Thanks for visiting DDR Centre for Arts & Innovation
We are a community-based makerspace in the Drumheller Valley, offering hands-on creative experiences for both residents and visitors. Combining an indoor rustic studio at East Coulee, AB with outdoor programming at a 27-acre Badlands site in Rosedale, AB.
DDR creates unique opportunities where people don’t just observe — they actively create, connect, and belong.
Things To Do
Roots of the Valley
Our ‘Roots of the Valley’ project, involves the creation of three large-scale outdoor wood sculptures using salvaged root systems from old-growth trees removed during a flood mitigation project in the Drumheller Valley. The trees, estimated to be 200–600 years old, were diverted from the landfill and have been naturally curing on private land in Rosedale, Alberta for the past two years.
Using chainsaw carving, angle grinders, specialized sanders, and hand tools, Dawn will create:
- Two lion head sculptures (approximately 4’ x 4’ each), designed as a pair from two root balls of matching size.
- One humpback whale sculpture (approximately 5.5’ long x 4.5’ tall), emerging from the form of the root system which represents the ocean and aquatic plant life.
The work will be guided by the natural shape and structure of each root ball, balancing intentional carving with responsiveness to the material. Sculptures will be finished using various tints of oil-based stain and wax for durability in an outdoor environment. Where additional support is needed, or to enhance the overall design, some of the root twists and turns will be enhanced by crimped metal, wire wrapping and tinted epoxy.
Modern Day Labyrinth
Labyrinth – complete on the land
Often characterized as a walking meditation; modern day labyrinths are typically patterned after four different styles.
The Labyrinth on our land is 70' wide and fashioned after the medieval style which is based on the 11 circuit labyrinth with the entrance is the same as the exit. This style of Labyrinth is installed as part of the flooring of Notre-Dame of Chartres Cathedral in France.
Dino Mamma
Dinosaur Statue – complete on the land. In December 2020 we dressed her up and took her on a tour of the Long Term Care facilities in Drumheller that were on lock down due to Covid 19.
This interactive artistic rendition of a dinosaur will sit at the front of our building and is over 6 feet high and 12 feet long.
As per Dinosaur Valley Studios, the “Mama Dino” is modelled after a “Parasaurolophus “ dinosaur. These were part of a group of dinosaurs commonly known as “Duckbilled” dinosaurs. The scale of the eggs to the animal has been adjusted, they would have been about the size of a volleyball in life. We enlarged them to offer an opportunity for the perfect photo op with reinforced seating. There is a lot of evidence that these dinosaurs cared for the nest and the young after hatching, something that we tried to capture in this sculpt.
“ Today I will live in the moment... unless that moment becomes unpleasant, in which case I will eat a cookie. ”
— Unknown
Contact us
Get in touch with us to get additional information or to book an event.
Location
DDR Centre for Arts & Innovation
East Coulee location: 150 9 Street, East Coulee, Alberta
Rosedale location: 15 Alberta Pool Road, Rosedale, Alberta, Canada
Address
150 9 Street, East Coulee, Box 595
T0J 1B0 East Coulee
Opening Hours
Tues - East Coulee: 10am - 5pm
Thurs - Rosedale: 10am - 4pm
Friday - Rosedale: 10am - 4pm
Social media