Daisies by Beatrice Williams

Join artist Beatrice Williams and friends for her spring art show and sale. This family-friendly event features fresh work that is perfect for welcoming in the season.

When: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 7:30-9:30pm

Where: Scarboro Community Hall, 1727 14th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta

Bonus: Free parking and a playground for the kids in the park beside the community hall.

Website: http://www.artbybeats.com/site/events.html

The 7th Annual Calgary International Spoken Word Festival is back with a vengeance, bigger and better than ever with 27 events and over 100 artists presenting an eclectic and exotic collection of spoken word in 4 cities. In Calgary, the Festival runs until April 30, 2010. Appealing, appalling, fabulous and slightly shocking, this year’s theme is “Cabaret.” Expect the unexpected!

A plethora of artists will perform at the “Pen-Ultimate” Cabarets on April 23 and 24 at 8:00pm in the Big Secret Theatre (EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts, 205 8th Ave. SE). Ohio harpist/accordionist/singer-songwriter Baby Dee headlines the April 23 event, which also features Edmonton’s Tippy Agogo, Washington DC’s Regie Cabico, Montreal’s Greg Kramer, Toronto’s Billeh Nickerson, Montreal’s Alexis O’Hara and Toronto’s Andrea Thompson.

This year, the Festival is expanding the horizons of spoken word with the addition of special electronic broadcasts. On April 23 and 24 at 12:00pm, select Festival artists will present short samplings of their work in the Cyberport Room at the University of Calgary (BioSciences 540B, 2500 University Dr. NW). Q&A periods will follow with Calgary audiences as well as audiences at the Bowery Poetry Club Cyberport in New York City. Audiences may also watch the events live at http://www.calgaryspokenwordfestival.com/.

“Humanity is the voice of the people and this is a festival about giving voice to the people,” says Artistic Director and Festival Producer Sheri-D Wilson. “Plus that, it’s a darn good party!”

The Calgary International Spoken Word Festival runs in Calgary until April 30, 2010. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.calgaryspokenwordfestival.com. Ticket prices vary.

For more information or interview requests, please contact Sheri-D Wilson at 403.686.4292.

Artpoint Gallery, a non-profit artist co-operative located in Calgary’s historic Ramsay-Inglewood neighbourhood, will be saved from the brink of insolvency if a Notice of Motion initiated by Joe Ceci, Alderman for the area, is successful when it goes forward to City Council on April 26, 2010.

The Artpoint building (1139 11 Street SE) was acquired by The City of Calgary and will eventually be demolished when the future southeast leg of the CTrain begins construction (anticipated in 5 to 15 years). In lease negotiations with the City, Artpoint’s rent was recently increased from approximately $33,000 to approximately $64,000 to reflect market rates, unintentionally placing the society in financial peril. Current City policy dictates that The City of Calgary Administration does not have leeway to negotiate below-market leases without direction from City Council.

The notice of motion from Alderman Ceci requests that City Council direct Administration to develop a policy, in consultation with Calgary Arts Development and other community stakeholders, that will allow City Administration to lease City-owned buildings that are slated for future demolition to non-profit arts and culture organizations, individual artists and other non-profit uses at rental rates that are significantly below market. The intent of this new policy is to address the ongoing need for affordable space to support the work of Calgary’s cultural sector (including individual artists whose median annual income is reported at $14,500 in 2006 in a study by cultural research firm Hill Strategies). Under such a policy, Calgary would be able to realize the “triple-bottom line” benefits that these otherwise unproductive spaces could provide when put into use by artists. The triple-bottom line policy framework includes the social, economic and environmental outcomes of policies and decisions.

“The shortage of affordable art space in Calgary is well known. The situation with Artpoint is a perfect example of an area where The City is in a position to make a significant positive impact for Calgary’s cultural sector by creating clearer policy to ensure existing spaces are used to their full potential,” says Terry Rock, President & CEO of Calgary Arts Development. “Artpoint has a great track record of success, including support of emerging artists, and had been taking prudent steps to ensure they had a secure long-term location. If passed, this initiative will enable Artpoint to thrive, which benefits artists and Calgarians generally, while providing a blueprint for similar initiatives in the future.”

The notice of motion directs Administration to report back to City Council no later than December 31, 2010. In the meantime, The City is requested to provide interim financial relief to Artpoint by changing their rental rate to its previous amount of approximately $33,000 per annum, retroactive to the date the new lease was signed, until Calgary City Council makes a decision on a new policy, at which point a new lease with Artpoint may be negotiated.

