Be sure and mark Aug. 21 on the calendar for Arts Alive, and those who don't have calendars can help create one through a new community project.

You've Gotta Have Friends is asking people to help create art for its display at Arts Alive next month. The contest is called Expressions of Belonging, Connecting the Dots in Community.

YGHF is the community group that encourages inclusion of all residents, including the developmentally challenged, and is based out of an office on McBurney Lane.

In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of welcoming and inclusive community, YGHF is asking for submissions to express what belonging means to people.

The art could be about friendship, family, a group or organization, or how it feels to be included or excluded. It can be through paintings, drawings, collage, sculpture, photos, fabric art, poetry or short stories (400 words or fewer).

"We are looking for expressions of belonging so let your creative juices flow and have some fun with this," said Pat Weibelzahl, the YGHF coordinator.

YGHF is then taking the submitted art and turning a dozen pieces into a calendar.

"We will be showing the submissions at Arts Alive in our office and will be producing a 2011 Calendar using 12 winning entries chosen by a panel of judges," Weibelzahl said.

The deadline to create the art and turn it in at the YGHF office is Aug. 16. The chosen pieces will be displayed at Arts Alive Aug. 21. More information is available at 604 533-6546 or yghf@telus.net.