Our theme for October is SOFT. It was chosen by our Victoria chapter in British Columbia, Canada and illustrated by Leah McInnis. 

CM chapters all around the world are sharing talks on this theme. Here's some resources to inspire your own reflections:

• Poems, artwork, and resources from your global community
  Each month, readers of the CM Weekly Highlights newsletter submit creative work inspired by the theme. View this month's featured works. 
  
  
• DJ Jim Q's Playlist: Soft
  Fragility, tenderness, and sensitivity prevail in these 40 plus songs of softness. Listen to the playlist. 
  
  
• Connect + Reflect: A CM Mixer
  This free, online mixer designed to bring the global CM community together around our monthly themes. RSVP for the event on Oct 29th. 
  

Our October 2025 postcard of speaker Cheyenne Rouleau was illustrated by 4th year student from the IDEA Program at Capilano University, Jordan Richert.

The text is from our interview with Cheyenne, and reads: “Anyone who makes you feel not cool enough, is actually the deeply uncool one.”

All audience members will receive their own copy of this limited edition postcard, printed by Mitchell Press Ltd, at our October 3rd event. Get your ticket.

For October’s global theme ‘soft’ we are super jazzed to host the writer, producer, actor, director, and comedienne Cheyenne Rouleau.

Rouleau’s recent credits include a bunch of one-liners in various Netflix shows, the fat best friend in various Hallmark shows, and one really cool alien character on Syfy’s Resident Alien. You might best recognize Cheyenne from her onstage comedy shenanigans, which includes sketch comedy troupes LXDY PARTS and RIOT, as well as her Fringe tours of teenage-dirtbag two-hander The After After Party. Her hit standup & storytelling show, Fat Joke, premiered at the Cultch in 2024 (Neworld Theatre) and continues to tour with dates and cities spanning farther than she ever anticipated. All the while, Cheyenne does her best at parenting a two year old, which might be her most ambitious comedic feat yet.

Each month we ask our speaker some probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define and apply creativity in your life and career?
I would define creativity as the spark – the first hit – the little zap within you whenever a new idea hits. It’s the thing that feels immediate; the potential of something from nothing. Creativity comes in many forms in my life, from juggling my busy schedule to playing make-believe with my kid. But at its core, it’s the thing that makes life interesting.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
The absurdity of life. Embarrassing memories from when I was 12, uncomfortable interactions with an ex, trauma, my dog, the state of the world, the way my daughter asks for strawberries (“stwabwies PEES mum!?”)

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
Anyone who makes you feel like you are not cool enough to do the thing you’re doing is actually the deeply uncool one.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
It’s a toss up between Frida Kahlo and Amy Poehler.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
Christmas Eve, 1995. I long for the nostalgia of seeing my whole family in the house I grew up in. To see myself as a kid and feel all the wonder and joy and excitement in her. Also the toys were better back then.

What keeps you awake at night?
The Dyatlov Pass Incident. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!

🎵 To kick off the gathering with energy and style, we are excited to present folk/rock/roots/alternative/country singer-songwriter Ryan McMahon.🎶

Long scaling the perimeter walls of Canada’s music industry, McMahon has never fit into any one box. He brandishes folk, roots, Americana & contemporary rock songwriting, all the while delivering a show where one can expect plenty of interaction, laughs & tears. Ryan recently toured with Burton Cummings & Tom Cochrane (Western Canada) and has released 9 full length records, including 2 with his side-project, indie folk stalwarts Lion Bear Fox. He’s had his music licensed to film & television (Californication, Chesapeake Shores) & has shared the stage with everyone from Odds & Mother Mother to Lisa Loeb & folk legend Dan Navarro. A true music lifer, Ryan spends upwards of 150 days on the road each year, singing his heart out and entertaining audiences of all ages wherever he goes

Local partners

BC+AI is a province-wide community launched in 2025 to connect, empower, and represent people shaping the future of AI in British Columbia. Guided by values of community, creativity, collaboration, and care, we champion ethical, inclusive, and human-centred innovation through events, education, and advocacy.

How to Register for this Event

Join us on October 3rd from 8:15-10am at the Vancouver Art Gallery by registering here.

Fun Local Events in August✨

1. Sidebar: Coffee and Conversation (Every Thursday morning)
2. The Level Up Series by CreativeMornings: Essential Skills & Strategies to Kickstart Your Creative Career (June 18 - Sept 2)
3. Moss Art and Ukrainian Embroidery (Aug 4 - Sept 4)
4. 100 Amigos and Astro Arts Fest (Aug 12 - 25 by appointment)
5. Likemind Vancouver: Coffee and Conversation (Aug 15)
6. DesCan’s Annual Associations Picnic (Aug 21) 
7. Pop-Up Poetics: Free Community Poetry Writing Gathering (Aug 25) 
8. Vancouver AI Community Meetup: AI Ethics and Advocacy (Aug 27)
9. First Saturday: Visit artist’s where they work (Sept 6)
10. Monsters in my Head Exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery (May 25 - Nov 9)
11. CMVan August Event: Mark Reid (Sept 9)

For September we are excited to explore the global theme 'blossom' with award-winning educator and music director, Mark Reid.