**About Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society:**
Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society is a non-profit artist-run studio gallery supporting and promoting visual arts and art education in the Calgary community. It is one of the largest artist run cooperatives in North America. Our renovated building in historic Ramsey-Inglewood is home to 23 studios and 3 galleries featuring works by over 45 members and visiting artists. Works range from traditional portraiture and photography to contemporary paintings, miniatures and large scale wood and iron sculptures. Visit [http://www.artpoint.ca](http://www.artpoint.ca) for hours and location.

**About Calgary Arts Development:**
Calgary Arts Development champions the arts as a key driver of Calgary’s quality of life.

Calgary Arts Development plays a leadership role in realizing the potential of arts and culture in Calgary. As the city’s designated arts development authority, we are a central hub that learns about, promotes,connects, advocates for, and leads strategic initiatives in the arts to animate Calgary as a vibrant cultural centre. Calgary Arts Development allocates municipal funding for the arts provided by the City of Calgary through granting programs that support operations and innovation for more than 100 arts organizations in Calgary.

Visit Calgary Arts Development for more information about our activities and initiatives.

**Media contacts:**
Terry Rock, President & CEO
Calgary Arts Development
Ph: 403-264-5330

Jacqulynn Mulyk
Artpoint Gallery
Ph: 403-852-2787

There are a number of fantastic exhibitions going on at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff, AB and some great upcoming ones as well. Here is a quick rundown of what’s going on. In addition to the exhibitions, there’s also a show and sale, a neat Parks Canada Research Updates Speaker Series that the Whyte Museum is hosting and details on a special offer for Bow Valley (Lake Louise, Banff, Harvie Heights, Canmore, Exshaw, Morley) residents!

Current Exhibitions

Robert Sinclair, Canada Classic: Roaded Sunset, 1981

Until June 13, 2010

Main Gallery

Robert Sinclair: Dust of Days is a retrospective of Robert Sinclair’s work over the past four decades. Sinclair is a practicing Canadian artist who has exhibited professionally since 1972. He is a member of the Royal Academy of the Arts and the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour. “My primary mode of expression is in watercolour and acrylic stain painting developed around the landscape and botanic themes.” In Sinclair’s words, “I am engaged in the painting of a perception – the perception of the extra-ordinary in the ordinary. Of the backyard flower and of the faraway mountain…of the sun and of the moon…of that which calls my heart. This is the dance I play, and my art is the visible remnant.”

Olympians of the Bow Valley

Until May 3, 2010

Rummel Room

The thirteen athletes chosen to participate in this exhibition are only a small selection of athletes from the Bow Valley that have represented
Canada. The exhibition includes photos, memorabilia, and individual Olympic stories written by each athlete. The short film “Reflections on Ice and Snow,” by Producer / Director Glen Crawford, is included, offering a glimpse into the training regime of Clara Hughes and Chandra Crawford. The Olympic Torch, presented to Banff’s Mayor John Stutz as part of the Vancouver 2010 Torch Relay on January 20, is also on display.

Through the Lens: A Stoney Perspective

Until September 15, 2010

Kiguli Conference Room and Vermilion Lakes Room, The Juniper Hotel, 1 Juniper Way and Mt. Norquay Road

Through the Lens has been a Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies outreach program for 13 years, encouraging students from Banff, Canmore and Morley to learn and experience photography. This exhibition, conceived by The Juniper Hotel, is a selection from this body of work created by students from Morley that represent the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley Bands.

The Stuff of Legend: The Luxton Family in Banff and the Bow Valley featuring High Fashion in the Rockies

Ongoing

Heritage Gallery

High Fashion in the Rockies – A new story has been added to the Heritage Gallery focusing on a surprising collection of gorgeous dresses belonging to Georgina and Eleanor – the Luxton ladies. Rediscovered in the Eleanor Luxton Historical Foundation collection were dozens of beautiful dresses from 1910 through the 1960s. A selection of this extraordinary assortment of apparel along with accessories including gloves, purses, jewellery, smoking paraphernalia and lingerie, is included.

Art Show & Sale

B is for Bear, Max Elliot

A is for Alpine: Mixed Media Illustrations by Max Elliott

Until May 4, 2010

Swiss Guides Room

This show by Banff artist Max Elliott features 26 mixed media illustrations, one for each letter of the alphabet. The illustrations celebrate activities, wildlife, and scenic attractions in the Canadian Rockies. These images were produced to illustrate a book introducing mountain concepts to very early readers in a Canadian Rockies ABC, published by Summerthought Publishing.

Upcoming Events

Parks Canada Research Updates Speaker Series Celebrating its 15th year this annual speaker series continues to share the science behind the scenery in the mountain national parks. The Research Updates are a cooperative venture of Parks Canada, the Whyte Museum, and Park Radio. Please note: no program will be presented on May 13.

