SERAYA SMIT

As the first light of January stretches across Edmonton’s snowy streets, we find ourselves standing at the edge of possibility. A new year is a blank canvas—inviting us to imagine, to experiment, and to create with renewed spirit.

For the Edmonton Art Club, 2026 is not simply another chapter—it is a season of bold exploration. Our past year was filled with growth, resilience, and shared inspiration. Now, as we step into the future, we carry forward the lessons of 2025 while opening ourselves to the unknown.

A Season of Renewal

January is a time of beginnings. It asks us to pause, to breathe, and to set intentions. For artists, this means embracing both discipline and play. Whether you are sketching in a quiet studio, painting against the hum of winter winds, or experimenting with artistic tools, this month is an invitation to start anew.

Our club’s strength lies in its diversity of voices. Each member brings a unique perspective, and together we form a chorus of creativity that is richer than any single brushstroke. In 2026, we will continue to nurture this collective energy—through workshops, exhibitions, and moments of spontaneous collaboration.

Experimentation and Discovery

This year, we are leaning into experimentation. We will explore unconventional materials, artistic storytelling, and collaborative projects that blur the boundaries between tradition and innovation.

We encourage every member to take risks, to try something unfamiliar, and to embrace the beauty of process as much as product.

Art is not static—it is a conversation. And in 2026, we invite you to speak boldly, listen deeply, and create freely.

Strengthening Community

Our vision extends beyond the walls of our club. In 2026, we will deepen partnerships with local schools, cultural institutions, and community organizations, ensuring that art remains accessible and transformative for all. These collaborations will include joint exhibitions, mentorship programs, and outreach initiatives that bring art into classrooms, libraries, and public spaces.

We also plan to host open studio days and interactive workshops that invite the public to engage directly with our artists. By creating welcoming, hands-on experiences, we hope to demystify the creative process and foster a sense of belonging for all who enter our space.

We believe that creativity is a communal act. Whether through shared sketchbooks, collaborative murals, or intergenerational storytelling, we aim to build bridges between artists and audiences. By inviting others into our process, we not only expand our reach—we deepen our impact.

Honouring Legacy, Inspiring Future

For over a century, the Edmonton Art Club has been a custodian of creativity and history. Each generation of artists has added its voice to our collective story. As we move forward, we honour this legacy while embracing the evolution that keeps our community vibrant.

This year, we will spotlight our club’s history through curated retrospectives, member interviews, and archival showcases. These initiatives will celebrate the artists who came before us and inspire those who are just beginning their journey.

Every brushstroke today carries echoes of those who came before—and every new member ensures that our story continues to unfold. Our legacy is not a museum—it’s a living studio, shaped by every idea, every risk, and every shared moment of inspiration.

Gratitude and Vision

To our members, thank you for your courage, generosity, and passion. Your willingness to grow, experiment, and support one another is the heartbeat of our club. To our volunteers and supporters, your behind-the-scenes dedication—from setting up exhibitions to managing logistics—makes everything possible.

To our Edmonton community, thank you for believing in the power of local art. Your presence at our events, your feedback, and your encouragement fuel our momentum.

As we begin 2026, may you find inspiration in the quiet of winter, courage in experimentation, and joy in connection. Let this be a year where we not only create, but also uplift—where we honour our legacy while embracing bold new directions.

We envision a future where every artist feels seen, supported, and celebrated. Where creativity is not measured by perfection, but by authenticity. Where our club continues to be a place of refuge, renewal, and radiant possibility.

Together, we will continue to celebrate, promote, and advance the visual arts in Edmonton—ensuring that our club remains a beacon of creativity for generations to come.

Here’s to a year of fresh horizons, bold discoveries, and shared artistry.

With gratitude and creativity,

Seraya Smit