Southern Albertans are invited to the Leighton Art Centre’s Harvest Supper Fundraiser for an evening in support of the arts.
The fundraiser is designed to bring community members together in celebration of creativity, culture, and nature in the Foothills.
This year, the annual event has been revamped, embracing a relaxed tone while implementing elements of rustic elegance.
As part of the upgrades, the Leighton Art Centre changed the event name from “Harvest Dinner” to “Harvest Supper,” highlighting gratitude, reflection, and preparation for the upcoming season ahead.
“It is a tribute to the harvest in every sense: the richness of the land, the strength of our roots, and the collective effort that sustains our community,” the Leighton Art Centre website said.
Ryley Gelinas from the Leighton Art Centre explained that the changes are reflected in the menu.
“This year we're doing something we're calling Land-to-Table, which is focusing on locally sourced ingredients, working with our caterer to make sure that we're supporting local farmers, local community, things like that in our menu and in our offerings,” she said.
The menu will feature a variety of protein options and a vegetarian option.
"This year’s menu is rooted in the harvest of Southern Alberta, with seasonal ingredients and subtle nods to Indigenous foodways. The evening begins with a selection of inspired hors d’oeuvres, features a choice of proteins graciously supplied by Sobeys Okotoks, and concludes with a bumbleberry crisp, humbly served family style to each table, highlighting the bounty of the harvest season," the event's caterer said.
Event attendees can expect an immersive experience into the arts, with an Indigenous drummer and singer performance, live music, and live painting by exhibiting artist Theresa Williams, to be auctioned off.
Ghost River Theater will also perform a shortened version of Echoes of the Land, a sound bathing performance, incorporating drums and poetry.
“It's a very immersive experience in the landscape,” Gelinas said. “That's our goal with this event, connecting to the land, and looking at those relationships we've built on the land.”
Proceeds raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, auction participation, and donations will directly benefit the Leighton Art Centre’s efforts to deliver high-quality art exhibitions, educational programs for youth, and responsible stewardship of historic property.
“Each contribution helps ensure that future generations can access, learn from, and be inspired by the transformative power of art in a natural setting,” the website said.
The supper is set for Sept. 13 from 4:30 p.m. to sunset.
Tickets are available for purchase now on the Leighton Art Centre’s website.