Original Canadian art will be available to Calgarians who will live in a new vacant-office-to-affordable-housing project when it opens later this fall.
The project, called Art is the Heart of Home, was led by Linda French of Calgary’s The Plaid Moose Gallery. French recruited more than 65 Canadian artists to donate a piece of art that will be put up in residents’ new homes.
The pieces will go up in HomeSpace Society’s upcoming new building Neoma. They held a public exhibition of the art in Highland Park over the weekend.
“I started The Plaid Moose Gallery to support local Canadian artists and arts organizations. I proposed this project to HomeSpace because I wanted to connect the generosity I experienced from our local art community with a community who needs to know that they matter,” said French. “
“For me, bringing art into their homes is a great way to show that Calgary cares about them.”
French said one of the things she’s most excited about is they’re also offering posters to kids and teens so they can decorate their rooms.
“Also creating an art room in Neoma allows them all to continue with the create spirit of all these amazing artists,” French said.
Alberta’s largest mural is also on the west wall of the Neoma building. Art supplies have been donated and art workshops are planned for residents.
“I have been blessed in my life and it’s my turn to give back where I can,” said artist Terri Lynn Hill.
“This HomeSpace housing project seems like an incredible opportunity to offer support by doing what I’m most passionate about, painting. I hope to put a smile on someone’s face and warm their heart and home.”
Building to open later this month
The Neoma building at 706 – 7 Avenue SW was formerly called Sierra Place. It’s now renovated to include 82 units of affordable housing. It also includes the new HQ for Inn from the Cold.
The opening is slated for Sept. 29. Families will begin moving in later this fall. It will be a family hub that supports vulnerable families while they attain permanent supportive housing.
“At HomeSpace, our vision is a home for everyone in our community, and the Art is the Heart of Home project is a beautiful initiative to help these families truly feel at home in their new apartments,” said HomeSpace CEO Bernadette Majdell.
“We are so touched to have so many local artists come together to donate their works, their time, and supplies to bring art into the lives of our city’s most vulnerable families. What a warm welcome for our future residents.”
The donated art isn’t for sale, but public donations are welcome to help support the new Neoma art room.
