WELCOME TO THE VAULT CULTURAL COLLECTIVE
December at The Vault
Western District Historical Society Presents “Media & Communications of Old”
The Vault Cultural Collective is EXCITED to announce a new HISTORICAL EXHIBIT entitled “Media & Communications of Old!” The exhibit was curated by Wanda Reinholdt and inspired by items in their family farm history museum called The Hall of Farm located in John and Wanda’s s home on the Reinholdt Farm near Hussar, Alberta. The exhibit is available for viewing Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm.
It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas!
The Vault Cultural Collective is getting ready for the Christmas season inside and out! Special thanks to Darlene, Donna and June for readying The Vault planters for winter and Gail Ann, Leslie-Jo and Rhonda for decorating The Vault for the holiday season including this beautiful Christmas tree! Our Vault volunteers are the truly the BEST!!
The Town of Strathmore Places 2nd in Participating Mid-Size Communities with a population of 10K -75K in Alberta Culture Days 2025!
INCREDIBLE NEWS! The Town of Strathmore placed 2nd in Participating Mid-Size Communities with a population of 10K -75K in Alberta Culture Days 2025! A huge thank you to all those agencies in Strathmore that offered Cultural events during September and helped showcase Strathmore's vibrant arts, culture and heritage! Thank you to The Vault Cultural Collective, the Strathmore Municipal Library, Wheatland FCSS,
Wheatland Society of Arts, Hope Bridges Society Strathmore & Wheatland County and the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS). Thank you to our AMAZING SPONSORS; Alberta Culture, the Wheatland Wind Project and Elemental Energy! Together we offered an amazing array of events and exhibitions! CONGRATULATIONS to everyone involved in Strathmore's 2025 Alberta Culture Days and THANK YOU to everyone who participated in an event!
Shelly McElroy Presents McKnight: Ace, Warrior, Big Brother
On Friday November 7th, 7 pm, The Vault Speaker Series featured Shelly McElroy presenting McKnight: Ace, Warrior, Big Brother in The Vault Upper Gallery. The audience met the person who gave McKnight Boulevard its name and learned the tender story of this complex young man and his family. This presentation was created with exclusive interviews with the McKnight family and excerpts from a never-before-seen letter from McKnight to his parents. The audience was enthralled can't wait until Shelly McElroy's's book DUNKIRK AND BATTLE OF BRITAIN TOP GUN is released in 2026! Congratulations Shelly, The Vault and all those in attendance are so proud of you!!
Shelly McElroy Featured on CBC Calgary Radio
On Tuesday November 11. Shelly McElroy's research on "Willie McKnight: Ace, Warrior, Big Brother" was featured on CBC Calgary Radio! Congratulation Shelly! The Vault is so excited you research and upcoming book release is being shared with an even wider audience! Your Vault Speaker Series presentation was captivating and we are thrilled your work is getting the recognition it deserves! BRAVO!! The Link to the CBC Calgary interview and story can be found below.
Happy Halloween!
The Vault Cultural Collective was ready for all those big and little Trick and Treaters on Friday October 31st! Special thanks to Michelle Ball, one of our wonderful Vault Volunteers, she was certainly dressed for the occasion! Happy Halloween to all!
The Vault Participates In Downtown After Dark
So many visitors during the Downtown Night Market! Thank you to Strathmore Town Council Candidate Bev Bell for being on hand to chat with our guests about the upcoming election, it was lovely to host you! Thank you to everyone who stopped by, it was a great night at The Vault!
The Vault's 2025 Christmas Campaign
The Vault Cultural Collective's 2025 Christmas Campaign is happening NOW and runs until December 17th! Make a PURCHASE at The Vault, excluding tickets, between November 4th and December 17th and enter a DRAW for one of the MANY CHRISTMAS GIFTS DONATED BY OUR VAULT ARTISTS! The PRIZES will be on display throughout the Christmas Campaign! You can make your Christmas Season even brighter shopping at The Vault! Gift wrapping is included!
Make a Christmas Present Jewellery Workshop
Saturday November 22nd was a great morning at The Vault Cultural Collective! What a great turn out for Katy Langenhoven’s Make a Christmas Present Jewelry Workshop! A big thank you to all who took part, we had ages 5 and up! So much fun! We are really looking forward to more Jewelry Workshops with Katy in the future! Stay tuned!
