WELCOME TO THE VAULT CULTURAL COLLECTIVE
October at The Vault
The Vault Cultural Collective - A Beautiful Beacon of Arts & Culture In Strathmore & Area
Visit The Addams Family Costume Display For Halloween
From October 21st to November 1st, visit The Vault Cultural Collective's Upper Gallery to see a Costume Display from the highly successful Strathmore Theatre Players' Guild's production of The Addams Family! If you didn't see the show, come and look at what you missed, and if you did, relive the fun created by the spooky, crazy family and some of their ancestors, through a close-up look at their costumes! A great Halloween event for the whole family!
Kenton Zandee Presents Adult Travels With Go Ahead Tours
Come join former Strathmore High School teacher, Kenton Zandee as introduces you to the Canadian division of Go Ahead Tours, the adult version of EF Educational Tours.
Almost all of Golden Hills schools choose to travel with EF Educational Tours. Go Ahead Tours was recently named one of Newsweek’s “Best Tour Operators of 2025,” received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s global safety and hygiene stamp for its health and safety protocols, and is known for its emphasis on experiential travel.
Zandee will go over the fundamental tenets of Go Ahead, some of Go Ahead’s offerings including women only tours, and then will discuss an incredible adult trip that he is leading to Greece in October 2026 that is predicated on food and wine and is currently composed of almost all Strathmore and area residents.
Join us for an informative session that is sure to get the “travel bug” excited in you.
Registration is FREE, TICKETS are available in person at The Vault or online at thevaultonline.ca/collections/tickets.
Shelly McElroy Presents McKnight: Ace, Warrior, Big Brother
On Friday November 7th, 7 pm, The Vault Speaker Series will feature Shelly McElroy presenting McKnight: Ace, Warrior, Big Brother in The Vault Upper Gallery.
Meet Calgary’s World War Two flying ace, William McKnight. “Willie” has a national and international stature, but perhaps the place he is least known is in his hometown of Calgary. Meet the person who gave McKnight Boulevard its name and learn 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.
Registration is FREE, TICKETS are available in person at The Vault or online at thevaultonline.ca/collections/tickets.
A Sneak Peak! Coming Events At The Vault!
Saturday November 22nd - Make a Christmas Present Jewellery Workshop with Katy Langenhoven, 10 am - 1 pm, The Vault Cultural Collective Lower Gallery! More details will be released SOON!
Friday December 5th - 2nd Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along, 7 pm, featuring Brenda le Graff & Friends & The Vault's GP3 Roland Grand Piano, The Vault Cultural Collective Upper Gallery! Christmas Carol lyrics will be provided! FREE Registration details will be released soon!
Saturday December 6th - Christmas Flower Arranging Workshop with Yvonne Way, 10 am - 12 noon, The Vault Cultural Collective Lower Gallery! More details will be released SOON!
Friday December 19th - The Vault Cultural Collective Speaker Series Presents - Roland Dechesne - The Winter Solstice, 7 pm, The Vault Cultural Collective Upper Gallery. FREE Registration details will be released soon!
The Vault Cultural Collective Ticket Sales
Strathmore High School Presents HADESTOWN December 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th & 17th at 7 pm and December 13th and 14th at 2 pm.
Alberta Culture Days at The Vault September 9th - 27th
Alberta Culture Days begins September 1st and runs the entire month of September! The Vault Cultural Collective is offering eight FREE events focusing on AFRICA! Delight your senses as we take a deep dive into the culture of Africa! You can experience making South African Jewellery and Masks; view an 'African Mosaic' Display and an ‘Out of Africa’ Art Exhibit in the Upper Gallery of The Vault; attend three different Speaker Series presentations or experience A Taste of the Continent on The Vault Patio! JOIN US as we experience AFRICA!
The Vault Presents The African Mosaic September 9th - 27th
During Alberta Culture Days, The Vault Cultural Collective will be presenting ‘The African Mosaic' in the Upper Gallery. From September 9th - 27th, have a Vibrant Glimpse into the Diverse Cultures through Traditional Items from Across the Continent. Vault Artists and Volunteers as well as members of our Community are sharing their beautiful and treasured items for everyone to view. Be sure to visit ‘The African Mosaic’ open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm.
