The Peripatetic Publisher ventures out.
ARTWALK Calgary celebrated its 35th year last weekend with a mashup of 25 different exhibition spaces throughout the city. However, I was particularly intrigued by Art and the City, a new project that curated the art in plazas, lobbies and other public spaces in downtown Calgary as an accessible and engaging tour. Apparently, the idea grew out of a casual conversation about eventually documenting Calgary's public art in a book.
Along the route, signage with maps and interactive QR codes provided information about the works for both tour participants and interested members of the public.
QR Codes
Art and the City tour map
This year's mini-tour was led by gallery owner Yves Trépanier and covered about a dozen locations, some with multiple art pieces. It started at Bow Valley Square, on the corner of 6th Avenue and 2nd Street S.W., and concluded a couple hours later in Centennial Plaza at 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street S.W.
Here's a sampler:
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Dennis Oppenheim, "Pathways to Everywhere, An Exploration"
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Dave Chilhuly, "Amber, Blue, and Green Chandeliers"
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Michael Morris, "Calgary Letter"
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Christian Eckhart, "Sacra Conversazione Painting – Versione Follia"
5 of 8
Charles Hilton, "Friendship," 1978
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Christian Eckhart, "Hat Trick," 2012
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Eleanor Bond, "Happy Town," 2004
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Christian Eckhart, " Curved Monochrome Paintings: Seventh Variation," 2002
A poem by Calgary’s poet laureate, Sheri-D Wilson, was spray-painted on the sidewalk at different spots along the route to inspire contemplation on the ephemeral qualities of the urban condition. It culminated at the Devon Building plaza, where Sheri-D was hosting a live poetry reading with several local artists.
Sheri-D Wilson reads poetry
Poetry on the street
More poetry on the street
Kudos for this collaborative effort to Calgary Artwalk, the City of Calgary’s PARK(ing) day, the Christine Klassen Gallery, TrépanierBaer, Kasian Architecture and the Calgary Downtown Association, as well as several downtown properties, including Oxford Properties, Cadillac Fairview and Quadreal.
On Sept. 21, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Art and the City will be integrated into the City of Calgary’s PARK(ing) day initiative, with an information and volunteers situated near the Bow Tower Plaza on the corner of Centre Street and 6th Avenue S.E. This will be a starting point for self-guided tours along the Art and the City route, with the same informational signage at points of interest.
Look for Art and the City again next September.