If you’re walking through Downtown Saskatoon, might we suggest wandering through the back alley…
ALLEY GALLERY animates Downtown Saskatoon by repurposing back-of-the-building metal doors into an outdoor gallery, with priority given to Saskatoon artists. Perfect for Instagram, its legacy is a colourful self-guided walking tour through the heart of the Downtown district.
This new initiative (2021) builds excitement around an otherwise un-celebrated space. Mural Art is known to prevent graffiti, of which Downtown Saskatoon Clean + Safe Team removed nearly 2,000 incidents in 2020. Art brings a community together, and ALLEY GALLERY will promote an inspiring, free-of-charge experience in the heart of the Downtown district. Tag us on your tour! #AlleyGallery @DTNYXE
This project is completed by Downtown Saskatoon, with the support of City of Saskatoon – Urban Design’s Downtown Grant, Property + Business Owners, and of course, the Artists.
LOCATION: (Alleys between 3rd + 4th Aves S and 20th + 21st Sts E (+ Hudsons back door!) have been decorated with art to add colour to the district! Check out the art, artist + business info below…
ICI Saskatchewan Reports…
CTV Reports…
StarPhoenix Reports…
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Downtown Saskatoon Skyline
As the prairie horizon bends light across the land, the South Saskatchewan bends and washes its way through our city and the Downtown Saskatoon skyline builds and bends its way into our hearts. This place shapes us, refracts our perspective and sparks imagination. From the grand historic hotel to the grandiose churches and cathedrals to sleek new symbols of our invigoration and renewal – River Landing, Kinsmen Park, Remai Modern. Fresh formed architecture inspires us to gaze upwards, while iconic valley trails keep us grounded and connected to the land beneath. This land, Treaty 6 territory and traditional homeland of the Métis, forges in us its history, impresses upon us its importance and bends us toward a city centre full of possibility.
MEDIUM Digital Art; Summer 2019
From our vibrant streets to river’s edge, Downtown Saskatoon is open and inviting, offering an upscale urban experience in the heart of Saskatchewan.
Three Rainbows
Three Rainbows explores colour and the use of negative space. There is a radiance within the layered, myriad backdrop. The eye is drawn around the piece, and the bright colours on black give a vibrant feel. In the darkness of an alleyway, energetic and stimulating colour is found.
MEDIUM Digital; June 26, 2021
Escape City
Crystal Blue Persuasion
Crystal Blue Persuasion reflects a body of work and a set of techniques I have been developing over a period of years. Using macro photography along with focus-stacking and digital painting techniques, I seek to capture and isolate intricate patterns of frost on window glass. The focus-stacking process relies on software to blend multiple image files (usually 10-15) into one image with maximum sharpness, though the blended image always requires manual correction. The colours in this image are not digitally manipulated. Rather, they are governed by the most traditional element in a photographer’s toolbox—the direction and intensity of the light striking the crystals, reflected from out-of-focus objects in the distant background (trees, buildings etc.). Here, bright sunshine illuminates a tree that has retained its leaves all winter, creating the brilliant orange hue. Refracted light creates the vivid blues in the crystals.
MEDIUM Digital Photograph; December 24, 2020
TBA!
Hope Floats
This work was inspired by the world as we all came to terms with the challenges of the last 13 months. Watching the internet fill with people finding creative ways to bring joy and inspiration to their community and to the world. To dance, sing loud, stay positive, no matter what the world throws at us there is always a place for hope, love and joy.
MEDIUM Digital Art; February 26, 2021
Métis Nation – Saskatchewan
Spread Joy
Breaking Monotony
The title of the artwork, Breaking Monotony, is represented through a vibrant, dynamic and colourful design that is intended to take a neglected space and bring it to life. I hope to inspire passers by to see the brighter side. The inclusion of the ladder is to symbolize this as well and could represent an escape out of the bad and toward better days to come.
