The Project
To help bring public art into a variety of areas and communities throughout the city, Calgary Arts Development invited artists to use a public transit bus as their canvas for a new original artwork. This spring, a call went out to artists to submit their qualifications to wrap a public transit bus with art. During the selection process, we identified an opportunity to wrap two additional buses, bringing the total to seven.
These buses will be in service for 12 weeks in the fall of 2024, and will be seen by an estimated 76 per cent of Calgarians seven times, for a total of 10.3 million impressions. In addition to the exterior bus wrapping, panels on the inside of the bus will share information about the artist and show some of their pre-existing artworks.
Selected artists were asked to make an original artwork in response to one of the following themes that consider the multiple contexts of Calgary/Mohkinsstsis and the communities the buses will connect with:
- Honour Indigenous stories and perspectives
- Public transit as social space
- Share stories of your community
- Bring beauty, joy, whimsy and hope
This temporary public art project provides opportunities for artists, offers an engaging visual art experience for citizens, and celebrates Calgary’s cultures, communities, histories, geography and diversity.
The Art Busses are on city streets for 12 weeks starting from the last week of September.
Want to learn more about the artists and their artworks? Watch our video interviews here.
Want to find an Art Bus? Check out the map here.
About the Artists:
Katie Green
Artist Bio
Katie Green (she/they) is a visual artist creating intimate acrylic ink personas that are eerie and ethereal. These emotionally visceral reflections provide Katie with a healing process that manifests as visual characters and scenes that explore internal emotional landscapes. For Katie, the process of painting is one of searching as they wait for something or someone to emerge. Inside this in-between presence is where surprises come forward and characters from unseen places take shape in visual ways. Being in relationship with the beings that appear becomes a form of therapeutic release, helping to both guide and nurture something within. Using these paintings as the inspirational foundation for their practice, Katie creates murals that abstract feelings and forms into immersive scenes where fantastical beings morph and melt together within imagined worlds. Increasingly, their mural projects involve communities in a process of mask making that results in large-scale public expressions of hidden identities, emotional realities and internal experiences.
Artist Gallery
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Artist Statement
Following the proposed Art Bus theme of “bringing beauty, joy, whimsy and hope,” my design invites audiences to explore complex emotions in a playful and immersive manner. I use fantasy as a visual language that helps me imagine new worlds. How might whimsical and unusual characters ask us to pause and consider our emotional reactions, memories and stories? How might surreal environments get us to relate to and reflect on our own internal and external landscapes? This exploration is not just a journey into the unknown, but a means to question, reflect and understand the familiar in new ways. Fantasy opens up possibilities, presenting alternative realities that are fluid and malleable. Upon boarding this bus, audiences are greeted by curious eyes peeking through lush foliage and beings gently embracing their neighbours. Alike to the passengers, the characters in the artwork are temporarily suspended together inside an imagined world. We don’t know where they are coming from or traveling to, or if they are meeting for the first time. I am curious about the habitual interactions that occur while taking public transit. What visible and invisible relationships are formed with people you see on your commute? What imaginative worlds do riders daydream while they transport from one place to another? As we lean into the realm of fantasy, we are reminded of the wonder available in our everyday commutes.
Find out more about Katie’s Art Bus design in this short video.
Lyndon Navalta
Artist Bio
Lyndon Navalta is a professional artist, designer, and queer person of colour, particularly drawn to the subtle details in natural things, which he documents in digital and traditional painting and dry mediums, always with a touch of whimsy, psychedelia, or surrealism. A naturalist at heart, the DNA of his art blends Nature and Magic as he invites viewers to see the world through the lens of memories, admiration, and curiosity. He is passionate about creating art that celebrates the beauty of our natural world through the education of flora and fauna and sharing the spellbinding stories surrounding them.
Artist Gallery
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Artist Statement
Familiar Faces showcases the wildflowers and colours of Calgary’s Nose Hill Park through our short but dynamic warm seasons, with an underlying message of appreciation, conservation and stewardship of our precious wild spaces.
Our brief encounters with wildflowers during nature walks remind me of the fleeting interactions we have with folks in transitory public spaces. Serendipitously meeting a familiar face at a transit stop is, to me, akin to spotting wildflowers on a hike. Remembering their faces can leave me smiling long after we’ve parted ways to our separate destinations.
The visual representation of this emotion revolves around bouquets of larger-than-life, anthropomorphized wildflowers with expressive faces. These flowers frame a condensed landscape, showcasing various perspectives of the nature park as the four seasons pass and transform the hills.
The artistic style borrows mainly from the accuracy of educational ecosystem illustrations, like the interpretive illustrations by Dennis Budgen seen throughout the park trails, with an elevated sense of surrealism and whimsy that my personal style offers. Hints of the handmade touch and psychedelic vibes of the Flower Power era’s “Hippie Buses” and the joyful display of simplified forms of children’s book illustrations are also present in this artistic style.