A District Resource Teacher for Career Education, Mark Reid champions innovative and inclusive learning pathways that empower students to explore their futures in skilled trades and service careers with confidence and creativity. With a background spanning public and independent schools, curriculum development for BC’s Ministry of Education, and educator training in technology and pedagogy, Mark brings a systems-level lens to reimagining career education.
A passionate advocate for creative thinking in education, Mark has served as a TeachSDGs Ambassador, Google Certified Trainer, and Global Teacher Prize Ambassador. He earned a JUNO Award as the 2013 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for the million-dollar Global Teacher Prize in 2015. His work includes speaking engagements at education events across five continents, where he shares insights on global collaboration, real-world learning, and the power of creativity to shape meaningful, future-ready education.

Speaker Interview

Each month we ask our speaker some probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

1. How do you define and apply creativity in your life and career?
   
   Creativity is a dynamic skill set that drives process and progress, a lens through which we see possibility. To quote Sunny Varkey, notable philanthropist in education, “no matter the question, education is the answer.” I look at creativity as a cause to show curiosity, an imperative to learn, and the best opportunity to construct solutions to a problem. I invite questions. I find it to be the best way to exercise creative capacity, and both uncover and inform perspective. Applying creativity to my work means helping others to answer the questions they hadn’t yet realized could be asked.
   
   
2. Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
   
   I draw creative inspiration from conscious observations of people, problems, and proprioceptive experience – how we move, position, and act in relation to environment. Some of my most creative moments have been inspired by a need for nuance.
   
   
3. What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
   
   The purpose of education is to learn how the world works and how to be happy in it.
   
   
4. Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
   
   Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, the person responsible for the revival and resurgence of LEGO.
   
   
5. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
   
   Having been put on the spot to fill time while Maestro Andrea Bocelli was running late to a speaking engagement, I stood up, took a deep breath, and sang O Canada…because that’s all my brain could recall in front of an international audience that was NOT there to hear me.
   
   
6. What did you learn from your most memorable creative failure?
   
   No single choice, result, opinion will define me. It simply defines a temporal moment.
   
   
7. What’s your one guilty creative indulgence
   
   I have two and feel guilt about neither. Absolutely Fabulous, one of the absolute finest British cultural exports available, and LEGO Botanicals.
   
   
8. What fact about you would surprise people?
   
   At a professional event, Jennifer Hudson held my hand, sang to me, and I cried streams of tears in front of a crowd of colleagues from around the world.
   
   
9. How does your life and career compare to what you envisioned for your future as a sixth grader?
   
   Not all that different, I suppose. I have achieved what 11/12-year old me had anticipated, but extended my career into areas that weren’t possibilities when I was that age.
   
   
10. How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
    
    I help students move out of regular school to start training or apprenticeship in a skilled trade or dual credit pathway. OR I help kids who are emotionally done with high school discover that there is more than one way to graduate, that they can earn a paycheque while earning credits, and that learning can happen anywhere.
    
    
11. What's the most recent thing you learned (big or small)?
    
    The regulatory and training process to become a Funeral Director.
    
    
12. If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
    
    Backstage at any Disney park.
    
    
13. Where was the last place you travelled?
    
    Regina, SK for the 2025 Skills Compétences Canada National Competition.
    
    
14. What music are you listening to these days?
    
    Prolonging the Magic, Cake (1998)
    
    
15. What was the best surprise you’ve experienced so far in life?
    
    Being unexpectedly swarmed by crowds of inspired teachers at a professional development event in the Philippines.
    
    
16. Where is your favourite place to escape?
    
    The Pick-a-Brick wall at any LEGO store.
    
    
17. What books made a difference in your life and why?
    
    ‘Fifth Business’ by Robertson Davies – I read this book in my last year of high school and it had a profound impact on how I saw myself in the context of others…especially when out of the spotlight. Being a ‘main character’ in someone’s life doesn’t last forever. You can eventually be relegated to Fifth Business. Titles, roles, and authority can all be temporary. To pass this along in a digestible way, I’d gather graduating students together at the end of the year-end school concert to offer one piece of advice: whatever you do with your life, make a difference in the lives of children.
    
