Murals transform Calgary’s cityscape into an expansive open-air urban art gallery.
Two of the most iconic works are impressive for more than their longevity. They enhance the overall urban landscape and create a unique sense of place. They are recognizable for their bright colours and imagery that complements the surroundings.
The first is the 25′ x 125’ acrylic mural Giving Wings to the Dream. It was painted on the old Calgary Urban Projects Society building in 1995 by artist Doug Driediger. The mural provides a fitting backdrop for the historic Church of the Redeemer.
The work invokes the spirit of the church. It visually transitions the Gothic Revival style of the historic sandstone building constructed in 1905. A stark contrast with the contemporary 222 m (728 ft) tall Telus Sky building in the background.
The mural was under threat of being replaced in 2020 until an online petition saved it from destruction. Read the story from the Calgary Herald – August 12, 2020.
The second mural, also painted in 1995, was by local artist Dean Stanton. It can be found on the north and west-facing portions of Sunulta School. This prominent location is seen by thousands of motorists daily. The mural depicts a joyful, child-like community landscape centred around the historic Old School built in 1912.
YYC BUMP
Since 2017, YYC Bump (Beltline Urban Murals Project), “a community-led, artist-focused street art movement, has been reimagining public spaces.” The annual BUMP Festival has transformed Calgary with over 270+ public art installations.
Through this initiative, 80 new public murals were created in 2022. More than 40 local, national, and international artists contributed to this effort. An additional 19 murals were added in 2023.
Public art installations range from the tallest mural in the world to other works adorning multi-story buildings. Otherwise, underwhelming locations, including side and back alleyways, now host celebrations of public art. They reclaim the space for urban explorers in search of inspiration. They offer the liberation of their imagination.
YYCbump.ca has a map where you can build your own tour. You can access it here.
URBAN LOOKOUT – HIGH PARK
Location: 340 10 Avenue SW.
The rooftop at High Park (level 6) of the City Centre Parkade covers 90,000 square feet. Along with graffiti murals, it is home to three of the Best Outdoor Basketball Courts in the city.
The site includes turf areas, fireside lounge seating and lights to enjoy the area at night. The courts are enclosed by large concrete blocks. The site has netting and court-side bleachers on the outside. The view is unmatched, although the court surfaces are far from perfect.
URBAN HIKING
If you head south from High Park, you will be in the Beltline District. You can view history through the lens of an artist. Explore The BLOX to find 15 unique art installations. These bring the past to life through modern artistic expression in the 1905 project.
The alley behind historic Kipling Square features the three murals pictured below. Click on the picture to see the artist.
Seven blocks away (.68 km or approximately a 10-minute walk) is the Red Mile or Retail and Entertainment District on 17th Avenue SW. You can explore 17 YYC Bump murals between 2nd Street SW and 16th Street SW.
In the alley on the north side of Fourth Street and 17th Avenue, you can find the mural pictured above by artist Elena Bushan. If you stay on Fourth Street, you will find another urban lookout at 2115 4th St. SW: Van Gogh Observes 4th Street.
The Urban Explorer 