Summertime Art and Programming Ramps Up in East Village
CMLC’s passion for placemaking continues to drive the team to deliver fun and creative programming for the whole community—bringing people together to connect with one another and their neighbourhoods. Although required COVID precautions remain in place, summer 2021 promises a diverse and engaging lineup of experiences for residents and visitors to East Village.
[Art]ios is CMLCs latest public art and placemaking initiative that will see a half-dozen East Village patios transformed into uniquely artistic urban spaces. Artists and restaurateurs—two segments especially hard-hit by the COVID pandemic—are teaming up in a mutually beneficial arrangement that will build upon the vibrancy and magnetism East Village is well known for while also contributing to the community’s post-pandemic recovery.
The [Art]ios program was developed by CMLC and is made possible through collaboration with local artist and community organizer Kevin Jesuino, who supported CMLC in the connections between local artists and local businesses to help ensure their interests, talents and needs were aligned.
“Using our connections with community arts partners and local businesses, CMLC facilitated the pairing of local visual artists with East Village food and beverage providers in this captivating community initiative that’s a win-win for artists and businesses,” says Clare LePan, CMLC’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “East Village residents and visitors will be delighted by these fun, colourful displays when they visit some of their favourite neighbourhood patios.”
Artists are currently working on their pieces, which will remain in place throughout the summer. Their works will range from sculptures to immersive displays that transform an entire patio into something new. All six will align with one of the program’s themes: ‘stress relief’, ‘escapism’ and ‘connection’.
Whether strolling past or settling in for a drink or a meal, Calgarians will soon see new splashes of colour and artistry in the following patio/artist pairings:
Chix Eggshop / Nina Lee
Good Earth Coffeehouse / Trina Listanco
Hilton Garden Grille / Ken Hacke
The King Eddy / Shirley Vuong
Charbar / Aaron Brown
Soleil Bistro & Bar / Indi City
East Village HQ is the new summer headquarters for CMLC’s Event Activation and Street Team (EAST). Located at the Crossroads—site of last winter’s warm-up Hygge Hut—East Village HQ consists of two creatively up-cycled shipping containers and adjoining picnic tables.
In addition to providing passers-by with a fun hangout and resting spot, East Village HQ will serve as home-base for the EAST team. Our friendly ambassadors will be on hand with neighbourhood maps, EV Merch, EV (De)Tours walking-tour guides and friendly conversation.
EAST staff will also help direct people to the latest clues for the summer-long ‘EV Marks the Spot’ scavenger hunts. Daily clues will send folks around the neighbourhood, exploring hidden gems and spotting ‘EV’ logo stickers in out-of-the-way spots. Successful hunters can claim fun prizes back at East Village HQ. For more details and to play along, visit the EV Blog.
East Village HQ will be staffed Friday from 3-7 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10 am-4 pm through to September.
Partner programming CMLC is supporting many of our community partners in their summer programming efforts, too.
Our friends and neighbours at River Valley Adventure Co. are set up at East Village HQ, renting Segways to scavenger hunters…and anyone else who wants to explore the neighbourhood on their electric people-movers.
Additional and ongoing summer programming activities include The Paddle Station’s kayak, raft and SUP rentals on St. Patrick’s Island and fitness classes with CrushCamp and Barre Body Studio. Add to that the Calgary Public Library’s outdoor story time and a new partnership with YYC Growers (offering subscription-based produce pick-up in 5th Street Square), and this summer is looking like a great time to be a Calgarian.
