How an Edmonton Artist Saved an Alley  – The Globe and Mail, Wednesday May 16th

Read the full article here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/growth/how-an-edmonton-artist-saved-an-alley/article2434230/

“…Mr. Sharpe photographed local residents and posted huge prints of their eyes on dumpsters. “Steve’s photographs are beautiful,” says Ms. Morin. “They communicate so much more than simply putting up a sign threatening fines for dumping.”

The project wasn’t only about reclaiming and beautifying space to combat dumping. “It also built relationships,” Ms. Morin explains. “People in the neighbourhood saw the police not only in the role of enforcer but also as creator.” Dumping and calls to the city for service in the alley declined.

For Ms. Morin, the success of the project is an illustration of what creative skills can achieve when brought into typically non-artistic venues, like government bureaucracies. “We usually only tap into our creativity, whether it’s musical talent, or visual arts or whatever, in our private lives at home. We need to ask people to bring their art into their workplaces.” …

Monday, March 19th from 6:30-9:00 at The Carrot. Light Dinner provided. Featured host for the evening: Frank Zotter.

Register to judy.allan@edmonton.ca

The Alberta Cycle Building interior renovations are now happily underway, and Arts Habitat and Arts on the Ave are looking for permanent tenants who can be move-in ready by this fall 2012. Artists, artisans, arts collective or organizations are encouraged to apply ASAP for affordable art space here on Alberta Ave.

For more information on the project please visit the Arts Habitat website at:  http://www.artshab.com/pages/projects/ab_cycle.htm

Please email questions to Katherine Kerr at  kkerr@artshab.com

On Monday, October 10, Arts On The Ave was pleased to tour members of The Canada Council for The Arts along the Ave.

Another great day for art, The Ave, and the revitalization.

Work on the building has finally begun! Inside, old clutter and hazardous materials have been removed in preparation for construction this fall. Those renovations will include a new front entry, brand spanking new washrooms, complete new sprinkler and mechanical systems, and a clean “white box” interior. As many of you know, they can’t meet the required number of parking spots on-site. They are currently working on a variance for that, and are optimistic for positive solutions.

The improved space will be ready in the spring of 2012! Arts Habitat + Arts on the Ave are looking forward to providing great studio, performance, gallery, office, meeting, classroom, and rehearsal spaces to artists, cultural industries and social enterprises! This will be for short-term use until the future renovations for Phase 2.

Speaking of which … The design team heard the excellent feedback you the community offered at their spring Design Charette, and is working to incorporate it into a complete design vision for the Phase 2 redevelopment. Stay posted for more on that!

Arts Habitat Association + Arts On the Ave thank the City of Edmonton for its ongoing commitment to the project through the building purchase and essential building code upgrades. They also thank the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Lottery Fund for their contribution through the Community Facility Enhancement Program for additional program-specific renovations.

Click here for more details…

Don’t forget to come and dream with us this Saturday, November 6th and Monday, November 8th as we host walk throughs of the Old Cycle Building space on 118th ave and 92nd street.

What could YOU do with this space?

Get more information here.

Writer Emily Senger describes the piece as “How an influx of artists can revitalize a neighborhood“.

As the look of 118th Avenue evolves from the new sidewalks and streetlights to the new facades of businesses, The Avenue Initiative is adding another exciting element to the landscape – murals on electrical boxes.  And WE NEED YOU!

We are looking for professional artists willing to volunteer in mentoring young emerging artists by painting the electrical boxes along with Ave with a mural. Young artists will be selected in July and matched with an appropriate professional artist.  An electrical box will be assigned to each pair and you will have the opportunity to work with the young artist in the design.

The only requirements are:
You have a desire to collaborate with and mentor a young emerging artist.
You live between 75th Street & 104th Street and between 111th Avenue & the Yellowhead.
You are a professional artist.
You are ready to have some fun!

Painting will take place over 1-2 days in August and the murals will be revealed at the Kaleido Festival in September.

This is YOUR COMMUNITY – be a part of the revitalization process and leave your mark on the Avenue!

Please contact Jaimie at 780.721.8417 or tjclem@telus.net for more information or to get involved.

The Avenue Initiative is taking one more step to beautify the Avenue and we need your help.  But don’t worry, you don’t have to for volunteer for anything!

Murals will be painted on the electrical boxes that line the Ave and we would like your input as to what themes you think the murals should have.  The Avenue is rich with diversity and we want to celebrate it.  Help us create these murals to REFLECT YOU!

Send your ideas for themes to Jaimie at tjclem@telus.net or call 780.721.8417.

Watch for the murals to be unveiled at the Kaleido Festival in September.

If you live between 75th Street & 104th Street and 111th Avenue & the Yellowhead and are between 13 and 18 years of age, please submit one piece of artwork and a short paragraph on why you want to be involved to one of the following:

Email Jaimie at tjclem@telus.net
Drop off in person at The Carrot (9351 – 118th Avenue) Attn: Christy
Drop off in person at Landlord and Tenant building (8904 – 118th Avenue) Attn: Judy

Painting of the murals will take place in August over 1-2 days and the murals will be revealed at the Kaleido Festival in September.

Don’t miss this chance to leave your mark on the Avenue!

For additional information please contact Jaimie at 780.721.8417 or tjclem@telus.net.