The flowing lines, distinct shapes, lush detail, and nostalgic colour palette invite transit patrons to a joyful contemplation of the green heart of our city and their place among its wild residents, considering them as their neighbours just like the person next to them at a bus shelter.
Find out more about Lyndon’s Art Bus design in this short video.
Michelle Ku
Artist Bio
Michelle Ku is an artist based in Calgary/Mohkinstsis with family roots in Hong Kong. She mainly creates through painting, animation, & murals. Michelle graduated with a bachelor’s in graphic design from Central Saint Martins, and has worked with Cartoon Network, Giant Robot, BUMP Festival, & CBC Arts. She recently finished directing her first short animated film, ‘Unblending‘ produced by the National Film Board of Canada.
Artist Gallery
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Artist Statement
I hope my art brings people a glimmer of joy and surprise in their day. This art bus is an invitation to daydream, play, and connect with your inner child!
Find out more about Michelle’s Art Bus design in this short video.
Natalia Ionescu
Artist Bio
Natalia Ionescu is a Romanian-Canadian illustrator and designer based in Calgary, AB. She holds a Bachelor of Design degree, with a major in Illustration from the Alberta University of the Arts. With a focus on communication design and visual development, Natalia’s illustrations explore a variety of stories, characters, and environments through a distinctly cute and playful visual approach. Working primarily in digital formats, she infuses natural textures into her work while enjoying the versatility and endless possibilities that digital software provide. Natalia is motivated by the power of visual storytelling, often exploring expressive figures, whimsical settings, and organic elements in her work. She has fallen in love with the process of visual development and is eager to share her characters and stories with the world.
Artist Gallery
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Artist Statement
My artwork explores the ongoing cycle of urban life’s beauty and energy, balanced by the healing calm and introspection found in nature. It is drawn from my experiences and observations in our city, its communities and its natural surroundings, particularly the public parks that I and many other Calgarians frequently access via public transit.
When using public transit, I often found myself immersed in my thoughts as I watched the world pass by. On one side of the bus, I captured vignettes of the imaginative and hopeful journeys of our community members. Daydreams, ideas, optimism, bright possibilities and the beauty of unexpected adventures in everyday life are represented by colourful shooting stars and soft fluffy clouds.
While this side shows an imaginative and energetic depiction of what could be, the opposite side reflects a focus on the present, and the beauty in what is already here. A figure finding peace and introspection in green spaces, highlighting the balance between activity and rest.
Find out more about Natalia’s Art Bus design in this short video.
Paityn Savoie / WÂPOSHPYII
Artist Bio
Paityn is a two-spirit, Métis illustrator currently residing in Treaty No. 7, specializing in printmaking and public art. They graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelors in Illustration Design and a Minor in Printmaking.
Paityn’s work is deeply influenced by their Indigenous culture, community, and connection to nature. A significant aspect of their artistry is the inclusion of animals, which hold spiritual significance in their daily life. These representations reflect traditional Métis beliefs and embody Paityn’s direct connections with Turtle Island.
Their work incorporates elements of Cree Woodland art and delicate Métis floral art, resulting in distinctive and conceptual creations. Their pieces are titled in Cree and English, showcasing a unique synthesis of artistic vision.
Beyond creative expression, Paityn is dedicated to community, education and advocacy.
Artist Gallery
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Artist Statement
This project for the Calgary Art Buses has a central theme featuring a Hare and a Coyote on opposite sides of the bus, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between these animals.
Complementing the animals, the design incorporates local flora in a traditional Métis art style; including the Fern Sage, White Sage, Yellow Star-Thistle, Thistle. Indigenous patterns representing stars and snow add a deeper cultural resonance.
A prominent feature of the design is a window showcasing Mount Yamnuska. The design is intended to reflect Calgary’s natural environment as it transitions from summer to autumn. This is depicted through the Hares coat changing colors and the contrasting elements.
The artwork tells a story of resilience, echoing the spirit of Calgarians who adapt to seasonal changes. The Hare symbolizes the ability to let go, while the Coyote reminds us to remain close to home and yet adaptable.
Poem by Koral Savoie featured on the interior bus cards:
The Creator blessed the Hare with Spring. So it might frolic forever in fields of boundless grace.
For Autumn, the Coyote was graced, with a burrow snug and safe, where its pups raced.
Fate entwined them in a dance. For one day, the Coyote would meet the Hare.
And the Hare would never see Autumn again, as seasons shift and change.
The Creator gazed and saw Turtle Islands’ endlessness. They understood that change is the essence of life.
Find out more about Paityn’s Art Bus design in this short video.