The Vault Cultural Collective's 2nd Annual Christmas Carol Sing
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! On Friday December 5th join us for the 2nd Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along at 7 pm featuring Brenda le Graff & Friends & The Vault's GP3 Roland Grand Piano in The Vault Cultural Collective Upper Gallery! Christmas Carol lyrics will be provided! Registration is FREE and FUN is guaranteed!! Come and add your voice to the Christmas Carol SING ALONG!
Registration is FREE, TICKETS are available in person at The Vault or online at thevaultonline.ca/collections/tickets.
The Vault Cultural Collective Presents Not Your Average Posy, the Christmas Edition
Join Yvonne Way at The Vault Cultural Collective on Saturday December 6th from 10 am - 12 noon and add to your HOLIDAY decor by creating a Fresh Christmas Wreath or Centerpiece!
The $65 fee includes Instruction and Materials!
Register by November 29th In Person or at thevaultonline.ca/collections/tickets!
Join Roland Dechesne Speaker Series Event, The Astronomy and Cultural Significance of the Longest Night
The long dark nights have once again settled in over Strathmore! Join us on Friday December 19th at 7 pm when The Vault Speaker Series presents Roland Dechesne and The Astronomy and Cultural Significance of the Longest Night! Roland's talk will link Physics and Astronomy with our Physiological and Emotional wellbeing. It will be a Winter Solstice Celebration!
Registration is FREE, TICKETS are available in person at The Vault or online at thevaultonline.ca/collections/tickets.
Strathmore High School Presents HADESTOWN
The Strathmore High School Drama Department will be presenting the Musical HADESTOWN December 13th to 17th at 7 pm and December 13th and 14th at 2 pm in the STRATHMORE HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE! TICKETS are $15 and are now available at The Vault Cultural Collective in person and online at thevaultonline.ca/collections/tickets.
COMING SOON AT THE VAULT CULTURAL COLLECTIVE
The Vault Cultural Collective Event Team is already planning Vault Speaker Series Events for 2026! Here's what's COMING SOON!
"On The Road" with Calgary Sun’s Mike Drew - January 23rd, 7 pm
Francine Cunningham (Southern Alberta Arts Liaison, Consultant for the Canada Council of the Arts - author, poet, craftsperson) - Canada Council Presentation - February 6th, 7 pm
Author Reading with Award Winning Indigenous Author Francine Cunningham – March 6th, 7 pm
2026 Strathmore Performing Arts Festival Instrumental Night - March 18th, 5 pm
Francine Cunningham (Southern Alberta Arts Liaison, Consultant for the Canada Council of the Arts - author, poet, craftsperson) - Canada Council Presentation - April 17th, 7 pm
Katy Langenhoven - Jewelry Making Workshop for the Special Women in Your Life - May 2nd, 10 am - 1pm.
Shelly McElroy - The Road to McKnight Boulevard (Including information about Noel Barlow of Barlow Trail Fame) - November 6th, 2026, 7 pm
What's New At The Vault Cultural Collective
A huge THANK YOU to Cave & Cathy Starling for their generous donation of a very comfy chair and ottoman for the HISTORY CORNER in The Vault’s Lower Gallery. Drop in for a visit, put your feet up and browse through our collection of historical books, newspapers, artwork and more! Thank you Cave and Cathy Starling, we love our new chair!!
The Vault has a new home for its projector and sound system in the Upper Gallery! No more carrying it up our magnificent staircase! The Vault Event Team is very excited it is in the Upper Gallery! A BIG THANK YOU to The Vault Business Team for this new addition!!
Historic Walking Tours of Strathmore & Gleichen Available
Did you know that the Western District Historical Society has developed 3 HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS of Strathmore and one of Gleichen? HOW COOL IS THAT! There is even an App called “On This Spot” available for download at onthisspot.ca/cities/strathmore.
The Vault also has pamphlets available for sale with “before and after” pictures, a map and information about each stop! An awesome summer activity for the whole family!
Ken Seitz - The Vault's Featured December Artist
The Vault Cultural Collective is thrilled to feature Ken Seitz as The Vault's Featured December Artist! All of The Vault's visitors love and are intrigued by Ken's beautiful GLASS Blowing and Sculptures! Congratulations to Ken Seitz, The Vault's Featured December Artist!
NEWS FROM OUR VAULT CULTURAL COLLECTIVE PARTNERS
Arts On 817's Season 8
Arts on 817 has launched Season 8! Season and Individual Tickets are available at The Vault and at smoreuc.com. All Concerts are held at Strathmore United Church.
