The Program
Open Spaces: Windows to a View provides exhibition space to local and regional artists while enlivening the Centre Street LRT platform. From 2023 to 2025, the program is partnering with different organizations who work with underserved artists in Calgary. The current partner is the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation.
March to May 2025 Exhibitions
East Window Space
Majestic Stride
Artist: Fauzan
I am Muhammad Fauzan Mirza, an artist, architect and designer based in Calgary, and originally from India. Art has been a lifelong passion since the age of three, when I started drawing birds and animals on the walls at home. Carrying on this interest over the years, I’ve explored various mediums — from pencil and charcoal to watercolours — eventually discovering my signature expression in large-scale oil paintings. My work blends realism with abstraction, crafting narratives that unfold with each brushstroke. Inspired by nature and travel, I aim to capture the beauty of wildlife and landscapes while exploring and documenting the architectural contexts of diverse places.
Fauzan has exhibited extensively in New Delhi, India, showcasing his art at venues such as the Vivanta by Taj Hotel in Dwarka, the NRTYA Culture Fest in Hauz Khas, and the Arth Festival at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where he participated in live painting. He has also created custom paintings for clients, with applications ranging from jewelry stores to private residences and offices. In 2004, he had the honour of presenting a portrait to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His work was also featured in the annual calendar of the American Embassy in New Delhi, following his win in an embassy-hosted art competition. Fauzan’s paintings gained recognition in the Canadian market after being showcased for two consecutive years in the Western Muslim Initiative exhibition at The Grand and The Pioneer in downtown Calgary. Alongside his work as a painter, Fauzan is also an architectural designer, seamlessly blending his creativity across disciplines that bridge the worlds of art and architecture.
West Window Space
Silent Whispers of Nature
Artist: Muhammad Abdallah
My work reflects the delicate balance between the raw beauty of nature and the refined elegance of human expression. Through acrylic painting, pencil drawing and sculpture, I explore the contrasts and connections between these two worlds.
In my recent series, the black canvas serves as a backdrop for the vibrant life that emerges within it: a wild sheep, an olive branch, a bird — each symbolizing freedom, resilience and growth. These works are an invitation to pause and contemplate the quiet power of nature, often obscured by the noise of modern life.
My art is a journey of discovery — of understanding the beauty that exists in both the wild and the cultivated, the fleeting and the enduring. It is through this exploration that I seek to connect with my audience on a deeper level, inviting them to find meaning in the spaces between form, movement, and stillness. This collection is a tribute to the intricate beauty and resilience of nature, captured on the depth and stillness of black canvas. Each piece is a moment of connection and a silent dialogue between humanity and the wild, symbolizing harmony, strength and contemplation. The dark backdrop amplifies the strength and purity of these natural forms.
The olive branch, titled “Eternal Peace,” reflects a universal longing for balance and reconciliation. The maple branch, “Northern Spirit,” embodies the soul of a nation and the endurance of its seasons. With “Shepherd of Heights,” the mountain sheep stands as a guardian of rugged terrains, while “Arctic Majesty” immortalizes the grace and vulnerability of the polar bear. Finally, “Wings of Silence” captures the fleeting elegance of a bird, a symbol of freedom and fragility.
Together, these works invite viewers to pause, reflect and appreciate the interconnectedness of life, where every element of nature holds a story waiting to be heard in the quiet spaces we so often overlook.
Muhammad Abdallah is a Calgary-based artist whose work spans multiple mediums, including acrylic painting, pencil drawing and sculpture. With a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for texture, his art reflects a deep connection to both the natural world and human grace, captured through powerful imagery and dynamic forms. His acrylic paintings are known for bold, vivid compositions, and explore the contrasts between light and shadow, life and stillness. Abdallah’s sculptures add another dimension to his creative expression, bringing his abstract ideas into tactile, three-dimensional forms. Through his diverse practices, he invites viewers to engage with his art on both an intellectual and emotional level, offering a unique perspective on the world around us.
Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation
Established in January 2019, the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI) is committed to advancing the careers of immigrant and newcomer arts professionals. Functioning as a pivotal resource for networking and opportunities, ICAI facilitates a smooth transition for immigrant and newcomer arts professionals, nurturing their ongoing professional development in Alberta. As a dedicated non-profit organization, ICAI fosters a supportive environment for our community of immigrant and newcomer arts professionals. Through tailored programming, we ensure inclusivity and provide a welcoming platform for diverse artistic expressions.
For information on the history of Open Spaces, visit the The City of Calgary webpage.