Tiny Galleries Bowness
Come explore eight tiny galleries set up along Mainstreet Bowness. Each
gallery will have an installation by a local artist. The galleries will switch over approximately every eight weeks and will start with an art opening. August’s opening will be during the Tour de Bowness on August 5th and each exhibition after that will open with an art walk.
Our first show in the Tiny Galleries is…..
Linked- Exploring Community Connections- August 5- October3
We have an amazing line up of artists for our show, meet them here.
Gillian Coulton- Gillian Coulton’s work is an ever-evolving conversation with the rural landscape and contemporary painting. Coulton grew up on a farm in Treaty 6 territory and is now lives and works in both Treaty 6 and 7 territories. Coulton received her MFA from the University of Calgary.
Gillian Coulton’s artistic practice primarily deals with memory and the ways in which our emotions can connect themselves to and alter our perceptions of the landscapes which we have inhabited. Stylistically the artist’s work focuses on realism as a means of conveying an idea of potential (but undefined) narrative and place, in combination with compositions which bring a certain strangeness through unnatural size, perspective, superimposition of elements, and expressive uses of paint.
Their work is guided and shaped by research into both the psychological understanding of how memory functions, and the ways memory is connected to landscape in contemporary art. The work Coulton creates connects their own experiences embodied through the rural landscape where they grew up, creating a sense of place through isolation and materials. Coulton’s work tries to represent memory in a way that encourages the audience to consider their own perception of memory, while still being unavoidably personal.
https://www.gilliancoultonart.com/
Instagram- @gillian_coulton
Honey Jalali- Honey Jalali is an Iranian contemporary activist artist based in Calgary, Alberta, since December 2020. She works across various mediums including installation, digital and acrylic painting, poetry, collage, and photography. Her creative expression derives from her thoughts, fears and dreams.
She obtained a Master’s Degree in Visual Communication at the Art and Architecture Azad University of Tehran and has been teaching visual arts at the university level for 15 years. Ever since her relocation to Calgary was quickly followed by the pandemic, she has continued with her art practice, including participating in Arts Commons’ RBC Emerging Artist and ICAI mentorship program.
Honey believes in art therapy that serves as a tool for healing. She explores memories, good and bad, through creative multimedia artworks. She wants to show stories about individuals, humanity, suffering, love, and real life all over the world.
Kara Fredrickson– Meet the heart and soul behind Prairie Witch Fibre, a dedicated artisan deeply connected to the natural beauty of the prairie landscape. I have been knitting and crocheting on and off for the past 20 years, a craft taught to me by my grandmother. My journey began with a simple vision: to immerse myself in the vibrant colours and textures of fibre, creating pieces that inspire and connect us.
Much of what I create is based around comfort and a love of colour, aiming to bring warmth and joy into every piece. The vibrant hues and soothing textures are designed to evoke a sense of peace and happiness, making each creation a comforting companion in daily life.
For me, fibre art is more than a solitary pursuit; it’s a way to connect with others, share stories, and build a supportive community. While we each bring our own unique styles and techniques to the craft, it’s this diversity that enriches our collective experience. At Prairie Witch Fibre, every project is an opportunity to express individuality while being part of a larger tapestry.
Through Prairie Witch Fibre, I am dedicated to nurturing a space where creativity thrives and friendships bloom. Whether you’re an experienced fibre artist or just beginning your journey, I invite you to join me in weaving tales of beauty, warmth, and enchantment, one stitch at a time.
Channon Lynch- My artwork consists of a variety of pieces inspired by nature, with a touch of whimsy. I work primarily with watercolors, acrylics, and paper, specializing in creating miniature paper collage scenes. My overarching creative objective is to bring a sense of simple joy and playfulness through my artwork
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/channonlynchdesigns/?hl=en
Krista Kirkpatrick-Hatch – is a self-taught Calgary-based mixed media artist that specializes in acrylic, watercolour, and alcohol ink creations. Krista uses art as a self-care method and way to express her emotions and experiences as a mother, PMADs survivor, bereaved daughter, and recovering perfectionist.
When not creating, Krista is a manager in the disability sector and a postpartum doula. She is a mother of a 3 year old little girl and her 2 step sons and wife to an incredibly supportive husband.
website – https://kkhart.ca
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/krisi.creates/?hl=en
Tazim Esmail- Tazim Esmail holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies and English from the University of Calgary. She has studied 6 years of Creative writing with prestigious authors like Suzette Mayr, Aritha Van Herk, Christian Bok, Robert Majzels and Clem Martini. A book written by her has been sent to the publishers. Her work has been published in a number of print and online publications, and chapbook anthologies. She has recited poetry at numerous events, including the Calgary Multicultural Centre’s Silk Road Festivals held at the Arts Commons Centre, where one of her poems was featured on the invitation card. Tazim is also a Visual Artist, whose art and poetry have appeared in the NoD Magazine and at public exhibitions. Her art was recently accepted for Humainlogue Magazine and is currently displayed in public spaces throughout Southern Alberta.
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/taz.art.yyc/
Clare Hildebrandt– I describe myself as “polycraftamous” – I haven’t met a craft I haven’t tried. My neurodiversity has allowed me to approach each craft with a unique perspective. My mantra is “if someone else can do it, why can’t I?”. I believe that part of learning is being open to failure. No craft continues to teach as much humility as ceramics.
I believe that the best way to learn a craft is to dive in and start creating. I have taken continuing education courses at Alberta University for the Arts, Olds Community College and the City of Calgary. Social media has also been a valuable resource for me, as it allows me to connect with other crafters and learn from their experiences across the world. I have been fortunate to have talented mentors who have shared their knowledge and expertise with me and encouraged me to continue to follow my dreams.
As a child, I believed that I wasn’t artistic – I had difficulty following instructions in class and producing the same diagram expected of us all. However, I have always embraced the desire to learn and to make things with my hands. Initially, my reasons for learning a craft were purely functional. While I have dabbled in many mediums, ceramics has held my hyperfixation the longest – as it continues to teach me humility each day in new ways.
2020 set me on a path to recognize myself as an artist – my work across all mediums focuses on finding joy, building strength, and sharing love of learning from failure. In 2022, a small insurance settlement allowed me to set up my own home-based practice. Clarey Bomb Studios was born – a place to reflect, a place to heal, and a place to throw some mud around. Hope and joy are reborn every time my pottery wheel spins.
website- https://www.clareybombstudios.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/clareybombstudios/
The General Bean- We are a small family craft business from Calgary Alberta, who reside on Treaty 7 lands. We are passionate about natural fibres, sustainable living, and making sure that artisanal skills are kept alive and passed on to future generations.We share these passions with you thru our handcrafted goods, supplies and teaching. Instagram – @thegeneralbean
We are looking for 8 (eight) awesome photographers to showcase during our part of the Exposure 2025 Photography Festival.. want to see your work exhibited? Our eight (8) tiny galleries are up and down Mainstreet Bowness and open to the public 24- 7, free of charge