Art

Story by Jenessa Blanchet. “You Belong.” This is the simple mantra echoed in every communication, post or media release about OffBeat Figure Drawing events and this could not be a more apt statement. On Friday, April 5, I attended my first ever OffBeat Figure Drawing session, “FIRE FLY,” at the #mailotcastle, a stoic 1970s home, sponsored as a one year art residency project in Mount Royal. 

Story by Adriana Cueva Art and beauty are often said to be a matter of perspective, a chance to view particular scenes or objects through the eyes of the artist. Galleries such as the Christine Klassen Gallery allow audiences to explore unique pieces in a comfortable and approachable way.

Story and photos by Jessica Melnychuk You’re six years old, drawing a picture of your house in grade one art class. It’s simple – you line the walls, sketch a triangle roof, draw the door and maybe add a window or two. Done.

Story by Laurel McLean. As author Toni Morrison famously said: All good art is political. Paraphrasing this sentiment, Calgary-based artist and illustrator Kyle Simmers elaborates, “If you aren’t making work that is deliberately political, you’re just beautifying the status quo. I try to keep that in mind with all the things I’m working on; what would I like to see grow and change about our culture?”

Story by Andrew Bardsley. Photo by Liam Glass. Amid the dozens of rooms within the infamous Shamrock Hotel, a once popular yet rough spot, sits local artist Kelly Isaak. The hotel, closed in 2015, has been repurposed as the arts facility, NVRLND, where each of dingy, rough-and-tumble rooms now serve as art spaces for local artists – Isaak being one of them.