Phoebe Riel
Artist Bio
I’m Phoebe Riel, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and a member of the ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation. I have Ojibway roots, with many close relatives, including my dad, being members of the Batchewana First Nation. I am deeply motivated by the power of visual storytelling, a craft passed down through my long line of Indigenous storytellers. I recently graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a bachelor’s degree in design and Illustration, having been on the President’s Roll for the last four semesters. My artwork is a fusion of illustration and visual story development, drawing inspiration from my First Nation identity, childhood memories, and a love for the surreal. With a whimsically adorable yet uniquely odd style, my pieces often delve into themes of memory, childhood, and surrealism. As a toy collector and horror story enthusiast, my work is heavily influenced by these passions, infusing my visual style and narratives with elements that captivate and intrigue me. Whether it’s through the pages of a children’s book or the panels of a horror visual novel, I’m always exploring new avenues of storytelling narratives that resonate.
Artist Gallery
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Artist Statement
I was inspired to explore the theme “Honouring Indigenous Stories and Perspectives” for this design project because it aligns with my propensity as an Indigenous artist to use my artwork for storytelling and cultural preservation. This theme is essential for decolonization and reconciliation, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and perspectives shared authentically. Through my artwork, I aim to inspire dialogue, understanding, and change by lifting Indigenous culture in contemporary contexts.
This public bus art project is a unique and powerful platform that allows me to bring Indigenous art into the everyday lives of Calgarians. By wrapping a bus with my artwork, I have the opportunity to share the beauty and richness of Indigenous culture with a wide audience, creating a moving canvas that travels through the heart of our city. This project is particularly meaningful to me as it allows for an ongoing and dynamic exchange between art, culture and community.
For the exterior of the bus, my vision captures the urban Indigenous experience in Calgary, a city with vibrant Indigenous communities that gather, celebrate and learn together. My artwork depicts this dynamic exchange, showing Indigenous people engaged in drum-making against the backdrop of the Calgary skyline and the Rocky Mountains. This scene reflects my personal experiences in drum-making workshops, portraying the sense of community, belonging, healing and knowledge-sharing that these gatherings foster.
The illustrations feature individuals in a park setting, creating drums, sharing cultural food like bannock, and sitting in a circle to symbolize equality, connection and collaboration. Key elements of the artwork include a smudge, representing the spiritual aspects of our practices. These details honour the animal whose hide is used for the drums, connecting to our traditions of respect and gratitude.
Furthermore, my artwork will explore the spiritual connection to the animals whose hides are used in drum-making. Often, these animals are deer, moose, buffalo or elk. Their hides are stretched over wooden frames to create drums that serve as a conduit to the spiritual world. In my design, one side of the bus will illustrate the animal, emphasizing the reverence and respect we have for it. The other side will showcase the drum-making process, highlighting the communal and spiritual journey involved in creating these instruments.
This opportunity is profoundly meaningful to me as it allows me to connect with a broader audience and share the stories and traditions of my people. By bringing Indigenous art to public spaces, I hope to create more connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, fostering understanding and appreciation. The visibility of this artwork on a public bus can inspire conversations about reconciliation, cultural preservation and the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Thank you for engaging with my work and supporting the representation of Indigenous stories in public art. This project is a step toward greater visibility and understanding of Indigenous cultures, and I am honoured to contribute to this important dialogue.
Find out more about Phoebe’s Art Bus design in this short video.
Rawry & Pohly
Artist Bio
Rawry & Pohly consists of co-founding Calgary artists Kevin Chow, B.Bus (marketing), and Jamie Mason B.A. (English), B.Ed. Their journey began in 2010, when Chow gifted Mason a teddy bear, the exact duplicate of his own childhood plushie (Pohly), which she named Rawry, but it wasn’t until September of 2014 that Chow and Mason began toying with combining their styles and stories, armed with dollar-store sharpies and acrylic paint on canvas and a sense of fun.
Known for their bright colours and unique linework that awakens the viewer’s inner child, they have created a new visual style they call Contemporary Saturdays, a homage to the artists’ own childhood of Saturday morning cartoons, and nostalgic family adventures outside of the structure of a school week.
Artist Gallery
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Artist Statement
Over 2,000 years ago, China invented and experimented with porcelain, perfecting the art, dynasty by dynasty, leading to the creation of the three great porcelain types. These masterworks, spurred by trade, were made and remade, generation to generation, eventually embedding themselves in the western cultural consciousness as the epitome of refinement and class in the form of ‘fine china.’
Rawry & Pohly’s artwork Year of the Bus was inspired by these master ceramicists, combining the classic porcelain colours of cobalt blue and Chinese red porcelain with their iconic blended visual art, a style deeply rooted in pop art; featuring striking geometrically shaped characters with minimal, iconic line weight, bold, vibrant colours, farcical names and descriptions.
Each side of Year of the Bus depicts a playful scene, where dragon dancers ride on top of wheel wells, lettuce tease a pair of lions, while two stone lions guard the rear. The design was a collaboration with Calgary’s Chinatown — and as it journeys across Calgary, it is both a reminder and a celebration of the integral cultural spaces that we all share.
Find out more about Rawry and Pohly’s Art Bus design in this short video.