Indigenous Peoples presence in the Americas reaches back to time immemorial. Listen Studios recognizes that Indigenous Peoples are the keepers and defenders of the land, animals and water. Listen Studios acknowledges the historical oppression of lands, cultures and the original peoples in what we know know as Canada. Listen Studios believes that the Arts contribute to the health and decolonizing journey we all share. In the spirit of reconciliation, Listen Studios acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples. This includes the Iyarhe Nakoda nations ( Bearspaw, Goodstoney, Chiniki), the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina in Treaty 7 region. Also traditionally, spiritually and culturally shared with Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, Cree and with the Rockyview Metis District #4 - Battle River territory of Southern Alberta.

Spaces to experiment in!

Are you an artist or creative maker looking for short or long term studio rental options? Listen Studios offers a sanctuary to rekindle relationships with nature, and your artistic practice. Listen Studios offers Individual / Group Workshops in Canmore and Retreats in the Prairies and Rocky Mountains for those who want to learn, experiment and connect with others in the arts.  

STUDIOS are available for those who wish to experiment on their own. Rates include use of folding tables, chairs, lights and access to basic tools, communal kitchen, washroom and sinks, as well as heat, water, Wi-Fi, and storage for artworks to dry.

Are you looking for funding? Contact me if you would like a reference letter to apply for grant funding! Please provide 2 weeks’ notice for support letter requests.

Are you interested in the studio? Email me and include the following information:

  • Your preferred date(s).

  • For Artists / Makers: will you be self-directed or gathering with a group?

  • For Educators: a workshop / creative / maker space to teach adults and/or youth (include ages). Please include time for prep and clean up, up to 500 word description about what you would like to teach and up to 5 images of your artwork and/or student artwork that you have taught.

  • For Everyone: an event space to gather for public presentations IE: music, reading or dramatic performance, paint, craft or scrap booking nights.

  • For Everyone: an event space to gather for private events IE: show friends and family photos of a recent trip or use of the space to experiment with art making techniques with friends and family or you want a space to gather in.

    MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS Please be sure to indicate if you :

    • prefer to be self sufficient and host your workshop on a separate platform and only pay the rental fee.

    OR

    • would like Listen Studios to create, promote and provide all administration regarding the booking for an additional fee.

Retreats / Residencies !

Listen Studios offers self-directed or thematic retreats/residencies  for Professional Artists and makers to create! This can include creating artwork for an exhibition, a project you have been dreaming of making or simply a space to enjoy and have fun creating! Retreats are located in Canmore as well as in pop up venues across Western Canada (coming soon!)

Self Directed Residencies at Listen Studio sin Canmore DEADLINES are:

October 1, 2025 for dates between January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026 self directed residencies

March 1, 2026 for dates between July 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027 self directed residencies

Do you have an idea? Do you need a space to work with friends or collaborate with artists in Canmore or in the Rocky Mountains? Connect with me and I will coordinate the booking of the workshop space, accommodations to make your retreat a fun, memorable experience in the Rocky Mountains or Prairies! Email me with your details for a quote.

Workshops coordinated by Listen Studios

Are you looking to learn a new skill? Workshops can be geared for adults and youth of all experiences. Workshops will be offered by local, provincial and nationally respected art professionals. Upcoming workshops include:

  • Drum Making and Beaded TIPI Dream catchers

  • Clay Stamp making, Clay and Glaze Making Technologies

  • Indigenous Beading, Tufting, Baskets and Natural Paint Pigment making

  • Stained Glass and Wood Working

  • Printmaking, Cyanotypes, Eco dying

  • Sewing, Quilting, Cross stitching, Embroidery

..and MORE!

Dawn Saunders Dahl will offer:

  • Professional Development with Guest Speakers

  • Art Networking Events

  • Nature Journals and Plein Air

  • Expressive Landscape, Still Lives, Portrait Painting and Mixed Media Collages

  • Clay Drawing Landscapes and Portraits

  • Seasonal Workshops: Card Making, Wreath, Soil and Flower Arranging

Do you have an idea for a workshop or event? Do you need a space to work with friends or collaborate with artists? Send me a message with your preferred dates, description of the workshop and images!

Support Barrier Free Access to Listen Studios, Workshops and Retreats

Please consider donating to help keep Listen Studios affordable. Your support allows first-time and under served artists to use the space for free or at reduced rates. Donations help cover fees for low-income and marginalized artists to attend workshops as well as assist those launching their first opportunities to teach. They also cover costs that enable us to offer no rental fees for beginner entrepreneurs. For those that donate over $2500 a year, we will show our thanks by giving you an original artwork, along with the joy of supporting the artist community.

Thank you