The phrase “way station” is defined in dictionaries as an intermediate stopping place, a stopping point on a journey, or a place where people stop to eat and rest when they are on a long journey.

If you were to think about trees in Canada, one of the most visible reminders of their presence is when their leaves change colour and fall in the autumn, prompting people to clear their yards and sidewalks. Apart from that time of year, the ubiquity and omnipresence of trees in our communities is something that people may not give much thought about as they go about their daily lives.

Born into a creative family, Ryan Wispinski learned to carve wood during his childhood and has since incorporated other mediums such as stone, paper, pen, and ink. His latest exhibit We Will ART YOU! features a large, intricate ink drawing and several attractive wood carvings that encourage people to take a closer look.

In the current global climate, debilitating forms of conflict and violence—stoked by cultural differences, economic disparities, regional tensions, and scarcity of resources—continue to impact communities around the world. Amidst these entrenched divisions, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of hope for the future. Bushra Yousaf’s intimate series of portrait paintings evoke optimism and encourage self-reflection by reminding us of our common humanity.

Engagement, reflection, and connection: these are some processes that drive Veronika Marks’ artistic practice. In her interactive performance Sigils of Sovereignty, Marks encourages possibilities for storytelling and community, through which she explores how art can facilitate opportunities for people to connect and heal.

The built environment in downtown Edmonton is replete with glassy office towers and concrete buildings and spaces such as Churchill Square, the site of this year’s The Works Art & Design Festival. Amidst the sterile and depersonalizing connotations associated with these human-made structures, Jonathan Monfries’ installation CANOPY injects evocations of the natural environment into these surroundings by providing a functional, yet aesthetically eye-catching, group of wooden structures for everyone to experience and enjoy.