Vault Artist Ed Anderson Presents 'Out of Africa" September 9th - 27th
The ‘Out of Africa’ Art Exhibit runs September 9th - 27th in The Vault Upper Gallery. The Vault Art Team is honoured to offer original African Theme Art by Local Vault Artist Ed Anderson. Join us this September for Alberta Culture Days as The Vault Celebrates the Continent of Africa. Drawn from Personal Experience, while on African Safari, Ed Anderson shares the Majesty of African Wildlife and the Beauty of Scenic Landscapes. A Must See! The Vault is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm.
The Vault Presents THREE Speaker Series Events During September's Alberta Culture Days
The Vault Cultural Collective will be hosting THREE SPEAKER SERIES EVENTS in the Upper Gallery of The Vault during the month of September celebrating Alberta Culture Days!
The first event will be held on Wednesday September 17th at 2 pm. Join Andy Roberts as she presents an Overview of South Africa’s History, People, Landscapes and Vibrant Cultural Traditions!
The second of three Vault Speaker Series Events will be held on Friday September 19th at 7 pm. Join Nancy and Dirk van Egmond and Visit Africa through an AMAZING Slideshow of photos from their recent African Safari!
The third and last Speaker Series event will be held on Friday September 26th at 7 pm. Join Patrick Simeon on a Visual and Historical Journey of the Seychelles, a Paradise in the Indian Ocean, through his eyes as a first generation Canadian connecting with his CULTURE.
Can’t decide which one to attend? Come to all three! REGISTRATION is FREE, TICKETS are available at THE VAULT, SPACE is limited! We would love to have you join us!
THANK YOU to our 2025 Alberta Culture Days Organizers, Volunteers, and Presenters
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the ORGANIZERS, VOLUNTEERS, and PRESENTERS for making the EIGHT Vault Cultural Collective 2025 Alberta Culture Days Events a reality! Your dedication, creativity, and hard work brought our Arts community together and created an unforgettable celebration of Alberta’s vibrant Culture. The Vault Cultural Collective's Board of Directors truly appreciates all your time, energy, and passion! There are SO MANY people to THANK! These events would not have been possible without you! THANK YOU for making The Vault Cultural Collective's Alberta Culture Days 2025 SO SPECIAL!
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!
New Western District Historical Society Display “Before Indoor Plumbing and Running Water“ Features 19th Century English Crockery
The Western District Historical Society has a new DISPLAY at The Vault entitled “Before Indoor Plumbing and Running Water“ and features 19th Century English Crockery. The display was curated by Lynne (Mercer) Fair from some of her private collection. Lynne's father was born in England and when her grandparents emigrated to Strathmore in 1910 & 1911, they brought much of their household with them. None of the crockery in this display is her family’s originals, but the photos of the marble-top wash stands are part of her family’s English bedroom suites. Lynne is very proud that her family farm here is now in its fifth generation.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
When early immigrants came from Europe, many well-to-do families were able to bring much of their household belongings and furniture with them. These early porcelain washstand sets were used daily in the era of “carry it in and carry it out“ water usage and conservation. Early prairie settlers had to make do with very practical enamel wash basins and chamber pots, long before the invention of plastic. Usually water was heated in the side reservoir of a coal stove and then taken to the washroom basins for face washing, shaving, brushing teeth, etc. Each day the chamber pots had to be emptied and cleaned with the pre-used water. Full washstand sets could contain a wide variety of porcelain pieces, but of course many were broken and few complete sets are ever found today. European marble-top washstands were commonly used, but prairie settlers normally had smaller and simpler design wooden stands. Even these were rarely preserved in the 20th century when indoor plumbing and running water became common.
