Blog Under Construction

photo from dryicons

Currently this blog is under construction. 

Working on a new plan of fabulous new posts and keeping you informed of all things Art in The City. 

Thank you for all that have supported thiscityhasArt.blogspot.com 

Looking forward to having you return in FALL 2012

Hitched

How much more than a link the there event page can I say than this fabulous poster already does? lol


Anyone who does not know Emma she is the brilliant mastermind behind Artspot and works her butt off to run that "spot". This is a fabulous event with  amazing line ups of entertainment and more, and all the while it is giving back to someone who supports the art community in so many ways. 


Enjoy your Easter Sunday! 


Your Fashion & Art Insider,
Sabrina May


For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/316227625096452/

Make Fashion

Don't get spooked off that I said Fashion! Besides, fashion is an art form. Some may disagree, but I believe it is and in this project it really is. It's for artist's, techies, and artists! 


This project that Endeavor Arts Gallery has created is amazing. Let me give you what it's all about, and then I am going to lead you right to their website. Their site will fill you in on the proposal breakdown, the deadlines, even more information on the series of events that is involved with it's initiative and more. And I couldn't explain it better myself. However I had to share this opportunity with all of you...

The MakeFashion initiative is a collaboration of great minds who want to demonstrate that the convergence of Technology and Art can result in a form, fashion and community brand new to Calgary. Creativity and innovation are the guiding principles to unit fashion, jewelry and accessories designers with software and hardware engineers. Along with technology enthusiasts, creatives and those that just simply like to engage in cultural experiments – all are invited to participate in the MakeFashion event series.

There are two information sessions approaching fast, Monday April 2nd and Tuesday April 10th. These sessions will answer all your questions. 

For all proposal information go to: Call for Designer Proposals

For more information on their Information Sessions: Info Sessions

www.makefashion.ca is the site to follow for all information aotu events, proposals, designers, artists and more. 

Cheers,

Your Fashion & Art Insider,

Sabrina May

*Any of you plan to get involved, keep me posted! Can't wait to see what will come of this! 

Show & Tell: An Artist Showcase

Ever find yourself talking about an artist's work at an art show just between you and your friends but never actually knowing about the artist's actual insight to how they made that piece or what inspired them.

 Yes there are the artist bios you can read sometimes that you will find in a booklet that was at the door that you may or may not have picked up. Or yes, you may find the romance in the fact that that piece spoke to you as you saw it, not necessarily how the artist conceptualized it. But the beauty in the passion behind the artist's work is shown in a piece when an artist who is brave enough to present their work in front of a room of people. Now for most visual artists, this is their biggest fear. There art is what they like to display, not themselves. 

Show & Tell: An Artist Showcase is all of the above. For a year now, every month Calgary Art Group hosts a night that encourages an artist to get up on stage and talk about their piece. To share what inspired them to create it. What materials they used, because many times you would be surprised what they actually made that out of. And it is a chance for the audience to engage with the artist. Ask questions. To share their emotions they felt from what they see, and to be inspired on "How did you make that do that?". 

I myself as an artist am so interested by the intriguing comments I get from others interpretations of my work. Never insulted, because to each their own and what stood out to them. If anything inspired. 

This event runs just like Show & Tell did in elementary. You get up, share your item (your art piece) that you brought, you talk about it and then it's open for discussion. The night allows for 5 artists only, that way there is just enough time for each. 

I highly encourage you to attend one month to see what all the hype is about. If you are interested in sharing a piece yourself, please contact me at sabrina@sabrinamay.com. Artists showing are always pre booked. So contact me today to pre book for an up coming month. 

We encourage visual artists of all kinds, no experience needed, no history major needed, no pre sold pieces needed. Any level of artist is welcome to share a piece. It is always about the creation and not the "level" you are at to be able to show. So please don't feel intimidated that you may not be good enough to share yet, we have had those who have only ever created one piece in their entire life show and they were one of the artists who had the most conversation going.

I invite you to share a piece yourself or just come to enjoy the conversation.

Next Show & Tell is this coming Monday at our sponsored location, Cafe Koi, 1011 - 1 St SW at 8pm.

What are you plans for Monday, are you doing something culturally cool as this?

Your Art & Fashion Insider,
Sabrina May

ArtaWEARness XII WOWness

I can't wait to just go on about ArtaWEARness right now. I am still replaying the show I saw last night over and over in my head. What a delight to see such innovation by some very creative students. 

The ACAD students were told they couldn't put the show on in the ACAD lobby this year as they have held this event for many years in the past, wth the longest runway in Canada, but that didn't stop them and I am so glad it didn't as it is one of my favorite events to see every year. How could it not be, a fusion of fashion and art. Hello!


