Canada City Guides: Calgary Part 2

As gathered by Janine Vangool of Uppercase Gallery

Art Central

Art Central is a must-see destination when visiting Calgary. It is centrally located, just a block from the Calgary Tower. Three levels offer over 40 galleries, shops, and artist studios as well as an excellent restaurant (The Siding Cafe) and DeVille Luxury Coffee and Pastries. It is easy to get to by public transit: the C-Train stops right outside on 7th Avenue. There is plenty of parking in the nearby Telus Convention Centre.

Art Central is has been my home-away-from home for nearly four years: UPPERCASE is located on the upper level. I've highlighted some of my favourite shops, but there is a lot more information on Art Central's website. The First Thursday of the month is a great evening to visit since everyone is open late and there is entertainment, openings and refreshments.

Corner of 7th Ave and Centre Street, downtown
artcentral.ca


La Fleur

On Art Central's main level you'll find La Fleur, a floral gallery. Their window displays are often outstanding and the flowers and lushness extends into the hall. A large bird cage houses a family of birds and at Easter, they had cute little chicks. You can register for floral design workshops.

Main Level, Art Central
corner of 7th Ave & Centre Street SW
www.artcentral.ca/tenants/47-la-fleur


Nation Toys & Tees

Calgary's source for vinyl toys, street-inspired art and Threadless Tees.

Lower Level, Art Central
corner of 7th Ave SW & Centre Street
thisisnation.com

Studio Todorovic

Studio Todorovic might be the smaller art supply store you will ever see, but it is very well-stocked! Owner/artist Ljubica has a fondness for rabbits, so you'll likely see plenty of her bunny drawings and paintings. (If you ask nicely, she might draw a bunny on a business card for you.)

Main Level, Art Central
Corner of 7th Ave SW & Centre Street
www.studiotodorovic.com


Shisomiso

Shisomiso is an excellent store where you'll find unique clothing by Canadian designers. They also feature art and photography by local artists. The clothing is arranged by colour and texture, which is a really great way of visualizing your future favourite outfit!

Main Level, Art Central
Corner of 7th ave & Centre Street SW
www.shisomiso.com


UPPERCASE gallery, books & papergoods

Of course, my favourite shop happens to be my own! We have the best selection of graphic design and illustration books in town, greeting cards that you won't find anywhere else, and a hand-picked selection of paper products. Many products are designed and handmade right here in UPPERCASE. The gallery display changes every few months with themed shows and solo exhibitions.

Upper Level, Art Central
corner of 7th ave SW & Centre Street
www.uppercasegallery.ca

Stephen Avenue

One block south of Art Central is a pedestrian promenade called Stephen Avenue. This four block stretch features boutiques, restaurants and shopping malls, many in Calgary's historic sandstone buildings. Look for Twig flower and gift shop, Kismet clothing, Arnod Churgin Shoes, and the requisite western outfitters.

www.downtowncalgary.com/index.html


As gathered by Janine Vangool of Uppercase Gallery, Calgary, Alberta.

Canada City Guides: Calgary Part 1

As gathered by Janine Vangool of Uppercase Gallery

Crave Cupcakes

We'll start our tour in the Kensingon neighbourhood, located just north of the river and starting at 10th Street NW. When you need a sugar boost at the start of the day, head to Crave. (If you go too late in the day they are often sold out of their daily baking.) The lineup can extend outside the store and down the street, but these cupcakes are worth it. I've often ordered dozens of their mini cupcakes for events in UPPERCASE... all you have to do is hint at Crave Cupcakes and a crowd will gather!

1107 Kensington Road NW
and #120 815 17th Avenue SW
www.cravecupcakes.ca


Bubbles Bath & Body

Bubbles Bath & Body is a new store, right next door to Crave Cupcakes on Kensington Road. The store design is impressive and features lots of text on the walls. Plenty of pretty packages and nice scents make for a pleasant browse. (And they have some cupcake-inspired bath soaps for zero calorie indulgences.)



Pages Books on Kensington

This bookstore plays host to Calgary's literary scene with frequent poetry and book readings. They have a great selection of Canadian fiction as well as children's books, travel and cook books.

1135 Kensington Road NW
www.pages.ab.ca



Honey B's Vintage Home Decor

This is a pretty little store, with vintage-inspired decorations, jewellery, gifts and furniture. The owner really does an outstanding job in displaying her merchandise. Make sure to look for Paige Smith's Jewellery holders made from vintage saucers.

28 - 12 Street NW (at Kensington Road)
www.honeybs.com
www.paigesmith.ca



Purr Clothing

Purr has a great selection of clothing from labels such as Free People as well as independent Canadian fashion labels. The Kensington store is quite large with a nice waiting area for your friends while you try everything on!

1220 Kensington Road NW
100-601 17 Avenue SW


Livingstone & Cavell Extraordinary Toys

This marvelous toy store offers a trip down memory lane with plenty of classic and well-made playthings, cute plush animals, and novelty games.

1124 Kensington Rd. NW




As gathered by Janine Vangool of Uppercase Gallery, Calgary Alberta. Part II to follow!