    
18. What is the one movie or book every creative must see/read?
    
    Movie: ‘Run Lola Run’; Book: ‘The Inner Game of Music

Musical Guest

🎵 To start the morning with a live musical performance, we are honoured to present the classical, Celtic, and electric harp stylings of Madison Dartana.🎶

Known for reimagining harp performance across genres, Madison blends technical excellence with an interdisciplinary spirit that challenges stereotypes and expands what the harp can be. A graduate of UBC’s Orchestral Performance program, where she studied under Elizabeth Volpé-Bligh, Madison has performed with ensembles including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, and Symphony 21. She also teaches at the Samantha Ballard Harp Studio, where she supports well-being and nurtures creative exploration through music.

This Month's Presenting Partner:

Abode Vancouver is a collaboration rooted in a shared passion for unique properties, thoughtful client experiences, and an editorial approach to interior and architectural design—reimagining real estate as stylish, elevated, and refreshingly original.

How to Register for this Event

Join us on September 5th from 8:15-10am at the Vancouver Art Gallery by registering here.

Our global theme for August is 'NOMAD' and we are delighted to host Nigerian-born, Vancouver-based artist and engineer, Sadé Awele.

Recently named R&B Artist of the Year at the 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards, Awele blends Afrosoul, Afropop, and R&B into a sound that’s as intentional as it is captivating. Gracing stages from Road to the Junos to festivals across Canada and Europe, Awele balances her creative pursuits with a background in engineering, bringing both precision and passion to her music. Her dual path reflects a rare ability to bridge structure and soul—crafting songs that resonate with depth, groove, and authenticity. With melodies that linger and lyrics that speak to the heart, Sadé infuses every performance with cultural richness and emotional power. She’s the kind of artist who turns reflection into rhythm, and heartbreak into healing. Her latest EP, Intuition, marks a new chapter in her evolution—a body of work that feels both timeless and unmistakably current. And with more music on the way, Sadé Awele is only just getting started.

Speaker Interview

Each month we ask our speaker some probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

1. How do you define and apply creativity in your life and career?
   
   For me, creativity is a way of life — it’s how I express my truth and connect with others on a deeper level. Whether I’m engineering solutions or crafting melodies, I approach everything with curiosity and intention. In my music, I blend Afrosoul, R&B, and my cultural roots to tell stories that feel both personal and universal. Creativity allows me to turn emotion into sound, challenges into art, and everyday moments into something meaningful.
   
   
2. Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
   
   I find my best creative inspiration in real-life experiences — moments of joy, growth, love, and even heartbreak. I’m deeply inspired by my Nigerian roots, the rhythms of everyday life, and the stories of the people around me. Whether I’m in nature, reflecting in stillness, or vibing with my band in the studio, I tap into energy that feels raw and honest. That’s where the magic happens for me.
   
   
3. What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
   
   One piece of advice I wish I’d known earlier is that your unique voice is your superpower — don’t water it down to fit in. As a young creative, I often felt the pressure to sound or be a certain way, but growth came when I started trusting my instincts and embracing the fullness of who I am. Authenticity is what truly resonates.
   
   
4. Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
   
   I would love to hear Nina Simone speak at CreativeMornings. Her boldness, artistry, and unwavering commitment to using her voice for change continue to inspire me. She wasn’t afraid to be raw, real, and revolutionary — and I think her perspective on creativity, purpose, and truth would spark something powerful in all of us.
   
   

Musical Guest

🎵 To start the morning with a live musical performance, our speaker Sadé Awele took the stage! 🎶

The Nigerian-born musical visionary is a captivating force in the realm of R&B, afropop and afrosoul. 

This Month's Presenting Partner:

Our presenting partner this month was Side Door: a platform co-founded by CreativeMornings alumni and Juno Award-winning musician Dan Mangan, that connects artists and hosts to book and promote live shows in unexpected spaces, making it easier for independent creators to bring performances to life, anywhere. We are grateful for their support and the great work they do.

How to Register for this Event

Join us on August 8th from 8:15-10am at the Vancouver Art Gallery by registering here.

Fun Local Events in July✨

1. First Saturday: Visit artist’s where they work (July 5)
2. Yacht Rock: Vancouver Art Book Fair After Party (July 6)
3. Help CreativeMornings feed hearts and bellies! (July 8)
4. Vancouver Hour Speaker Series (July 17)
5. The Tyee’s Free Weekender Newsletter (every weekend)
6. Salon Dinner (July 20) email: estalla@estallalum.com
7. PNW Climate Week (July 16-25)
8. The Power of Mentorship (article)
9.  Likemind Vancouver: Coffee and Conversation (July 18)
10. Brands for Better Summer Party (July 19)
11. The Future of Branding: In the Age of AI (July 26)
12. CMVan August Event: Sadé Awele (Aug 8)
13. DesCan Summer Picnic (August 21)

July's global theme is 'MENTOR' and we are super excited to welcome back one of our founding CMVan volunteers, the filmmaker Ryan Mah.

