For most Canadians, Calgary flies under the radar as one of Canada’s biggest art centres. In fact, it flies under the radar as an arts centre for most Calgarians too. I was reminded of this recently when we went for a walk on a warm January day (+12C) to check out the new exhibition at the Illingworth Kerr Gallery at the Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) and the graffiti staircase.

Backstory: When I recently posted a blog about the vintage murals at SAIT’s Heritage Hall, one reader suggested I do a blog on AUArts’ graffiti staircase. You don’t have to tell me twice - well sometimes you do but not this time.

I was impressed by the amount of art that was on exhibit at the University for the public to enjoy – too bad it isn’t only the public’s radar. FYI: The Gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, from 11 to 6 pm, Thursdays from 11 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4 pm.

Here is just some of the art we encountered…

Still from Graffiti Staircase video that is at the end of this blog.

The AUArts Corridor / Lobby

We arrived through what seemed like the back door as the massive corridor was totally deserted. But kudos to the AUArts staff for transforming the sterile, football long space into an art gallery featuring the work of students (including name of artists, title of artwork and year graduated) who have graduated over the past few years. At first glance, they look like “real” artworks, but once closer, you realize they are all reproductions. But no matter, it creates a very welcoming and appropriate entrance for an art school.

I was nicely surprised to find University’s lobby full of art. We have been to many students’ show and sales over the years where the lobby was full of current student art, but I didn’t expect to find it full of art early in the new term. Kudos to the students and staff for featuring the work of fibre and ceramic students for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at some of them.

It looks like an art gallery but the artworks are actually vinyl reproductions.

The southern entrance or exit to the Corridor Gallery.

The Gallery

The Illingworth Kerr Gallery’s entrance is off the lobby and where the current exhibition, “KNOWLEDGE MADE CONCRETE” is available for viewing until March 8, 2025. The exhibition featured works from various collections with a focus on the work of university instructors.

FYI: AUArts is one of only four Canadian universities devoted to the visual arts. The others are Emily Carr University of the Arts, Vancouver; OCAD University, Toronto and NSCAD University in Halifax. The University’s history dates back to 1929 when it was part the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art, now the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

The gallery is a huge empty box with a high ceiling that lends itself to all types of contemporary visual art exhibitions and installations. As one might expect, the University’s collection is diverse and the exhibition reflected that with several traditional paintings and ceramics, as well as a floor-to-ceiling fibre piece and a few, quirky artworks. Here are some sample photos.

J.W.G. Macdonald (Provincial Institute of Technology & Art Head 1946-1947), No. 2 Fish and Birds, 1945

Mary Scott, (instructor 1984 to 20212), Imago, (viii) is That Which Denies, 1988

Gordon Ferguson, (graduated in 1976, instructor 1981 to 2017), Tableaux, 2014

John Chalke, (instructor 1969 to 1978), Knob and Plate, 2001

Katie Ohe, (graduate 1960, instructor 1970 to 2011), Weeping Brain, 1999

Graffiti Staircase

I wasn’t sure which staircase was the graffiti one, so I asked and was told to check with security. Unfortunately, the person who could help me wasn’t available so I left my contact information and went for lunch at SAIT’s culinary school (#1 in Canada and #14 in the world). When I didn’t hear back from security after an hour, we wandered back to the University to flaneur a bit more. As luck would have it, and luckily one of the instructors kinda recognized me and gave us a quick tour of some of the studios on our way to being shown the Graffiti Staircase.

The staircase didn’t disappoint. It is literally covered from floor-to-ceiling in graffiti art. The colour and density of the imagery was dazzling. I was in my element.

Backstory: In the mid-80s, I travelled to New York City, specifically to see the graffiti art that was being created and applauded at the time. I came back and created the controversial “Graffiti for Gleichen” art project, in the town of Gleichen where I was living. To this day, I find graffiti imagery fascinating. I love the synergy of the visual and verbal to create a narrative that is both intense, playful and sometimes thought provoking.

Here is a video taken while walking up the stairs which I hope will give you a sense of the AUArts Graffiti Staircase Experience. Ironically, there is a building in Berlin that is full of artists’ studios that has a very similar staircase.

Is it that artists hate blank walls, or that they see every blank wall as a canvas?

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Indeed, Calgary is a hidden gem when it comes to the arts, be it the visual arts or the literary arts (we have an iconic contemporary library, as well as a heritage one), performing arts (one of North America’s largest theatre campuses), ballet, contemporary dance, opera and symphony. Calgary also has several major arts festivals – High Performance Rodeo, Sled Island, International Folk Festival, Internation Film Festival and Wordfest to mention just a few.

Everyday Tourist Tip

If you are staying or living downtown Calgary’s AUArts is easily accessible by transit, just take the NW leg of the LRT and get off at SAIT/AUArts station. It is short ride, but you will enjoy the ride as it offers spectacular views of the Rockies and downtown skyline. If you go you should also explore the SAIT campus for its art and architecture.

Link: SAIT’s Vintage Murals

Calgary Hidden Gems: AUArts Fun Graffiti Staircase

The AUArts Corridor / Lobby

The Gallery

Graffiti Staircase

Last WorD

Everyday Tourist Tip

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