Faces of Culture: A community sketchbook project
Let your creativity shine! Faces of Culture is a celebration of community, identity, and expression—open to Oakville’s creative spirit.
About the exhibition
We invite Oakville residents and individuals with strong connections to Oakville, including those who live, work, or study here, to participate in Faces of Culture, a community portrait exhibition celebrating the richness and diversity of culture in Oakville. Submit your own artwork or visit the gallery throughout the exhibition and vote for your favourite piece!
All submitted and workshop-created portraits will be displayed in the Main Gallery at QEPCCC from September 19 to October 12, 2025, as part of the Culture Days festival.
Portraits submitted from September 5 to October 4 will be eligible for the Faces of Culture awards presented during the Culture Days Celebration on October 5.
Learn more about the Faces of Culture submission requirements
Free art workshops at QEPCCC
Led by local artists, these drop-in workshops offer guided portrait-making experiences:
- Youth night with artist Yen Linh Thai on Friday, September 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Seniors' afternoon with artist Ray Vidal on Wednesday, October 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Saturday all ages with artist Ray Vidal on Saturday, October 4 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Workshops free and held in the Main Gallery. All materials supplied. Walk-ins are welcome. Pre-registration is recommended. Children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Culture Days Celebration
Maker station
On October 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. as part of the Culture Days Celebration at QEPCCC, artist Yen Linh Thai will lead a free drop-in portrait workshop.
Reception and Faces of Culture awards
Join us for the community celebration and reception on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the QEPCCC Main Gallery while artist Yen Linh Thai draws portraits!
Faces of Culture awards will be presented during this time. Everyone is welcome to attend.
These awards celebrate creativity, personal expression, and community connection through portraiture. All works submitted by October 2 are eligible for consideration.
Awarded to the most expressive or personal portrait. The Heart in the Art award celebrates vulnerability and the emotional depth of portraiture. It honours artists who share their stories and identities with sincerity and courage.
Criteria:
- Demonstrates strong emotion, personality, or meaning
- May be abstract, symbolic, or narrative-driven
- Prioritizes effort, honesty, and storytelling over technical accuracy
Awarded to the best submission by a child (under 12 or defined youth age group). The Young Visionary award encourages and uplifts young artists, recognizing their unique perspectives and celebrating their confidence, curiosity, and pride in creating.
Criteria:
- Demonstrates creativity, imagination, and joy
- Uses colour, character, or storytelling in an engaging way
- Shows expressive effort and originality, regardless of technical skill
Awarded to a portrait created for the love of art. The Joy of Making award celebrates the joy of creating and the spirit of community art. It honours those who make art for fun, connection, and self-expression—not perfection.
Criteria:
- Created by a hobbyist, casual artist, or first-time participant
- Demonstrates enjoyment, playfulness, or creative exploration
- Emphasizes effort, enthusiasm, and personal expression over polish
Awarded to the community’s favourite portrait, as voted by exhibition visitors. The People's Portrait Choice award invites the public to engage directly with the exhibition. It values how a portrait connects with others and reflects the shared experience of culture and identity.
Criteria:
- Receives the highest number of votes from gallery visitors
- Resonates emotionally, tells a compelling story, or leaves a lasting impression
- Open to all participants, regardless of age or experience