Arts on 817 will present "Christmas with The Travelling Mabels" on Friday November 28th at 7:30 pm. The Travelling Mabels can hardly contain their excitement as they prepare to enchant audiences with their special Christmas Show! The show will feature two original songs, "Grandma's Kitchen" and "Follow That Star," alongside their heartfelt interpretations of timeless Christmas classics. You can expect to hear their renditions of "Operator" (originally by Manhattan Transfer), "Light Of The Stable" (inspired by Emmylou Harris), "Let It Snow," and a delightful tribute to Vince Guaraldi with their "A Charlie Brown Christmas" medley, which includes "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "O Tannenbaum," "Skating," and the beloved "Linus and Lucy."
Arts on 817 will present ONCUE on Saturday March 7th at 7:30 pm. ONCUE is an a cappella ensemble featuring smooth harmonies and creative arrangements, blended into a unique brand of top-notch entertainment. Their diverse and versatile repertoire has won them many awards and a strong reputation throughout Western Canada and beyond. ONCUE has released 5 albums to date and performs at dozens of events each year. As a professional ensemble of the Youth Singers of Calgary, ONCUE is a leader in the organization, acting as mentors to younger performers and featuring members of YSC's staff, alumni, and community.
The Season Finale will feature Diana Cohen (violin) and Roman Rabinovich (piano) in Recital on Saturday April 25th at 7:30 pm! Praised for her “incredible flair, maturity and insight,” violinist Diana Cohen, Concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, will team up with her husband, Roman Rabinovich, a remarkable pianist, who has performed throughout Europe and the United States in venues such as Wigmore Hall in London, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Centre in New York, the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory, the Cité de la Musique in Paris, and the Terrace Theatre of Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Together they will perform a program that explores the full range of the human condition, from its darkest lows to the bliss of romantic love, and virtuosity will be in full display, a real treat to end Arts on 817's Season 8!
Arts on 817 Opening Acts Return!
During the Arts on 817 upcoming concert season, each concert will begin at 7 pm with an Opening Act featuring young musicians from Strathmore and area. Arts on 817 is proud to support our talented youth!!
Chestermere Fine Art Guild Upcoming Events
The Chestermere Fine Arts Guild has so many events upcoming! Weekly Art Sessions, Bi-weekly Evening Hosted Art Sessions, Monthly Workshops and an Annual Art Show! Check out the Guild's November Art Classes in Chestermere and their November & December Art Exhibition at The Strathmore Library. So much to look forward to! For more information visit www.chestermereart.ca. The Chestermere Art Guild would love to see you at any of their upcoming events!
Strathmore Communities in Bloom Holds Seed & Plant Exchange and Workshop
In these times of increasing food costs, everyone is encouraged to try growing their own food, no matter the size of their outdoor spaces. Join Communities in Bloom and a Master Gardener from the Calgary Horticultural Society for the "Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces' workshop on Saturday, May 3, at 10 - 11:30 am. Following the presentation, trade plants and seeds with fellow gardeners. All indoor and outdoor plants and seeds are welcome; the exchange runs until 3 pm. The event will be held at the Strathmore Municipal Library.
Hope Bridges Society's Ultimate Backyard BBQ Raffle
Congratulations to Mary Risseeuw for winning the 'Ultimate Backyard BBQ' Raffle Prize valued at $2,500!
Mary has been a long-time supporter of Hope Bridges Society, and we are pleased to see such a wonderful and deserving supporter win.
Thank you to all our sponsors and to everyone who purchased raffle tickets.
The Strathmore Theatre Players' Guild Presents A Christmas Carol
The Strathmore Theatre Players Guild in partnership with the Strathmore Community Choir under the leadership of Marvin Gill will be presenting A Christmas Carol beginning November 27, 2025. This adaptation by Lynn Stevens integrates well loved Christmas Carols throughout the play. The shows will run for three weekends starting November 27. Tickets will be available soon and all performances will be held at Hope Community Covenant Church.
Strathmore Performing Arts Festival 2025
Congratulations to all the 2025 Strathmore Performing Arts Festival performers nominated to participate in the Alberta Music Festival Association's 2025 Provincial Music Festival! So many GREAT performances! Congratulations to all the SPAF 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place winners and to Sebastien Curran, Sarah Taylor and Wynn Phung for been nominated to perform in the Canada West Performing Arts Festival July 24 -26 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!
Do you want to relive the 2025 Strathmore Performing Arts Festival? Why not check out the two videos below or visit strathmorepaf.com for all the latest information regarding the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival 2025 and 2026!
