Calgary's latest stainless steel art installation aims to draw attention to Indigenous traditions, values
The creators of two new collaborative art installations in northwest Calgary are hoping to turn heads -- and at the same time, teach more about First Nations' culture.
The stainless steel displays are on the front of and back of a home along Westmount Road, near 22 St. N.W. in West Hillhurst.
Two local artists put up the massive pieces last week. This week, they're hoping their work will motivate passersby to learn more about Indigenous traditions and values.
"I really want them to see the culture," artist Andrew Holloway told CTV News. "The building owner, he gave us some ideas and parameters, and then I just ran with it."
The installations -- one of which stands 30 feet tall -- are packed with First Nations symbolism.
The installations -- one of which stands 30 feet tall -- are packed with First Nations symbolism. From a medicine wheel representing four directions or seasons, to a buffalo and dancers showing family and tradition, Holloway says the West Hillhurst pieces were a labour of love and knowledge.
From a medicine wheel representing four directions or seasons, to a buffalo and dancers showing family and tradition, Holloway says the West Hillhurst pieces were a labour of love and knowledge.
Holloway's co-creator and collaborator Jeff de Boer agrees.
"(Holloway) is a unique storyteller through his designs," de Boer said. "Every design he has a story or a reason."
De Boer is known around the city for his unique mouse armour art.
He's collaborated with former student Holloway before, on a line for his brand Armét Jewellery. But he says the latest team effort is their biggest and best.
"This is our first opportunity to do a really major piece together," he said. "When the client asked me if I could do a large sculpture on the outside of his house, I asked him if he'd be interested in having an Indigenous artist do a piece. Andrew is perfect for (the project)."
To see more of Holloway's or de Boer's work, visit their Instagram feeds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Person engulfed in flames outside N.Y. courthouse where Trump trial underway, says CNN
A person was covered in flames outside the New York courthouse where former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial is underway, CNN reported on Friday.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.