“My daughter has always been a budding artist and the mixed multimedia course has given her the opportunity to expand her horizons. Without the affordability program and artsPlace's generous assistance, she would have never attended. Thank you for an amazing opportunity.”

Carter’s mom describes her as an artsy creative kid who loves spending as much time as she can doing art.

“She is just super into it, more than others, and is really quite good for a 7-year-old. One time, she had a stained glass art kit from which she ended up selling everything she made, just so she could save enough money to buy another one."

Carter’s mom has been able to afford to live in the Bow Valley because of subsidized housing and affordability programs. When she saw that artsPlace offered discounts, through the Discover Art Access Program, to those signed up for the Canmore and Banff Affordable Services Programs, she was impressed with the opportunities. She signed Carter up for a high quality 10-week program with professional artist Ella Valge-Saar. Carter has loved the program and can’t wait to go each week.

“I came to pick her up one day and was amazed at the mug she had made, I just couldn’t believe it”.

“We are hugely grateful for how the arts have enriched our own lives over the years. That's why we support the Discover Art Access Program in its dedication to making high quality arts programming accessible to those in our community who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Like so much that happens at artsPlace, this is a great and worthwhile idea, thank you!” - Heather Walter & Patrick McCloskey