The Project
Calgary Arts Development is partnering with the National accessArts Centre (NaAC) for our Open Spaces program to exhibit artworks by NaAC members, foster artist development and increase the visibility of artists with disabilities in Calgary. This year-long partnership will see a rotation of different artists and exhibits in two window galleries downtown starting in summer 2023.
Since 2009, the Open Spaces program has provided exhibition space to local and regional artists while enlivening the Centre Street LRT platform on 7 Ave. between Centre Street and 1 St. SE. Two large display windows on the exterior of the Telus Convention Centre are updated with new exhibits regularly throughout the year.
Current Exhibitions:
West Window Space
Paul Yue — Tumble Towers | Transit Lines
Artist Statement:
“Sometimes buildings are removed to make space for new creations. Old designs are changed to new ones, and we learn new routes for travel.” — Paul Yue
Born in China in 1965, Paul Yue moved with his family to Canada in 1976. Yue’s practice represents his relationship to Calgary, urban architecture and the way he navigates the city through various forms of public transportation. To understand his place in the city, Yue uses bright colours, geometric anomalies and depictions of urban transformation.
Featuring three large wall-mounted artworks and several free-standing sculptural pieces, Yue’s Tumble Towers | Transit Lines exhibition vibrates with bold colours and rhythms of city life.
East Window Space
Mark Henry — Working Hand
Artist Statement:
“My collages are process-based. They unfold without reference or a specific end goal. Until all the pieces settle, I can’t really predict which impressions will emerge — I try not to anticipate what will grow, but I’m always surprised by what shows up. Each piece tells its little story, like whispers from people I’ve never met. I invite people to respond to my work. They may connect narratives that I wouldn’t have thought of.
“These are more like momentary frames to connect with. You can peek through to find bits and pieces of so many stories, like conversing without words. I use any material that catches my eye. Like finding magic in the ordinary, these pieces are all around us, waiting for arrangement. Gluing them down is just one way to hold onto them a little longer. These are thrown-away materials. Once discarded or fated for the recycling bin, these materials are now part of something new. Each composition contains bits and pieces of things that were once part of everyday life, imperfections and all.” — Mark Henry
Mark Henry’s Working Hand pieces together narratives from a patchwork of everyday materials — snippets of Sudoku puzzles, sections of newspapers, elements of comic strips and various printed collections — each carrying hints of emerging and fragmented stories. Inspired by an impactful arts professor, Henry chose to study arts at the University of Calgary. His art practice is deeply influenced by the works of Wassily Kandinsky and Pablo Picasso, and he has maintained a daily drawing practice for nearly 30 years. Intertwined with his experience of schizophrenia, Henry’s artistic journey reflects his belief that possessing a distinct and unique perspective can significantly enrich one’s artistic output.
The Open Spaces Program
The Open Spaces: Windows to a View program provides exhibition space to local and regional artists while enlivening the Centre Street LRT platform.
From 2023 to 2025, the Calgary Arts Development Open Spaces program will be partnering with different organizations who work with underserved artists in Calgary. Founded in 1975 as the In-Definite Arts Society, NaAC is Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization — and in 2020, became the country’s first multidisciplinary disability arts organization. Today, NaAC supports more than 350 artists living with developmental and/or physical disabilities through on-site studio supports and workshops, and an even broader community of Canadian artists with disabilities through immersive programs delivered online.
The Open Spaces program is not currently accepting applications.
For information on previous Open Spaces exhibits, visit the The City of Calgary webpage.