Art Central: What's inside (PART 1)

Literally just like the name of the building, it is Art Central!
(So many things to cover, this is going to be a two parter!)

Full of talented artists and galleries exhibiting local, national and even international artists. The large windows that face the busy downtown streets are exposing eye catching art work, fashion and the smell of fantastic food and coffee to those walking by, driving by and even taking the train. (half the building literally is on a CTrain platform. But I still can't believe how many times I hear that someone does not know of Art Central.

People open your eyes to what you walk past every day, not just Art Central, but every where, you'll be pleasantly surprised to all the fabulous things you will notice now in Calgary. The boutiques and galleries through out the city are right in front of you. Take a moment and just step in them sometime.

Photo from Art Central Website

I know we are all in a hurry to get somewhere, but next time that you take a few minutes to stop in to grab a coffee somewhere, pop in to locally owned deVille Luxury Coffee, located on the second floor of Art Central, I bet you'll be changing where you get your coffee from now on. Or even Grab lunch or a little vino with a friend. The decor is fantastic, the service is great, the background music is always a good smooth non annoying sound, which is vital in my opinion. I even had to find out what they were playing one day to download the music for myself. FTR "Vampire Weekend" was the band at the time. (Total tangin there I know, but atmosphere is key, so I had to point it out.)

...now let's move on to the rest of the building.

Photo from Art Central Website

You can plan your trip to Art Central to be an all day thing, or just a quick stop and browse thing, or even get involved. There are classes from some of the galleries, and more. Review their website for everything they really have to offer.

Now, don't get overwhelmed at the thought you can't do the whole building at once, because you don't have too. Choose what you like and what grabs you, spend your lunch hour browsing at art. Get inspired by all the talent that under one roof. Calm your mind from the hustle and bustle you are used to and which is also the reason you may not have even known this place existed in the first place. This building doesn't get old. Many galleries rotate their collections every month so there is always something new to see.

Also, 1st Thursday of every month in the "cultural district" it is always busy with all kinds of art related events to attend. Art Central included. A night where a live band will play, the halls and galleries have people moving steadily in and out of them with them all checking out all the artwork, and socially interacting and then some. Think of it like a huge "wine and cheese" gallery reception. Many will have wine and cheese out to serve you.

What I will leave you with today to take away is to not forget to "stop and smell the roses"
(if you will, there actually is a floral shop in there too!). Stop in Art Central (corner of 1st Street and 7 Avenue SW) even if it's just to see what is inside. You'll be back once you 've stepped in those doors.