Jarett Sitter selected as Chinatown Mural artist

Originally planned as a mural on the road surface itself, the project shifted to a wall mural based on feedback received during community engagement.

The mural will create visual interest for residents and visitors as it becomes the newest addition to Chinatown’s other wall murals that can be seen on various buildings and in alleyways.

In spring 2022, local artist Jarett Sitter was selected by a selection committee to design this mural. Over the summer months, Jarett will connect with members of the Chinatown community to help determine a location and inform his design through the sharing of their stories, history, and knowledge of Chinatown. Installation is expected in the summer of 2023.

This project is a collaboration between The City of Calgary and Calgary Arts Development.

For more information about the project, visit the official page on the City of Calgary website.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jarett Sitter is of Chinese-German-Polish descent and works full-time as a freelance mixed media illustrator/animator. He’s currently a board member of the Quickdraw Animation Society in Calgary.

Sitter draws inspiration from skateboarding graphics, music, album covers, and Saturday morning cartoons. He plays with these nostalgic elements to create unique worlds.

His illustrations and live-action animations can be described as creepy and playful, with elements of softness and manic absurdity. He creates a world without explanation and brings strange characters to life. These misfit characters follow their own story to embrace small moments of discovery and the childlike curiosity of exploration.

Sitter has contributed animation and post-production work for music videos that were nominated for Juno Awards and Much Music Video Awards. He also illustrated the 2018 music cover issue of Believer Magazine. In 2021, Sitter was selected to be the City of Calgary Centre City Banner Artist and his banner designs were installed in and around the downtown area.