In a continued effort to connect artists of all genres and levels of experience with the greater Milton community, Arts Milton will host the 6th Annual Milton Culture Days this fall on September 28-30, 2018. This three day event is part of the national Culture Days program, in which cities and towns all across Canada are invited to interact with the arts and culture in their community. In Milton, 70+ free activities at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton will let attendees get hands-on and behind the scenes in September!

The weekend kicks off with a high energy Opening Reception Party from 7-10 PM on September 28th in the MinMaxx Hall at the Arts Centre. This event is open to the public, but also acts as a way for Activity Organizers to let loose before their workshops and events over the weekend. Attendees will be invited to participate in bhangra dance instruction by Bollywood West Dance Studio, and move along to the beats of the dhal drum. Following this, guests will enjoy a rhythmic drumming performance by members of Akwaba Cultural Exchange. DJ Zoomer will take over for the remainder of the evening as participants enjoy drinks, appetizers and door prizes.

Though most Culture Days activities take place within a one to two hour time span, Arts Milton’s Annual Community Project stretches over the entire weekend! Each year, finished murals are hung with pride on the walls of the Arts Centre. This year, Arts Milton and FirstOntario Arts Centre artist Angela Ferguson invite all ages to contribute to a collective creation using simple materials such as variegated wood shapes and house paints.

ArtHouse for Children and Youth will also lead a community project which invites participants to contribute to a series of mosaics. Instructor Elena Martoglio will teach children and youth to cut, position and adhere stones and found objects within her cohesive vision.

Back again this year is the Artist at Work Stage in the Arts Centre Escarpment Hall. Over the course of the Milton Culture Days weekend, six local artists will take to the stage to create their art live. 2018 artists include abstract and collage artist Barbara Ariss, muralist and painter Aparna Rangnekar, and cartoonist Rabia Shahzad. In addition, Christa Strong from Ce Ce’s Cupcakes will decorate a multi-tiered cake, and Harold Molera from Sabong Tatoo Club will complete a series of traditional tattoo drawings.

Highlights at this year’s festival include the return of the Dusk Till Dawn Cosplay Masquerade – a full fashion show featuring elaborate handmade costumes from cosplayers all over the GTA. New To Milton Culture Days is comic magician Jason Palter, who will not only wow the crowds, he’ll have them in hysterics as well!

Below are a selection of activities, but for the full list visit www.artsmilton.com/programs/culture-days

For Littles
CRASH Rhythm
SEPT 30, 2-3 PM
Kids will join Hilary Whiskin for a collaborative bucket drumming session outdoors.

Ukelele Lesson
SEPT 30, 2-4 PM
The Milton Academy of Music hosts a colourful ukulele lesson for beginner musicians.

Cupcake Decorating
SEPT 30, 12-2 PM
M5 Bakes ushers in autumn with a campfire themed cupcake decorating class.

For Big People
Paper Cutting
SEPT 30, 2-4 PM
Yun’s Art Studio invites a small group of crafters to learn the fine art of paper cutting

Qigong Class
SEPT 29, 3-4 PM
Learn this traditional Chinese exercise with Shaolin Temple Quanfa Institute.

Paper Flower Making
SEPT 30, 12-2 PM
Holly Dionisi from Fleurish will teach participants how to create their own 3D paper flower.

For Families
Board Game Afternoon
SEPT 30, 12-2 PM
An all ages invitation to play a variety of board games with Milton Geek Guild.

Maestro for a Minute
SEPT 29, 10 AM-12 PM
Take the baton and lead the Milton Concert band through a piece of music!

Traditional South Asian Dance
SEPT 30, 3-4 PM
The South Asian Mommies of Milton will wow with a traditional costumed dance performance.

Photos by: Ryan Tonegawa and Sarah Arfan

Write A Comment