I am changing up my blog a little this year and being a little more raw with how I plan to write, meaning my photos may not be so amazing and my grammar... well I am not a writer lol. But it's with passion and "flare" that I love to share about the incredible talent I come across all the time. So mind the quality of the photos and ignore my grammer sometimes, because I am too excited to edit it and just enjoy the content for the reason I share all this with you, being a strong voice for the visual art scene. 


Let's start off with the opening act, Jessica Armstrong's piece... "Yellow Hysteria" ... OMG is what I have to say. It was a perfect choice to open to the night's show with and how the wallpaper concept was performed, Just incredible! A must see and words can't describe it. 

(Model Ashley Quan - A model and fabric artist herself)

Marlee Watts' "Legend of the Faun" gave us a show that I couldn't keep my eyes off of (hence the poor picture, I was too busy watching and not focusing on getting a picture, sorry). Just a beautiful piece that was so well styled/created and her jewelry was just the icing on the cake too. 

Oh and then.. Jennifer Sowtis & Cindy Santa created a piece that I literally tweeted "goosebumps and almost crying" because this piece literally was just that touching. "Just because you can't see it... Doesn't mean it's not important." A piece expressing Cindy's battle with Lupus which is a Auto-immune disease. The dresses and corsets acted as a metaphor, which we rely on our immune system to support us but then it turns against you much as illness and disease and ends up en casing you. Although She doesn't look sick, sometimes it is what you can't see is the most important thing. And the performance showed us just that. The hand crafted pieces made out of  steel rod I bent into a filigree pattern and welded into shape and the corsets made out resin, ribbons and lace. All by Cindy. 

I highly encourage you to watch for Paul's video of this piece, as it can truly touch anyone whether battling lupas or any other disease, this is touching and an outstanding message.

Now the "Cyberpunk Romance" by Tyler & Wade Ames and Jade Scholz piece may remind you slightly of a Starwars type vision but the story line shown in the costumes, choreography and the music all just made it come together so beautifully it didn't matter what it may have reminded you of, you were just so captivated by this story anyway! So well done! Loved it. 

Then when you think you have already seen the best, this years show was packed with too many to choose just one favorite. "Seduction of the Dark" hit the stage and ended with you gasping "wow". This piece by Kendra Jo and Steffi Lord was well designed, and just had your attention the entire time, intrigued with it's story of Betrayl, passion and revenge. The ending ... you could feel the heart that they ripped out. And so magically done too. So great. My niece and I talked about this one all the way to the car about how perfect that last scene brought you from "whoa violence" to "Oh wow, he just ripped her heart out". If only I caught a picture of that moment. 

If I had of gone Friday night I would have returned again to see this show the Saturday night too. Sad I only got to see it once. Looking forward to next year already. 

Your Calgary Art Insider,
Sabrina May


Did you attend the event? Which one grabbed your attention the most? 

My Absence ...

I apologize I have been so absent with my blog posts. This year has flown by so quickly it feels like it was January yesterday. And some days with the weather we have, it's easy to get confused. lol

However my main absence has been because I have been buckling down on a business plan and creating some incredible events (art and fashion related of course) that I will be releasing soon.

So be patient, don't leave me and I will be back on track in no time!

In the mean time, get involved with the art events happening around town and check Calgary Art Group's calendar.

Your Calgary Art Insider,
Sabrina May

Show & Tell: An Artist Showcase #2

I can't believe I did not even blog about my own event, Show & Tell. You know things have been hectic when. lol

Well we have another one coming up.... Monday, April 18th at 8pm at Cafe Koi.

The first one was so amazing and I am sooo looking forward to the next one coming up.  The Artists that showed at the last event didn't know what to expect, were not too sure what to say but pulled it all off brilliantly. The audience was amazing with really interesting interpretations, questions and comments. The energy and the feedback was exactly what I had hoped for.

For those of you just tuning in... Show & Tell: An Artist Showcase is an event held at Cafe Koi every 3rd Monday of each month. And literally as the event is titled is how the event goes down.

Do you remember show and tell in elementary? You had something you wanted to share and you get up and talk about it front of the class, then the class had the opportunity to comment or ask questions. This is exactly how this works.

• 5 Artists (pre selected from members of Calgary Art Group) 
• One piece of art to show each. 
• 20 mins each to talk and answer questions, etc. 

If you are interested in joining the discussion, join us at the next Show & Tell.

