The Program
Open Spaces: Windows to a View provides exhibition space to local and regional artists while enlivening the Centre Street LRT platform. Since 2023, the program has partnered with different organizations that work with underserved artists in Calgary. The current partner is the Women’s Centre of Calgary.
March to May 2026 Exhibition
East Window Space
Echoes
Artist: Chidera Uzoka
Chidera’s practice shifts between oil painting and digital art, enabling her to create works that retain the depth of traditional oil painting while incorporating modern techniques. Her art explores themes of identity, culture and faith, centring on the beauty and strength of Black narratives. The name Chidera, meaning “what God has written,” serves as the foundation of her vision. Each piece reflects her belief that all people are created in the image of God and are part of a greater story. Through her art, Chidera aims to inspire others to create, grow and see beauty in the stories of those around them.
Her paintings are a celebration of human experience and they invite viewers to reflect on their own journeys and to recognize the divine spark within themselves and others.
Chidera Uzoka is a 23-year-old digital painter and independent artist based in Calgary, where she runs Dera Art Studio, selling prints and collaborating with clients. Chidera’s artistry spans diverse projects, including album covers, children’s books and custom works, with clients across the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Her exceptional talent has earned her multiple awards from the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) and features in prestigious publications like Black Art Magazine and Mount Royal University’s alumni magazine.
Her passion for education and community engagement is reflected in teaching a comprehensive oil painting class for children with the TMT Foundation and digital painting workshops for the Alcove Centre for the Arts. Chidera has also been invited to present and display her art at high-profile events, including the Government of Alberta’s Black History Month celebration, the Calgary Black Chambers’ Black History Month event and within the Canadian Food Services office.
As a designer, she has contributed to major institutions in Alberta, including creating the rebrand for the Mount Royal University Conservatory and designing the annual Crowchild Classic logo and marketing materials for both Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary.
Through Dera Art Studio, Chidera combines a painterly approach with digital techniques, bridging the gap between modern and traditional art forms. She aspires to encourage creativity and growth in others, sharing her passion for storytelling and the transformative power of art.
Website: derastudios.com
Instagram: @dera.artstudio
West Window Space
Roots and Resilience
Artist: Raha Jazayeri
In my work, I strive to explore the vast spectrum of human emotion, from the depths of sadness to the heights of happiness, to love, disappointment, doubt, fear and beyond. Each brushstroke is an attempt to convey the depth and complexity of these feelings, encouraging viewers to connect with their own experiences.
For me, this journey carries a special meaning for women around the world. Women carry generations of untold stories of love and sacrifice, of strength and vulnerability, of resilience in the face of hardship. Every painting I create is a tribute to these experiences, weaving together personal narratives and cultural threads that honour the lives and emotions of women everywhere.
Through my art, I aim to celebrate not only human emotions, but also the unique strength and beauty found in women’s voices and journeys.
Raha Jazayeri, previously known as Somayeh, was born in 1980 in Tehran, Iran, and currently resides in Calgary. Since childhood, she has been captivated by painting, dedicating herself to learning how to paint from a young age. Despite initially pursuing a career in pharmacy during her university years, painting remained an essential and cherished part of her life. In 2007, Raha made the decision to pursue painting professionally.
After several years, she felt a profound calling to fully immerse herself in the world of art. With this determination, she sought further inspiration in Italy, where she studied portraiture at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence. This experience solidified her commitment to a lifelong pursuit of art.
Raha has participated in numerous exhibitions worldwide, sharing her works on international stages. In 2023, she immigrated to Canada with the intention of dedicating herself fully to her career as an artist. In recognition of her artistic achievements, she received an award from the Society of Canadian Artists in 2025.
Women’s Centre of Calgary
The Women’s Centre of Calgary is guided by a commitment to equity, inclusion and the belief that every woman has the right to thrive in a safe and supportive community. Our work is rooted in three core values: choice, ensuring women can access resources and make decisions that are right for them; inclusion, creating spaces where all women feel welcome and respected; and community, fostering connection, leadership and collective action.
For nearly three decades, the Women’s Centre has contributed to Calgary’s social fabric by offering essential supports, advocacy and opportunities for women to build confidence, skills and community. Through programs ranging from basic needs assistance to peer support, leadership development and education, we strive to reduce barriers and amplify women’s voices across the city.
We are proud to partner with Calgary Arts Development on this exhibition. This collaboration reflects our shared belief in the power of arts and culture to spark dialogue, strengthen community and elevate diverse perspectives. Together, we aim to create a platform that highlights women’s experiences, celebrates their creativity and encourages meaningful engagement across Calgary’s arts ecosystem.
The selected artists are part of the Women’s Centre of Calgary’s artist-in-residence program, a free opportunity for women and gender diverse folks to learn new art skills, connect with others in the community and have their own project to take with them.
The Women’s Centre of Calgary looks forward to working with Calgary Arts Development to foster connection, inspire conversation and support a more equitable and vibrant cultural landscape.