2025 Strathmore Recreation and Culture Needs Assessment Results Released
On Wednesday March 19th, the 2025 Strathmore Recreation and Culture Needs Assessment Final Report was presented to the Town of Strathmore Town Council. The need for a Performing Arts Theatre was rated as Priority #2, followed by the need for Outdoor Public Art at #4, Event Hosting Facilities at #6 and Indoor Public Art at #8. There were also a number of conclusions featured that favoured investing in new Cultural Facilities, improving communication regarding cultural opportunities, clarifying culture's positive benefits through a renewed vision and policy and providing additional Town staffing and funding or fundraising support. The Vault looks forward to Town of Strathmore's action items stemming from the 2025 Strathmore Recreation and Culture Needs Assessment .
Autumn at The Vault Cultural Collective
Autumn at The Vault - A Palette of Colour
The Colours of Autumn are ‘Glowing ’, rich and warm at The Vault, as Illustrated by these Fine Art pieces - Representing Five Vault Artists. Featured are; Joanne Giesbrecht, Daniel N. Hendricks, Christine Higham, Darlene Hooge and F. Tim Martens.
Visit The Vault now and before Christmas to experience a generous selection of wonderful Wall Art and Artisan Pottery, Woodwork and Jewelry.
Local ART for your Collection - available in your own Hometown of Strathmore.
Darlene Tetarenko - The Vault's Featured October Artist
The Vault Cultural Collective is thrilled to feature Dianne M. Riva Cambrin as The Vault's Featured October Artist! All of The Vault's visitors absolutely love Dianne's imaginative and highly creative STAINED GLASS & ZENTANGLE!
Congratulations to Dianne M. Riva Cambrin, The Vault's Featured October Artist!
NEWS FROM OUR VAULT CULTURAL COLLECTIVE PARTNERS
Arts On 817 Launches Season 8!
Arts on 817 is launching Season 8! Season and Individual Tickets will be available at The Vault and at smoreuc.com in the Fall of 2025. All Concerts will be held at Strathmore United Church. Here's a Sneak Peak!
Arts on 817 will be presenting The Wardens on Saturday October 25th at 7:30 pm! The Wardens don’t just sing about the land, they’re part of it. The Rocky Mountain-based band’s stories and songs rise from the very land they’ve protected as Canadian national park wardens. With haunting three-part harmonies and chilling tales, the band’s mountain music - blending folk, roots and western styles – reflects Canada's protected wilderness areas. Celebrating the return of wild buffalo, wrangling grizzly bears, lonely nights on the packtrail and reflecting on an environment in crisis, a performance by The Wardens has been dubbed “the quintessential mountain-culture concert experience."
Following the 2021 release of their third full-length album Sold Out at the Ironwood, band member Ray Schmidt was nominated Traditional Singer of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards. The band has also received numerous regional nominations including 2022 Touring Artist of the Year by the BC Touring Council and Album of the Year by Country Music Alberta.
"The Wardens have an enviable live reputation...and are able to bring a modern take on a timeless musical tradition." - Martin Johnson:AmericanaUK 2022
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! So much to look forward to! For more information check out the poster and visit www.chestermereart.ca.
The Chestermere Art Guild would love to see you there!
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
The ‘Ultimate Backyard BBQ Raffle’ is back, and this year's grand prize is valued at $ 2,500.Tickets are $10 each, with a limited supply of 500 available.
Tickets are available from any of our Board Members or by phone 403-983-3640 or email coordinator@hopebridges.ca.
Thank you to our Sponsors Cratex Industries, Big Country Drilling, Baldwin BBQ, Pro Water Strathmore, More Than Just Feed, Origin Malting & Brewing, and Court’s Crates.
Draw Date is Sunday, October 26, 2025, at our ‘Artists Among Us' Gala.With your kindness and support, we will continue to provide inclusive music, movement and art programs to our community.
Raffle License Number: 746814
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 is once again inviting everyone to visit their Sunflower Field at the Klaiber Legacy Farm on August 29th and September 3rd fro 5 - 8 pm! The farm is located on 1001 East Pine Road. There is lots happening!
Bring your own camera for a photography session.
The Sunflower Harvest Night will be announced soon!
Donate and be eligible to win an original piece of photoart!
Coming Soon at the Youth Theatre Company Strathmore
The Youth Theatre Company has also announced Auditions for Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka for August! For more information visit www.youththeatrecompany.ca!
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