This is an archived event from Culture Days 2025.
Images
Abbotsford Says Hello - an inclusive community art project!
In-person
Intercultural Visual arts Painting Writing & literature Kids Poetry & spoken wordDate and time
Location
Open Space Gallery (33765 Essendene Ave.)
33765 Essendene Avenue
Abbotsford, BC
Access
Free, and accepts optional pay-what-you-may donations for admission.
Offered in English.
Wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral washrooms.
About
We would love for you to join us for the 2 year Celebration of Open Space on September 27th, 10 - 2pm.
We are excited to be unveiling a Community Art Project called “Abbotsford Says Hello”, where we are bringing together the well more than 116 languages, and 167 countries, represented in Abbotsford in one artwork collage of a flower garden.
You are invited to write Hello in your native language on a petal, painted at one of our kids painting sessions, which will come together in the colourful and vibrant final artwork reflecting our beautiful city. This project is being created by talented local artist Linda Klippenstein, and supported by Open Space Art Coordinator Olivia Harks and Community Engagement Rupi Kanda-Rajwan of the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association.
We are thrilled to be welcoming Stephanie Ohlmann to the day's activities - whose research at the UFV - “It Starts With Hello” - uncovered that there are now more than 116 languages spoken in Abbotsford, and what these languages are. Learn about her new children’s book “Hello Abbotsford” while exploring the interactive audio buttons to discover the many ways to say Hello in our city, and see how a single “hello” can make a difference!
Activities are available by donation. Registration is required due to limited capacity.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Links
- Registration Link eventbrite.ca
Organizer
Open Space
Strategically placed in the heart of downtown Abbotsford, the Open Space provides a cultural hub for local artists and businesses, building collaborations and cross-pollination to benefit both sectors of Abbotsford. The adaptable 1500 square-foot Open Space offers a venue for curated artists’ exhibits & workshops, micro-events, small business support programs, and vendor space for local entrepreneurs and artisans.
This event is part of a hub:
City of Abbotsford: Hub of the Fraser Valley
City of Abbotsford Abbotsford, BCJoin the City of Abbotsford and our partners, as we host a series of free, interactive, and family friendly Culture Days programming and events across the City.