery’s KidzArt Dayz look a little different this year as it takes place until August 8.

This special annual event will see the public engaged through a free printmaking project inspired by the Michif language.

The Mîtawîtân (Let’s Play!) event is led by Catherine Ruddell who is a printmaker and textile artist.

“KidzArt Dayz is at the heart of what we do here at Two Rivers - bringing people together to imagine and build together,” Sara Knelman, executive director of Two Rivers Gallery, said. “Though we aren’t able to have the full event our community has come to love this year, we are thrilled to be able to invite everyone of all ages to engage in this creative community art project - we can’t wait to see what you make!”

All members of the community are invited to participate to learn how to make homemade stamps.

Ruddell an artist of Métis descent who is from the ancestral lands of the Dane-zaa in Treaty 8 Territory, which is Fort St. John, BC.

She is learning the Michif language and wanted to share the language with people in a creative way.

Ruddell likes to use her artistic talent as a way to promote learning and communication.

“Because culture and language are so connected, I am starting to incorporate it in my creative work to continue to learn and engage with new words,” Ruddell said. “When people learn I am Metis, they ask if I speak French, but not if I speak Cree or Michif. Speaking with Elder Stella Johnson about this art project connected me to the community, as we learned our families are from the same area of Northern Alberta. I am very grateful for her time and words of encouragement for this project.”

People can pick up a free print kit developed by Ruddell, which includes two Michif language cards describing summer activities, and materials for three different types of stamps. Learn how to make stamps from string, fun-foam, and cardboard, and use the Michif language cards for inspiration.

People can then bring two unique stamps to the gallery to be part of an installation for the Rustad Galleria walls.

Print kits are available for free at the Two Rivers Gallery, Huble Homestead, and The Makerie.

The schedule:

Until June 29 create three stamps, test one and save two for the installation. Everyone is encouraged to share their test prints on social media and be sure to use the tags @tworiversgallery and #KidzArtDayzInTheCommunity

From June 29 to July 3 bring two stamps to the gallery to be part of the installation.

People can see the installation from July 11 to August 8.