When we care, things happen. Thanks to each of you in our fantastic community! Our 10th Anniversary Gala SOLD OUT in just 14 days!! Still interested in supporting us? Farming for Hospice acres sales are ongoing AND silent auction bidding will be available soon to everyone. Community matters. Hospice matters.
The Wheatland Society of Arts Winter Programs
The Wheatland Society of Arts has released its Autumn Courses, Workshops and Programs Guide for September, October and November and it is available at The Vault! For more information contact programming@wheatlandarts.ca, visit www.wheatlandarts.ca or call 403 934 6665.
Wheatland Quilters Launches Raffle
The Wheatland Quilters' Guild has launched their 2025 Quilt Raffle! This year's Quilt Raffle prize will be the beautiful Queen Size Quilt pictured. Proceeds from the Raffle will go towards purchasing fabric, batting and backing for comfort quilts that the Wheatland Quilters' Guild donates to various charities.
Tickets are $2 each or a book of 10 for $20. Tickets can be purchased at The Vault Cultural Collective or by emailng wheatlandquilters@gmail.com. The 2025 Quilt Raffle Draw Date was August 4, 2025
Thank you for your support of the Wheatland Quilters' Guild!
Western District Historical Society's Legacy Farm Sunflower Patch
The Western District Historical Society hosted their community fall pumpkin harvest on Thursday October 9th (just ahead of the snowy weather that moved in on the weekend). In addition to the pumpkins, the last of our sunflowers were cut as well. The winner of the door prize photo donated by Dan Hendricks was Zoe Conti. All in all, 2025 was a very successful year for our project. Hope to see you all again next year! 🎃 🌻 🎃🌻
Strathmore's Youth Theatre Company Announces Auditions
AUDITION ALERT!
Auditions for The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood are happening at the end of November 2025! We’re looking for performers ages 8 and up to join our merry band for this delightfully silly spin on the classic legend. Rehearsals start February 2026, with performances running April 24–May 10. No experience needed — just bring your energy, enthusiasm, and a readiness for adventure (and maybe a few bad puns).
Follow this link to sign up for an audition! https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSd8kcnpsJR.../viewform...
Don’t miss your chance to join the fun and become part of our Sherwood shenanigans!
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge Treaty 7 territory—the traditional and ancestral territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani and Siksika as well as the Tsuu T’ina Nation and Stoney Nakoda First Nation. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland.
We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us.
We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.
Other Information About The Vault
RENTAL SPACE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE VAULT
The Vault Cultural Collective invites other non-profit organizations and the public to consider renting space at The Vault for meetings, demonstrations, small social gatherings or special events.
We are willing to make our open area second floor gallery, the Vault board room, or for that very special event, the whole building, available for short term rental.
Share in the enjoyment of meeting in an historic building and gallery!
Please come visit us to learn more about our space available for rent! To view the space in person and discuss your rental needs, please visit us at the Vault during operating hours.
Gift Certificates Available
The Vault Cultural Collective now has Gift Cards available online and Gift Certificates available at the store! The perfect gift for that special someone!
Donations are Welcome
Are you interested in donating to the Vault Cultural Collective?
PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION
The VAULT Cultural Collective is a non-profit organization founded in 2021. We exhibit work by Local ARTists and ARTisans and are a Collective for all things Cultural. If you Love ART and the ARTS, please consider a Monetary Donation in your name or in the name of another ART Lover.
If you know someone who enjoys the ARTS, please forward this site.
All donations are Gratefully Accepted.
Donations can be e-transferred to:
thevaultcc2021@gmail.com
or
Visit us at The Vault, you will be glad you did!
The Vault Cultural Collective
136 2nd Avenue
P.O. Box 2163
Strathmore, Alberta, Canada
T1P 1K2
Phone: 403-901-1654
Email: thevaultcc2021@gmail.com
Website: thevaultonline.ca
Vault Memberships Available
The Vault Cultural Collective is now recruiting members! However you are connected to Arts & Culture or Local History in Strathmore and area, we welcome you to join our Collective! For more information or to purchase a membership visit The Vault at 136 2nd Avenue, phone 403 901 1654, email thevaultcc2021@gmail.com or visit thevaultonline.ca. Become a member of The Vault Cultural Collective, there is strength in numbers!
Location
The Vault Cultural Collective
136 2nd Avenue, Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1K2
(Beside Value Drug Mart)
(403) 901-1654
thevaultcc2021@gmail.com
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday - Monday: Closed