Create. Connect. Belong. - You are welcome here
Our vision: To create a culture where people of all ages and abilities confidently explore, create, and solve problems together.
Our mission is to provide a welcoming and accessible space with hands-on programming and drop-in access that enable people to safely explore, build skills, advance their craft, and create together with confidence.
The Rustic Workshop with Treed Yard - East Coulee, AB
Dawn's personal workshop in East Coulee is a labour of love. Salvaging materials from a local berm project she has combined her artistic flare and love of art collecting to create a peaceful space where you can relax and disconnect from your troubles.
With room for 6-8 class attendees, Dawn is happy to share this space with visitors who appreciate the rustic. The treed back yard is a refreshing area to observe birds and insects, with a walk along the river only 20 feet from the property line.
The village of East Coulee offers many interesting locations to visit including Caracol Clay Studio, East Coulee School Museum, Buffalo Spirit Trading and The Rock dinosaur fossil shop.
Outdoor Exploring - Rosedale, AB
Meet-the-Artist & Day Use Hiking
This is where Dawn is completing her 'Roots of the Valley' project in summer 2026. Our 27 acres of undeveloped land offer access to the Alberta badlands with a local perspective.
From the Happy Face on the hill to our original 'Dino Mamma' statue, you will find many places to explore and discover petrified wood. Be sure to bring lots of water, summers are hot in the Valley. Guided or independent hikes are available.
Classes and Drop-In
Starting July 2026, classes are offered regularly on Tuesday and Thursday each week. Most classes require 24 hour notice to register; if you need more flexibility consider our drop-in option with Dawn Allen on Fridays in Rosedale. The focus of Drop-in sessions will change according to the time of year and the type of project Dawn is currently working on.
Both classes and drop-in are intentionally structured to help you explore and have fun. With any luck you will also have a personal souvenir to take home that you are proud of.
Core Values
- People First · Welcoming & Safe
- Confidence Through Doing · Community Connection
- Practical Skill Development · Responsible Growth
- Inclusive Access & Respect · Environmental Sustainability
1 People First
We design our programs and space around the people who use them. We listen, adapt, and focus on what works for our community.
2️ Welcoming & Safe
People learn and grow when they feel safe. We create a respectful, judgment-free space where individuals and families can try new things with confidence.
3️ Confidence Through Doing
Confidence grows through hands-on experience. We encourage experimentation, skill-building, and learning by doing — especially for those who don’t see themselves as creative.
4️ Community Connection
Strong relationships strengthen communities. We create opportunities for different generations and groups to collaborate and learn together.
5️ Practical Skill Development
Creative work builds real-world skills. We support the development of problem-solving, persistence, and technical competency that contribute to long-term personal and economic stability.
6️ Responsible Growth
Sustainability matters. We operate with financial responsibility and clear systems to ensure DDR remains a stable and lasting resource for the community.
7️ Inclusive Access & Respect
Creativity should be within reach of everyone. DDR is a welcoming space for people of all ages, abilities, religions, nationalities, genders, and sexual orientations. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bigotry. We actively reduce financial, physical, and social barriers so everyone can participate safely and with dignity.
8️ Environmental Sustainability
We believe care for our planet belongs to everyone. We intentionally reuse and repurpose materials that might otherwise go to landfill, teaching resourcefulness, environmental stewardship, and practical problem-solving.