The Mini Galleries Have Gone to the Birds!
Sparrow has flown the coop and is nesting in the Crescent Heights mini-galleries in Rotary Park in September and October as Sparrow’s artists-in-residence present art based on the theme of birds. Sparrow Artspace provides monthly residencies where artists can create, collaborate, and exhibit to further their artistic journey in a supportive community.
Imaginations are taking flight, as Sparrow artists-in-residence consider the many ways birds are depicted in culture, story, myth, and the sublime, and express their avian findings through painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.
You can view the exhibition from Sept 1-Oct 29th. Please join us on Sat Oct 8th, 1-3pm for the Exhibition Celebration with an art walk with the artists, music, and more!
YU CHEN. Kingfisher's Feather. Water color on fan.
$250, please contact yuchenartstudio@gmail.com
Yu Chen is a Chinese artist based in Calgary. Her artworks present a unique perspective on Asian culture. Tian-Tsui is a style of traditional Chinese art featuring kingfisher feathers. People have used the iridescent blue feathers of kingfisher as an inlay for delicate art objects and adornment. The process of making Tian-Tsui are cruel, and the kingfisher will die shortly after their feather is taken. Yu Chen wishes to protect the kingfisher and appeals to the use of alternate materials.
You can visit YU CHEN in September (open Thurs-Sat 11am-6pm) at Sparrow Artspace for her residency.
NOAH HARUKI. Tongue Cut Sparrow.
The Tongue Cut Sparrow is a Japanese fairy tale about an old wood cutter who adopts a pet sparrow and is rewarded for his generosity by the sparrow with a lavish party and banquet. Noah Haruki is third generation Japanese Canadian seeking to connect with his heritage through art. In both painting and ceramic art, Noah uses traditional mediums and techniques to produce works with a strong sense of classical Japanese aesthetics.
Visit Noah at Sparrow Artspace for his residency and exhibition in September.
McKENNA PRATHER: “Two for Mirth”. Acrylic and Embroidery on Canvas. 10” x 14”. 2022. $325.please contact the artist mckennal.prather@gmail.com
When my Nanny was growing up in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, a friendly crow followed her home, and he eventually became her pet. In Newfoundland, Irish folklore is a unique part of the culture. An excerpt from “Newfoundland Folklore and Sayings,” writes this about crows: “One for sorrow, two for mirth, The third a wedding and fourth a birth.” Inspired by this quote, my hope is that this painting will bring more laughter and happiness to the neighbourhood.” McKenna was an artist-in-resident last March and will be doing a residency with Yiting Hui (who has many murals in the neighbourhood) this April.
SANDRA MELNIK: Maggie. Textile.
Maggie a rare subspecies of the common magpie. Found in urban Calgary, best spotted in July for 10 days only. Sandra is on a journey of exploring textile arts. Intuitively driven, following original sketches or interesting photographs, Sandra hopes to inspire the viewer to make their own story when enjoying her pieces.
Sandra is a Crescent Heights resident and was an artist-in-resident at Sparrow Artspace in August.
STEVE ROGERS: 3 Little Birds. 12"x12" Mixed Media Collage on canvas, UV protection finish. $300, please contact the artist at rogerss@shaw.ca
3 Little Birds is my tribute to Bob Marley. The theme of the Mini Galleries was birds, Music travels just as birds migrate. The painting has also enabled me to utilize my collage work of guitars to create a unique look. Enjoy! Steve is an artist in resident in October at Sparrow Artspace and has organized a group exhibit, Rebel Rebel, inspired by the David Bowie song. The group show includes experienced artists and newcomers who have experimented with different mediums inspired by the theme of music
JILL MANN: Soaring to Brilliance. Acrylic/multimedia on board.
Jill Mann has been an artist for over 30 years, working in various mediums and environments, from small pieces to large murals. “I have been built up and torn down to rise again in my life, and the Phoenix symbolized that renewal. We pull the remaining scraps together and adhere them with what we have to rise and “Soar to Brilliance”. The Phoenix Education Foundation, a local school, will be having a residency at Sparrow Artspace in December.