Thursday, May 6, 7 – 9 PM, FREE

The Purpose of the Pictures – Large Carnivore Monitoring in Banff,
Kootenay & Yoho
~ Cam McTavish

Up to Your Neck in Hot Water: The Archaeology of the Banff Sanitarium
~ Lindsay Amundsen

Thursday May 20, 7 – 9 PM, FREE

New Canadians & National Parks
~ Melissa Bain

Groundwater – The Natural Water Reservoir: Findings of Lake O’Hara Study
~ Masaki Hayashi

Premiere – Two short videos on Banff’s thermal springs

Thursday May 27, 7 – 9 PM, FREE

Bear and Ungulate Mortality – Relative to Abundance Along the Canadian Pacific Railway
~ Ben Dorsey

Rock Snot: A Blooming Tale of Algae in Mountain Parks
~ Garry Scrimgeour

Special Offer – One Free Visit

On any day until May 31, 2010, Bow Valley residents can come to the museum for one free visit. Bring proof of residency (Lake Louise, Banff, Harvie Heights, Canmore, Exshaw, Morley) so we can validate your admission for the day. (Special events may require an additional fee.)

Museum:

Open 10 am – 5 pm daily
111 Bear Street, Box 160
Banff, AB Canada T1L 1A3
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day
www.whyte.org

Adults $7
Students/65+ $4
Families (2 adults, 2 children) $16
Children 6 and under are free

Archives and Library:
Open 1 – 5 pm, Monday to Friday

For more information, please contact:

Katie Daniel
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Box 160, 111 Bear Street
Banff, Alberta T1L 1A3
403.762.2291, ext. 316
kdaniel@whyte.org

You may remember Heavy Industries from our post on The Drop. Well, I for one am happy to say that they are at it again! This time, they are installing a pair of sparrows at FIFTY times lifesize. I wonder when Calgary gets a Heavy Industry installation of similar magnitude, especially since they’re a Calgary-based company!

Anyways, without further adieu, the press release:

Heavy Industries Thrilled To Announce Installation of “The Birds” Public Art Monument

Calgary-based custom art fabricator Heavy Industries is excited to announce the much-anticipated installation of the The Birds at Vancouver’s Southeast False Creek Olympic Plaza on Monday, April 19th 2010. The 16-foot (4.88m) tall, realistic sculptures of a male and female sparrow have been commissioned as a legacy component of the Olympic and Paralympic Public Art Program.

As a monument, The Birds will infuse the plaza with a touch of the ridiculous and the sublime. Standing 50 times larger than life-size, the sparrows invert the usual relationship between small birds and humans, causing observers to take note of creatures that otherwise go unnoticed in the urban landscape. Given their scale, the usually non-threatening and beautiful sparrow becomes a dominating creature, calling into perspective the grave impact of introducing a non-native species into an ecosystem.

The sculptures’ meaning has been shaped by the local community’s focus on sustainability. It is the artist’s hope that The Birds will stimulate understanding that will lead to a greater sense of shared responsibility and caring.

"The Birds" in fabrication, 2009

The Birds are the work of Myfanwy MacLeod, a renowned Vancouver artist with a strong satirical element to her work. MacLeod is known to employ a wry sense of humour in her art to bring awareness to more serious points. As one of Canada’s premier artists, MacLeod examines the role of the individual within larger social structures through her sculptures, public art, photographs, and installations.

Think design build. Heavy Industries is a custom art fabricator with the artistic intelligence needed to bring complex, three-dimensional ideas to life. They have a world-class facility with an unconventional mix of experienced fabrication professionals, skilled project managers, and talented designers ready to deliver the best solution for unique projects.

Sled Island is reaching out to high school students and youth clubs by setting up a Create-a-Poster contest for the last month of school. The object is for high school students or club members to design a Sled Island poster that can include Sled Island performers or artists on the poster, and whatever images or ideas they have about the festival.

Posters will be printed out and put up around schools, neighborhoods, favourite coffee shop – wherever they want, within the rules, of course. Participants will be asked to take a picture of their poster hanging up and email it to drew@sledisland.com – the finalists will receive both a wristband for the Young Buds Stage and a festival pass to Sled Island.

Participants will need to make sure their photo(s) clearly show the poster, and include their name, school or club, age and a contact number in an email to be sent in to Sled Island. Photos should be web ready and friendly.

The rules – Like we say, participants will have to play by the rules to win! They will need to get permission from the owner or manager of the businesses they approach before hanging the poster up, they should check to see what school guidelines are, and if they’re going to post it on the street, should make sure it’s on a public notice/poster board – no lampposts or private property. Sled Island is not responsible for the content of any of the posters, and will disqualify any entries deemed offensive by our staff.