Known for thoughtful, visually-driven documentary storytelling, Ryan Mah's work has aired on Telus, AMI, CBC, and Knowledge Network. In collaboration with Black Rhino Creative partner Danny Berish, Ryan made his feature debut with Arthur Erickson: Beauty Between the Lines, which premiered theatrically and is now streaming on Knowledge Network, distributed by Gravitas Ventures. He is currently directing Salt Water City, a three-part series exploring contemporary Asian immigration stories, and producing the fourth season of Postcards From..., an AMI travel series that asks: can accessibility and adventure coexist?
In 2024, he was selected for the Documentary Organization of Canada's Breakthrough Program and the Netflix Diversity of Voices delegation. In 2025, he was selected by the Racial Screen Equity Office to pitch at HKFilmart. In addition to his creative work, Ryan mentors emerging filmmakers through the National Screen Institute of Canada.

Speaker Interview

Each month we ask our speaker some probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

1. How do you define and apply creativity in your life and career?
   
   Creativity isn’t something I switch on—it’s always part of how I think. Whether I’m editing a trailer or building something physical from scratch, it’s about solving problems in new ways and using creativity to push into unfamiliar, even intimidating, territory.
   
   
2. Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
   
   It’s hard to get into a creative flowstate. Whether I’m editing or working on pitches, it usually happens at 10:30 p.m. or 5:30 a.m.—no emails, no distractions!
   
   
3. What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
   
   Meeting creatives from all walks of life. It’s incredibly refreshing to see how people apply creativity and problem-solving in different fields—whether in their work or everyday life.
   
   
4. Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
   
   Wayne Wong - The father of freestyle skiing!
   
   
5. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
   
   I spent two summers filming with a nudists in the nude.
   
   
6. What are you reading these days?
   
   In the Weeds: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain
   
   
7. Where is your favourite place to escape?
   
   A cabin in the woods on Pender Island!
   
   

Musical Guest

🎵 To start the morning with good energy, we are featuring the smooth jazz vibes of Vancouver-based guitarist, educator and composer Andrew Skepasts.🎶

Since graduating from The New School in NYC, Andrew has established himself as an up-and-coming musician in Vancouver’s jazz scene. He has had the honour of sharing the stage with notable musicians such as Brad Turner, Seamus Blake and Phil Dwyer.

This Month's Presenting Partner:

Hemlock is one of North America's most recognized and sustainable printing companies, operating carbon neutral from our 80,000 square foot facility in Burnaby, BC, Canada.

How to Register for this Event

Join us on July 4th from 8:15-10am at the Vancouver Art Gallery by registering here.

Fun Local Events in May✨

1. Help Dedicated CMVan Volunteer, Gary Jones, Heal (donate to the GoFundMe)
2. Asian Heritage Month at the Vancouver Art Gallery (May 11–25)
3. Flamenco Nights at La Fabrique St-George Winery (May 11 & 18)
4. “Level Up” by CreativeMornings (May 5–June 24)
5. Zee Zee Theatre and The Cultch present: ‘Every Day She Rose’ (May 1–11)
6. Luma Undertones at Ashdale Gallery (May 2–18)
7. EXchanges2025 Workshop: Weaving New Legacies of Knowing (May 10-11)
8. Upcoming Events at DesCan (May 7–22)
9. Creative Operations Meetup (May 9)
10. Art on the Wall: multisensory experience and painting workshop (May 21)
11. Likemind Vancouver: Coffee and Conversation (May 16)
12. Attend a Virtual FieldTrip: Shake, Rattle & Flow - A Sun Salutation and Plank Party (May 22)
13. First Saturday: Visit artists where they work (June 7)
14. Live Show Featuring David Ward at Artech Gallery (June 8)
15. CMVan June Event: Shannon Hemmett (June 13)

Fun Local Events in September✨

1. Election Engagement Toolkit - BC Coalition of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (get involved)
2. First Saturday: Visit artist’s where they work (Sept 7th)
3. Clark Park Spray Jam (Sept 8th)
4. Public Talk: iela mari’s silent books (Sept 11th)
5. Pop! After Hours: Poetry Night (Sept 12th)
6. Become a Certified LEGO® Serious Play® Facilitator (Sept 13-15)
7. The Price of Ukrainian Resistance: Exhibitions of Posters and Illustrations (Sept 14th)
8. Likemind Vancouver: Coffee and Conversation (Sept 20th)
9. North Shore Art Crawl
10. CMVan October Event: Devon French (Sept 6th)