Bring the whole family to Art in Motion!

🕛 12–5 PM | 📍 First Street Downtown

Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon the kids will love! Start your adventure at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, then stroll down First Street to explore a world of creativity. Watch artists in action, make your own masterpieces at hands-on stations, and browse unique finds at the Open Air Art Market.

Enjoy live music, dance and cultural performances, and join in playful activities led by local community groups. With something for every age, Art in Motion is the perfect way to celebrate art, movement, and family fun—right in the heart of downtown!

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✨ What You’ll Find:

                                                                                            🎨 Hands-On Art & Creative Play

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• Window painting (paint-by-numbers & freestyle)       

• Giant pendulum painting

• Bubble gallery (mini art takeaway)    

• Selfie doodle station

• Community painting & tree gallery

• Box sculpture

• Yarn bombing & fibre art fun

• Graffiti wall with Jeff Goring

• Live painting by Medicine Hat Mural Fest and the featured artists are as follows:

• Teanna Church Medicine Hat painter, designer, and muralist, Teanna creates vibrant works that brighten both private and public spaces. Her downtown Medicine Hat mural, often described as a “bouquet of hope,” reflects her ability to combine bold colour with uplifting themes. Teanna’s work continues to weave art into the everyday landscape of the city.  

•  Andrew Robertson Based in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Andrew Robertson is a self-taught artist who began painting during night shifts as a youth worker. His murals and paintings can be found across southwest Saskatchewan, including a large-scale piece at the Shaunavon Hospital & Care Centre. Andrew’s practice is rooted in storytelling, community connection, and an energetic, expressive style.       

•  Kari Kanvas Known for her eclectic creativity, Kari Kanvas works across painting, murals, prints, and “oddities.” Her practice blends detailed illustration with bold composition, resulting in immersive artworks that enliven both indoor and outdoor spaces. Kari has been active in Medicine Hat’s arts scene, bringing her unique touch to custom commissions and public art.   

•  Niko A Medicine Hat graffiti artist recognized for his signature “dino” tag, Niko’s work is playful, bold, and rooted in street art culture. He has contributed to numerous community-based art projects, using his creativity to bring vibrancy and youth-driven energy to public spaces. His art extends beyond tagging, highlighting the positive role graffiti can play in shaping local identity.

•  Ish is a digital artist with a passion for anime. Recently has been taking his art from the computer to the streets. Originally form Nigeria, Ish's art has been a great edition to Medicine Hat and his art career is only growing.        

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                                                                                        🎶 Live Performances & Entertainment

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• Saamis Immigration Cultural Catwalk

A multicultural fashion show where heritage meets contemporary style.

📅 Showtimes: 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM

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 • Roving Acts Everywhere – stilt walkers, jugglers, and magician tricks keeping the streets buzzing with surprises

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Stage Locations:

• Music Stage outside the Esplanade  

• Family Stage behind the Medicine Hat Public Library

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🏒 NEW: Sticks on First

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From 5th Ave to City Hall, the street becomes a high-energy ball hockey arena:

• Large-scale 10-team, 4-on-4 round-robin tournament
• Non-stop action and community spirit
• Fundraising in support of the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta

Come cheer on the players and feel the energy of street hockey in the heart of downtown!

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                                                                                                    🏰 Get Moving With

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• Foam pit & bounce houses
• Colour water & paint fight – White T-shirts recommended!
• AIM & Seek scavenger hunt
• Sway Aerial Fitness demos
• Hula from the Heart (hula hoop fun)
• Obstacle course
• Face painting
• Local Resource Fair by The Mustard Seed

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🛍️ Shop, Eat & Relax

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• 40+ Local vendors and makers in the Street Market

• Food trucks and outdoor eatery

• Pop-up parks seating & yard games

• Face painting and family friendly zone

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                                                                                                      📚 Medicine Hat Public Library at AIM

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Library Fun Zone (Outside MHPL)

• Hearts in Motion (collaborative art project) - Add your voice to a growing community garden of messages! Write a thought, wish, or word of kindness on a colourful heart, attach it to a skewer, and plant it in the ground. Watch the field bloom with shared creativity and connection—all part of this collaborative art installation at Art in Motion.

• Library favourites like Giant Board Games
• Ping Pong Table – play with paddles modeled after the iconic Finlay Bridge, created by artist Adam Lefebvre.

Library Activities (Inside MHPL)

• Big Blue Blocks (Honor Currie Room) – 12:00–4:30 PM
• Lego Zone (Legion Room) – 12:00–4:30 PM
• Teen Mural Project (ages 13–19) (Honeycomb House) – 2:00–4:00 PM
  Contribute your art to a collaborative mural that will be displayed after the festival! Draw original characters, pop culture faves, animals, or add inspirational words—everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level.

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🏛 Step Inside

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The fun doesn’t stop at the street:

• In Time – Unlock the Past. One Clue at a Time.(Ewart-Duggan House)

‍Step inside the historic house and into a live mystery with In Time by Live History. Part immersive theatre, part interactive quest—this drop-in, come-and-go experience (12–5 PM) invites you to meet curious characters, uncover hidden clues, and explore a story that unfolds around you. Great for all ages.

• Local Arts & Pottery hosted by Hat Art Club & Potter's Association (2nd floor of the Esplanade)

• Glitter tattoos - Made4Me

• Medicine Hat Woodcarvers

• Hands-on art & demonstrations with local organizations and artists

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• Daisy Chains with Danielle Piper (Gallery Foyer) - Against the backdrop of the travelling exhibition ReconciliACTIONS, join artist Danielle Piper to bead your own daisy chain bracelets and necklaces. While you create, discover the cultural significance of flower beadwork and its role in Indigenous traditions.

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• Forever Grasslands – Colin Starkevich (Gallery Foyer) - Against the backdrop of Colin Starkevich’s exhibition Forever Grasslands, join the artist in the Gallery during Art in Motion as he live paints and shares his inspiration. Explore the exhibition through a scavenger hunt and discover the beauty of Alberta’s prairie landscapes and wildlife.

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See You Downtown!