Ten (10) Young Buds wristbands and (10) festival passes will be awarded to the top 10 entries as judged by the Sled Island staff, so participants be creative! Contest closes June 15, 2010. Winners will be notified by email by June 19, 2010.

Posters needs to include the following information to qualify:
- Sled Island Festival
- June 30 – July 3, 2010
- Calgary, Alberta

For more information, contact:

Drew Marshall, Media Relations
drew@sledisland.com
(403) 770-9698

There have been a lot of changes here at the Calgary Art Blog. A new design (more manageable), a new contributor (hopefully we get more!), and now, we have a new section on our site: The Art Forum.

The new forum is a place where everyone can discuss their art, projects, upcoming events, get feedback, etc. Ultimately, the Art Forum will be whatever we all make of it. So let’s make it awesome!

Next up, we are looking for any help we can with the site: contributors, editors, designers, sponsors/advertisers, etc. If you’d like to help out here at CAB, please send us an e-mail to contact@calgaryartblog.com. Even if you have no idea what you want to do. I am sure we’ll find something!

Now that we’re done with the updates, head on over to the Art Forum and get the discussion started!

calgaryartblog.com/forum

Culture is integral to any great city, and Nuvo Hotel Suites wants to give something back to traveling creators whose presence contributes to a more interesting Calgary! Beginning in October 2009, Nuvo Hotel Suites and Calgary Arts Development will partner to offer visiting artists and creators the opportunity to be awarded a free stay in a suite at Nuvo, located in the heart of the Beltline and in proximity to many of the city’s arts venues.

Nuvo Hotel Suites strongly believes in the need for artistic diversity in Calgary, and the city’s 160+ arts organizations and dozens of annual festivals give creative visitors reason to seek out the city. Nuvo’s Director of Marketing, Sarah Webb says, “The design of the suites at Nuvo is unique to the Calgary hotel scene, and is ideal for visiting artists. With a modern, clean design and complete kitchens in the hotel suites, those in town for a creative purpose can feel at home.”

One visiting creative will be awarded a free stay each month, chosen from proposals submitted to Nuvo Hotel Suites. In addition to complimentary accommodations at Nuvo, visiting creatives will benefit from being profiled on the Nuvo Hotel Suites blog as well as on CalgaryCulture.com, a newly launched website from Calgary Arts Development that serves as a central hub for information about the city’s arts and culture scene.

The ultimate goal is to continue building Calgary’s reputation as an innovative, diverse and vibrant city. Individuals in all creative fields are encouraged to submit applications. Further information is available at www.nuvohotelsuites.com.

Art Show and Sale
Featuring original art in oil, acrylic, pastel, batik and watercolour.

This event is open to the public, where there will be door prizes and refreshments!

Saturday April 17, 2010
10:00am – 5:00pm
St. Cecilia’s Church
321 90th Avenue SE
(East of Macleod Trail in Acadia Athletic Park)
For information call 403.809.5352

The following artists are involved with this exhibit:

Iryna Zayarny – founder
Gerard Mulhall
Reina Pagie
Nadia Tkachenko
Oxana Barinova
Edward Anderson
Dan Gerling
Galyna Yegorenkova
Elena Cowan
Mila Rea
Artur Urvantsev

“Dear Calgary Art Blog,

I would like to introduce myself to you and share a few ideas as well. My name is Daria. I am a twenty-some year old with love for art and struggling artists and all that is new and different. The biggest reason for my e-mail is my desire to share stories from people that had to face art as a way of coping with unemployment, recession, and hard times. I’d like to share stories about people like myself who in a last year and a half had to find something to do with their time and emotions. I feel that it is a beautiful thing that so many not only started to be more interested in art but also wanted to experience art as therapy. I cannot call myself a professional artist, yet I do enjoy an occasional watercolor, a random doodle, an abstract painting or a burst in photography.

Last Christmas I had to become more creative about gifts and cards, as I was hit with a hard reality of losing a job. I used my art not only as wonderful gifts, but also as a distraction from a hard light of my computer screen and constant resume writing. As a result I was pleased with the reactions I got from all those people who now how a chance to really enjoy something from me and my heart. As a result I would love to share my own stories, as well as those around me. Another strong example is of my own mother, also struck with the hardships of unemployment, within only six months went from holding a paint brush for the first time in her life to selling her oil paintings to friends and relatives.

My dream is to get people out of their shell, to introduce art to people and people to art… Calgary needs more diversity of that kind. In that process I hope to find my own self as an artist, as someone who might have a voice, an opinion, a vision. I have started a blog about work and about personal life (http://dariataikova.com) and even though both are only in a growing stage it is something that I would like to continue and to experiment with.”