Culture Days

Saturday, September 20, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Indigenous drumming circles are spiritual and cultural gatherings centered on the sacred drum, which symbolizes the heartbeat of Mother Earth and a connection to all life. The circular formation of the gathering represents wholeness, balance, and equality. Drumming facilitates healing, reconnection with the present moment, and understanding one's purpose within the "Circle of Life". The sacred rhythm connects individuals to their spirits, the Creator, and the natural world. 

Bring your friends, family, and an open heart — everyone is welcome to come together in the spirit of celebration, learning, and connection

Saturday, September 27, 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM

Come paint a serene landscape at Rossland Gardens, a privately owned botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary located on Amherst Island. Your host Darlene Martin-Stuart welcomes painters from all walks of life to share in this unique opportunity to create, connect and share a love of art & nature. Please dress for the weather and bring your own lunch and chair. 

Saturday, October 4, 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM; 2:15 PM – 4:15 PM 

Participate in a unique experience on Amherst Island you won't soon forget! Borrow a tin can ukulele made by artisanal luthier Ross Stuart and sit in the Music Garden outside his workshop for a free lesson on basic cords and strumming patterns. This free & inclusive event is open to anyone who would like to play with bright and lively sound; no experience is necessary. 

Joining us for both sessions are musicians Steve Kennedy (guitar), Brian Flynn (fiddle), and Carlton University's professor emeritus Stephen Richer (banjo). They will be helping you learn and might even put on a little performance for you between sessions! 

This is an outdoor event - please dress for the weather! 

Saturday, October 11, 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM; 2:15 PM – 4:15 PM

Spend some quality time on Amherst Island learning about the fun art of needle felting. Cat Feraday-Miller, professor of animation from the Ontario College of Art and Design will be on site to teach you the basics as well as give you a special opportunity to experience her virtual reality game whereby her needle felted birds fly all around you in a virtual forest.  

This fun filled afternoon will be held on the gallery deck, and her original felted birds will be on hand for participants to view in real life as well as virtually.  

No previous experience necessary. There will be a limited number of supplies available for true beginners, but if you have had some experience with this art form, we would love to see people come with their own supplies and participate as well.  

All are welcome to stay for one session or two. If staying for two sessions, there will be an hour break between them so please feel free to bring along a lunch. 

This is an outdoor event - please be sure to dress for the weather!