When discussing one’s “footprint,” I have observed that I walk a considerable amount in my lifestyle. Yesterday evening as we walked along 102 Avenue between 106 Street and 97 Street, my daughter holding my hand as we dawdled, I realized how very different her childhood is compared to mine. We had just come from a programming meeting at a local gallery. She has attended numerous meetings with various grassroots initiatives. I like the idea of community banding together to make something sustainable.

I grew up in the suburbs. When not in school, my siblings and I were kicked out of the house to play in the streets and back yards of our area and kept occupied by inventing worlds. Cars were the link to downtown and cultural events, which at the time seemed as if we lived in another town altogether. This detachment grew as I turned older.

I maintained my stubbornness, or lack of drive, to get a learner’s license. Taking the bus was a special pastime where I began to cultivate my writing over the two hour round trip to my job at the time. I just wanted to prove that it was possible to maintain one’s working profession and social life on public transport/carpooling. Then, I moved to Vancouver, where the cultural acceptance of not owning a car coupled with low income made me come to realize that convenience kept me local, kept me energy efficient, and made me live and practice sustainability.

Now, in downtown Edmonton, my daughter and I walk or bike during the warm season and use public transportation during the coldest of days. My south facing windows bathe my apartment in natural light for the majority of the year. In the evening we are usually found out and around the area connecting to community, attending meetings, and helping to produce and support local initiatives. It’ll be a matter of convenience for my daughter – this lifestyle without reliance on cars, this lifestyle with enthusiasm for bike riding, for playing in parks, for banding together with friends and neighbours, making events accessible to all.

QUARTERS ARTS FEST! kicks off on May 1: our inaugural bi-annual fundraiser. Poetry, open mics, spring-themed crafts, concession, Sailin’ On Food Truck’s vegan fare, musical acts, art vendors, and showcases, installations, and projections will holler in the warmth and beauty that spring entails. Join us from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. for free programming. After 9 p.m. the ticketed portion of the evening will begin. Ten dollars gets you entry and membership.

It’ll be an amazing year of programming for Quarters Arts. Keep an eye out in June as we will begin our annual Art and Garden Tour, highlighting the historical area that many of us walk through or call home. June 5 will be the next Quarters Arts Night to connect. We look forward to your contribution.

Questions? Contact Quarters at quartersarts@boylestreetcl.com.

Jacqueline is the President of the Quarters Arts Society.