8 pm at Cafe Koi
1011 1 Street SW Calgary, AB 

Life & Survival

Here is an event to mark on your calendars: ( I am just going to share the exact words from their facebook posting cause I couldn't say it any better)

In partnership with Resolution Art Gallery, a silent art auction will be held to benefit the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (BTFC). Proceeds will be donated to the BTFC via the 2011 Calgary Spring Sprint (www.springsprint.ca).

The benefit, inspired by the courageous battle of Life & Survival by brain cancer survivor Aaron Ramler, will feature art from fellow survivors, caregivers, friends and supporters.

Reception on April 9th, from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Please join us for good food, good wine and good art!

Bidding will close April 17th. Details on bidding are available on the auction website at www.lifeandsurvival.yolasi te.com or at the gallery. An online profile of all artwork is available on the auction website and online, email, phone and text bidding will be accepted from April 15th at 10:00am to April 17th at 5:00pm.

For further information, please see the auction website (www.lifeandsurvival.yolasite.com) or contact Auction coordinator, Donna-lynn Ramler either on Facebook or at lifeandsurvival@hotmail.com.

April 2011 First Thursday

Reminder of all the fun things happening this first thursday, so many I can not name them all. But I will mention one today. 


Here is a fun one to get involved with:


First Thursday art WALK with Art Cultural Scavenger Photo Walk and Bunny Hop 

Hop into the spirit of spring with this fun amazing race meets Photo Egg find inspired misadventure Cultural Scavenger Hunt.

OBJECT - to collect as many pigeon eggs as possible, team with the most eggs at the end, wins.

Start and Endeavor Arts Gallery 200 1209 1st SW 5 pm sharp

get 3 hrs to collect as many points, photo and "eggs" as possible in a 8 by 3 block radius

End up at Firewater Grill 222 7st SW  by 8pm Sharp

for wrap up collection and awarding party

arttwalkwithart@gmail for more info




AND IT IS FREE! Bonus if you have an artist's budget like mine. ;)


To stay in the loop of all things happening for First thursday, of course there is Calgary Art Group and Calgary Culture too. 




See you all down in the cultural district thursday.

February Gallery Walk & Chat

Couldn't start a Saturday off any better than a meeting up with other art enthusiasts and going for a walk to view some galleries.

Today was Calgary Art Group's first Gallery Walk & Chat. A new monthly meetup for the group that will be happening once a month. And it was a great start to a new monthly event. 

We all met up at a locally owned (of course) breakfast spot, Holy Grill . Got a chance to all chat and meet each other before we ventured off to our gallery tour. I chose 3 galleries in one general area. Today is was The Weiss Gallery, then The Herringer Kiss Gallery , and then The Gerry Thomas Gallery. Of course I was a little bias and chose 3 of my personal top favorite galleries in the city. But for some of the others, it was their first time so I am so glad I was able to introduce them to some where they have not been. 

A little bit about each place:

If you haven't tried the food at Holy Grill, I highly suggest you do. For Breakfast of Lunch. Really great menu choices and well executed. 

Back to Art.... 

The Weiss was showing a collection by Collin Smith. This collection you have to see for yourself. It is so interesting the images he captured and the technique he used. I couldn't explain in words  how to best describe his work. There were also a few sculptures in there that I want in my place. (I'm a bad blogger and will admit I forgot to look at the name of the artist for this one and it's not on their site. So all the more reason you have to go in yourself to check them out before they are gone.)

Herringer Kiss had an interesting mix of two different artists. One who took photos with such a science that the images appear to be model trains, cars and people. The colour is so perfect, etc. But they are not models, it's all real. Artist, Toni Hafkenscheid, just knows when to shoot and how to make it work. Ironically the other artist they are showcasing, Eszter Burghardt, created these mini models that when she photographed these small settings it looks like photos of real mountains, lakes, etc. 

My son's favorite piece of the day was here. A very small sculpture of a man standing on a chair with an over sized pencil (well large to the sculpted man that is) in his hand that touches the wall it faces. The set up though is a straight pencil line drawn on the actual wall, like it was from the man on the chair. Loved it.

And lastly, Gerry Thomas's Gallery. This is a great venue for all kinds of events, but an art gallery every day. Today it showcased work from Gerry Thomas himself. There was an event about hockey the night before. So for 10 days the gallery is displaying some of Gerry's private collection of his original photographs of  some of the greatest hockey players and Gerry had the pleasure of shooting over time. Including a close personal friend of his, Wayne Gretzky. Some of these shots have never been shown before. So for those of you big sports fans, this is a collection you will truly gaga over. And for those non sports fans you can still enjoy the personal connection you can see that Gerry captured in his photographs. There are also other pieces that are not sport related through out the gallery.

What gallery have you been to lately?   

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.