Ocean Futures Lab Paint Night

ECHOFORM and the Global Shapers Edmonton present Ocean futures lab: a paint night event on Tuesday, June 30. Hosted at the Stanley A. Milner Library, this free, interactive community evening invites participants to explore their connection to global water systems through painting, poetry and personal reflection. No prior artistic or writing experience is required.

In celebration of Ocean Week and World Ocean Day, the workshop focuses on water as a connective thread linking inland communities like Edmonton to global oceans, ecosystems and climate stories. Attendees will engage with creative prompts exploring themes of climate change, identity, memory and belonging. Selected artwork and written pieces from the evening will be published digitally and printed in a community zine titled Love letters to water, which will be exhibited at ECHOFORM’s showcase in October 2026.

Event highlights

All-inclusive workshop: All art and writing supplies are provided free of charge, along with complimentary refreshments throughout the evening.
Zine publication: Participants have the unique opportunity to have their poetry, letters or artwork featured in an upcoming print and digital publication.
Community support: This initiative is powered by the SOI Foundation, ECOP Canada and the UN Ocean Decade, with local support from groups including the Howl Experience and Righting Relations.

Registration and perks

Recognition: Every participant who takes part in the workshop will receive an official certificate of participation.
Collaborative art: In addition to individual canvases, attendees can contribute to optional large-scale collaborative group art pieces.

When: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Edmonton Public Library – Stanley A. Milner (7 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW)
Cost: Free (Registration required)