MEDIUM Digital, in Adobe illustrator; March 15, 2021
Desjardins Financial Security Investments
Untitled
This artwork is a photographed detail belonging to a larger drawing. Abstract in nature, this larger drawing is 8×14 feet. The image provided depicts an area which is, at most, approximately 12×9 inches. I consider this work to be visual and material “moment” – this detail shot pauses on a particular one in attempt to call attention to it. The ALLEY GALLERY project gives this work an opportunity to extend and exist beyond its original intention, allowing these marks to become playfully larger than life.
(This art has been temporarily removed until Spring 2022)
MEDIUM Drawing with oil pastel, oil bar + graphite on paper; April 5, 2021
Hudsons Canada’s Pub
Barley Bug
Barley Bug is iconically Saskatchewan. Landscape scenery combined with a macro view of a ladybug climbing up the barley stem to bask in the warm, late-summer sun. The ladybug is blessed to live in this abundant land within the sunniest province of Canada. The farmer’s fields are golden and ripe. The life below is equally as captivating as the expansive living skies above. The old farmhouse in the distance echoes of generational legacies in the farming community. The primary colors of red, blue, and yellow were chosen for their bright and vibrant impact, as well as symbolizing the simplest, raw, and powerful essence behind the prairie spirit.
MEDIUM Acrylic paint on canvas; Original dimensions: 36 x 24 inches; May 12, 2011
Airline Hotels
A Newfoundland Stroll
This is a 14”x14” acrylic painting of my brother in Newfoundland. We were just taking a stroll as a family when I snapped this picture of him. We were out in nature exploring and touring, having a great time. I’m someone who takes tons of pictures and so I was just snapping at random when I got this! Luckily it was focused and came out a good quality. We both thought it was a great photo. So later I decided to paint it for him. His birthday was a ways away and so I surprised him and he loved it! It holds a very special place in my heart, because he does. It’s also one of my favorite paintings I’ve ever made. Not just because of the sentimental value, but because it was one I felt I did well on and properly showcased what I can do. It now hangs in our house. It took about 3 weeks because at the time it was the biggest I’ve ever painted! It was a pain at times, but it was all worth it in the end when I made my brother happy. Newfoundland was one of my favorite trips and now we can have a painting to remember it! I feel it would be a nice picture on the door because it’s a new place. I love painting different places because it takes you to the place. I want the audience to feel they are walking behind him in Newfoundland, exploring and enjoying life! No one can travel right now (May 2021) and so this is a way to go to new places and be new places. As people walk by and see it, I want them to remember that life’s about adventure. Whatever way that might be for them, you have to take life and enjoy it.
MEDIUM Acrylic; March 17, 2021
Brayford Law, in the Land Titles Building
Keep Your Head Up
Keep Your Head Up aims to be a visually striking celebration of images that are warm and friendly and familiar, but, upon closer reflection, invite the viewer into a world where even the smallest gestures have deep, resonating ripples.
MEDIUM Digital Illustration; January 4, 2021
Divas Nightclub – A true front-door access off from the back alley!
basCATball
basCATball was created for The Cat’s Meow – an interactive immersive art installation for friends and felines. I curated this fundraising art exhibit using art as a conduit for animal adoption. Partnering with scat_streetcatrescue, whose volunteers brought in live adoptable cats, myself and other artists created cat themed art, furniture and a playing apparatus that cats played on. It was a kinetic art experience like no other. The show had an 80s retro inspired feel, and its playful colour would delight all who engaged. Alongside my love of cats, I love basketball and I love puns… hence basCATball!
MEDIUM Mixed Media
Allied Denture Clinic
Look Into It
The Gemstone
The Gem depicts a destination. Surrounded by joyous and psychedelic architecture; you are welcomed by The Gemstone of the celebration. They represent your creative desire. The anthropomorphic blend of tissue and precious mineral keeps you motivated to be inspired and live life artfully. This body of work is about using creativity to overcome adversity. It is important to accept yourself and the circumstances you are in; to push forward on the parade route.
MEDIUM Photo collage, digital illustration
art placement – A true front-door access off from the back alley!