What to see at CHROMA, Calgary’s brand new pop-up
The art scene in this city is constantly growing, and we are so into it. With more and more brands and businesses finding out how they can get involved and bring the community together through art, Southcentre Mall is no exception. Their most recent pop-up, CHROMA is definitely one for the books.
The interactive event, complete with a 12 piece art installation by eight different local artists, opened up on May 3rd and will be running for six weeks. So, be sure to stop by CHROMA once or twice before the event ends on June 16th!
On top of all the excitement, you can count on checking out daily at the installation, there’s also a ton of exciting events featuring a number of local vendors that will be happening! Plus, the ultimate Tea Party will be hosted on June 2nd, with tickets to the event are on sale now!
Keep your eyes peeled for other upcoming events, artist workshops, and pop up markets from the likes of Sugar Cube, Crave Cupcakes and more happening at CHROMA! We’ve got the full artist breakdown for a taste of what you can expect at this 3,600 square foot free public art collective, so check it out below:
Maria Davina “Dina” Garcia
First up is Maria Divina “Dina” Garcia, self-taught artist and owner at Calgary Party 50, who is famous for her larger than life balloon installations, Balloons have been her passion since she was 8 years old, as she feels balloons are a statement of celebratory feelings and a feast for the eye. Don’t miss out on her two art pieces, “Tropicalla” and “Kalimbahin”!
Rhys Farrell
Rhys Farrell is an emerging artist in the city. Rhys received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Painting & Drawing from the Alberta University of the Arts in the spring of 2016. He’s completed public art projects with the Telus Spark Science Center, Beltline Urban Mural Project, and the City of Calgary. You can see his piece, “Diamonds in the sky”, constructed through the process of layering of geometric shapes and pattern!
Tyler Lemermeyer
Tyler Lemermeyer is an illustrator and artist in Calgary, who has also received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts, as well as a Diploma in Digital Design from Vancouver Film School. Working primarily as an illustrator/designer, Tyler’s compositions include a minimal colour palette which documents urban environments, people, and objects. Be sure to check out his three pieces, “Practically Passion”, “Aura”, and “Nostalgia”!
Rachael Meckling
Rachael Meckling is a fashion and beauty illustrator with a strong love for nature, women, fabrics, and form. She paints “whimsical, feminine subjects” with a minimalist approach. Rachael graduated from Ryerson University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Design from the Fashion Communication program. Check out her piece, “Femmes Tropicale”, which reflects the beauty of all the women she encountered during solo travels through unique destinations like Bali, Indonesia; Negril, Jamaica; and Los Angeles, California.
Michelle Hoogveld
Michelle Hoogveld is a Canadian painter and muralist, working with private collectors, brands, and public spaces internationally. Known primarily for her vibrant use of colour, Michelle’s work is “inspired by who we are as a person, the places we encounter, and the connections we form with others”. Keep your eyes peeled for her piece, “Kaleidoscope of Dreams”!
Rei Duncan
Rei Duncan is the artist behind Sachi&Jun, which specializes in macramé and modern woven tapestries. Rei is self-taught, drawing inspiration from “landscapes and cultures she has been immersed in throughout her life.” An elementary school teacher by day, Rei has recently relocated to Calgary from Melbourne, Australia. Check out her woven installations, in collaboration with the next artist, Caine Chow!
Caine Chow
Caine Chow is a visual artist based in the Japanese planting styles of kokedama, moss ball plants, and wabi kusa. She explores the “connection people have with nature and how interacting with nature has profound power and influence on us individually and as communities.” Check out her two pieces, “San•go” and “Mo•ri”, which she collaborated on together with Rei Duncan!
Marika Styba
Marika Styba is a floral artist and maker. Her use of florals reflects how beautiful she feels they are because “there is never the same arrangement twice and therefore always unique. Nature provides blooms that change by season in a raw and pure palette, offering endless possibility.” Marika and her husband purchased Peaseblossoms flowers in 2006 after working there several years. Today it is still her platform from where she works and is inspired. Her two unique pieces are, “Secret Eden” and “Keep In Touch”!
CHROMA at Southcentre Mall
Where: Southcentre Mall: 100 Anderson Rd SE
When: May 3rd to June 16th, 2019
