Sometimes I forget that I live in a city. I spend a lot of time connected to nature; long walks, bird observations and just taking in the landscape.

Last night, I headed to the core…traffic, noise, outdoor patios, bright lights and energized-everything.  I went to Kensington’s Essentia and took in one of my favourite art exhibits in a long time.  Thursday night is always a lively time in Calgary and there were several shows that I wanted to take in, but I gave myself the gift of spending some focused time at a single venue and really enjoyed it.  As always, I will have to get down to the other shows through the month of September and I see that my calendar is filling up.  In fact, I’m hoping to get around this afternoon to The Tinier Gallery in Bridgeland and the exhibit, EMBEDDED MEMORIES by Solveig Agecoutay.

The exhibit, The Changing Face, is a beautiful collection of portrait paintings, covering a diverse number of styles and approaches.  I thought this show rocked it!  Featured artists are Daniel Audet, Amy Gaulin, Aaron Sidorenko, Rich Theroux, Nick Rooney, Brian Flynn, Doug Nhung, Ness Nelson and Shon Anderson.

The competencies and technical achievements in these various artists was so evident. Not only was it a power house show, but the space sang of community and support and lively enthusiasm for the arts in Calgary.  I think that Calgary is generating a lively spirit as art, artists and performance artists emerge through create! the East Village lofts, in mattress shops, cafes, open studios and Rumble Houses.  It is a very exciting time where art and experience are accessible to all.  I’ve a few photo archives, but I sincerely hope that my Calgary readers will get down to enjoy the show in real time.

From Kensington, I headed to Lynnwood Station, where I enjoyed a glass of wine with a friend and listened to some great Tim Williams music…it was good to end the evening spinning circles into the dance floor!