Nooks & Crannies Festival 2026

Saturday, July 18 to Saturday, August 22, 2026, All day

Nooks & Crannies is a festival in which artists create temporary, site-specific installations in downtown Okotoks. This art festival sees artists repurpose and animate forgotten places with ‘forgotten’ materials, bringing public art to forgotten corners of downtown Okotoks. Individual artists and teams use recycled products to create installations that raise environmental awareness, animate spaces, and entertain audiences.

Applications are now closed for 2026! Stay tuned for more info!

Artist Applicant Information

Submissions are now closed

Requirements:
- Description of the proposed installation including:
- Written proposal of work to be created (maximum 4000 characters).
- A design, model, or sketch of the proposed installation.
- Required materials for proposed installation (materials used must be available in a recycling centre and/or be reusable; the selection committee has the right to reject any materials that do not follow these requirements).
- Artist/Project Statement (maximum 2000 characters).
- Images of 5 previous artworks. These may be of previous public artworks or artworks related to the proposed project.
- Corresponding image list including title, date, medium, size and location (if applicable)
- Artist Headshot. If your submission is successful, this will be used for promotional purposes
- Photos must be high resolution (2-25MB). A high-resolution, colour (RGB) version of each photo must be submitted (uncompressed TIFF or maximum quality JPEG). If the resolution is not met, photos will NOT be accepted.
All accepted artists will receive a minimum $300 fee for their participation, with the potential to win a top prize*:
- 1st Place – $1,500
- 2nd Place – $1,250
- 3rd Place – $1,000
Youth Honourable Mention - $500**
Prizes will be awarded by a jury appointed by the festival. Scoring considerations for prizes will include technical execution, use of materials, environmental message, and use of a nook or cranny.
Apply by: Saturday, May 2, 2026
*Prize amounts are awarded in lieu of $300 artist fee.
**Artists who are younger than 19 years of age by the date of submission are eligible to win the Youth Honorable Mention; youth artists are also eligible for top prizes, but the YHM will be awarded to the youth artist with the highest jury score that is not awarded a top prize.

2025 Winners

The festival, which ran from July 19 to August 23, invited the public to explore these hidden artworks and reflect on themes of sustainability, creativity, and community. A panel of judges—artists Tanya Zackarow, Wanru Kemp, Neil Bantleman, and Tracey Bantleman—evaluated each piece based on technical quality, use of materials, environmental message, and creative use of space.

After careful review, the Town of Okotoks is proud to announce this year’s top winners:

First Place – $1,500
Dena Kubota – Old Church Theatre
Kubota’s installation, Oscar’s World, invites viewers to lift the lids of garbage bins and discover the truth about household waste. Inspired by Oscar the Grouch and the evolution of waste management since the 1970s, the piece challenges residents to rethink what belongs in the black cart. Judges praised its interactive design and powerful environmental message, earning it the highest combined score.
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Second Place – $1,250
Narda Ray – Big Rock Animal Clinic
Ray’s mosaic mural, Rainbow Trout, is a striking protest against coal mining in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. Using materials collected from the Glenmore Reservoir, the artwork features a vibrant trout swimming through swirling waters, symbolizing the fragile ecosystems at risk. Judges were moved by its craftsmanship and advocacy for environmental justice.
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Third Place – $1,000
Michelle Campos – Tribal Connections
Campos’ installation, Extra, Extra, Read All About It!, transforms recycled newspapers into crocheted bats, shedding light on the misunderstood role of bats in our ecosystem. Her work highlights the importance of conservation and rethinking what we think we know. Judges admired the innovative use of materials and the educational impact of the piece.
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Youth Honourable Mention – $500
Madeline Maher – BrightPath Okotoks Child Care Centre.
A familiar name in the Nooks & Crannies community, Madeline Maher has been a long-time participant in the festival. This year, she was recognized as the Youth Honourable Mention for her mural of the Earth, created from paper and wood. Her installation celebrates the importance of forests and the role young people play in shaping a sustainable future. Her passion and creativity continue to inspire.
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