Northern Reflections Augmented Reality Art Walk: Inglewood + East Village

We have now reached peak midwinter and if you’re anything like us, you’re needing a pop of colour, a pep in your step and a sprinkle of window art magic. Northern Reflections is back, this year scaled up featuring 16 original pieces of augmented art showcasing the talent of 47 local artists, animators and musicians and extending almost 2km between two of Calgary’s most vibrant urban neighbourhoods -- East Village and Inglewood.

Imagine a self-led walking art tour that when you encounter a mural, you simply hold your phone up to the artwork and are transported to a warm beach crashing, waves and all*. And to sweeten the experience, all eight window paintings in East Village can be found on one of the many culinary destinations in the community creating the perfect opportunity to enjoy food and drink as you go.

Words, and photos, don’t do justice to the magic of the experience, catch a glimpse of what you can expect here.

*The AR app, Augle, can be downloaded for free to your smartphone to bring the paintings to life.

Insider’s Tip: Keep your eye open for exclusive in app offers like a free cookie with purchase at Sidewalk Citizen or complimentary admission to Studio Bell.

Get to know the artist/business teams behind the 8 murals in East Village.

To find out more on the murals in Inglewood, check out the Inglewood BIA website.

SIDEWALK CITIZEN // LUMINOUS LAUGHTER

Artists: Sarah Slaughter (painter) // MacKenzie Bedford (animator) // Melody Stang (music)

Description: A boisterous trio of spirits run rampant to change the lights in a wonderful world.

8 CAKES // SPRINKLED WITH JOY

Artists: Jessica Semenoff (painter) // Uii Savage (animator) // Leif Olson (music)

Description: You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you sip a hot beverage or take your first bite of a tasty treat? This mural is the embodiment of that sensation of inner joy. The warm, inviting colours bring comfort, while the linework showcases some of the delicious treats created at 8 Cakes. Escape of the cold and into this delightful bake shoppe to experience inner joy yourself. Sip a hot chai tea while enjoying a cake pop, you won’t regret it!

ALT HOTEL/NUPO // FOX & FISH

Artists: Tiffany Wollman (painter) // Matthew Senn (animator) // Benjamin Longman (music)

Descriptor: A playful fox leaps through a snowy bamboo forest watching the sablefish and koi fish swim by in the river below.

SOLEIL BISTRO & BAR // JUNTOS BAJOS LOS RAYOS

Artists: Mckenna Prather (painter) // Gene Cabarroguis (animator) // Jay Corey (music)

Descriptor: Inspired by a day at the beach filled with joy and warmth, this mural is an escape from winter and celebrates togetherness. Crashing waves, large palm trees and colourful people illustrate a day of fun that compliments the atmosphere of Soleil Bistro & Bar. Come escape to the beach. The sun misses you.

GOOD EARTH // DO TIGERS LOVE COFFEE?

Artists: Lusine Manukyan (painter) // Reuben Scott (animator) // I Am The Mountain (music)

Descriptor: Inspired by images of coffee trees and the animals that use them for shade. Coffee trees bear red fruits and this lighthearted window painting features a hybrid tiger-snake who's eaten too many of the red cherry fruits and as a result it has temporarily dyed the tiger-snake's skin.

THE BREWER’S APPRENTICE // HOPPY HOLIDAYS

Artists: Kiah Kane (painter) // Laura Anzola (animator) // Matt Blais (music)

Descriptor: Inspired by beer label designs, this mural features a hops mistletoe which, through animation, shows a bit of the process it goes through to go from plant to a beer glass.

king eddy // HOme of the blues

Artists: Adrianne Williams (painter) // Evelyn Delgado (animator) // bracing (music)

Descriptor: Inspired by the old King Eddy that has been around since 1905, and using music iconography featuring one of the most famous musicians to ever pass through the venue, Buddy Guy. Combining the visual elements of the man and the music, and celebrating how the world of sound brings community together.

STUDIO BELL // MUSIC MELTS THE ICE

Artists: Claudia Weigelsberger (painter + animator) // Howard Chapman (music)

Descriptor: As a wise old pop star once sang, “Music makes the people come together.”

If you remember what it was like to dance in a packed nightclub, or jump up and down at a stadium concert alongside 20,000 other fans, you know this is true. Music ignites the senses, sparks fond memories, and gets the blood flowing. And if you can share the experience with others, it’s unforgettable.

"Music Melts the Ice" is designed to catch your eye, grab you by the ear, and spin you ‘round.

Experience all eight of the Northern Reflections windows in East Village. Once you have experienced at least 12 windows – you can find eight more in Inglewood – you can unlock a $6 voting token through the app that you can give to your favourite artist team.

This year’s windows are brought to you by East Village, Inglewood BIA and presented by MAUD Collective and Chinook Blast. For more information on participating businesses and artists please visit https://www.maudcollective.com/

Happy wandering!