Creativity Loves Company: A Community Mural at Inglewood DIY Fest

Pop-Up Mural: Art That Travels and Connects

For the Inglewood DIY Festival, we brought a one-of-a-kind, interactive mural experience to the heart of Calgary’s vibrant Inglewood neighbourhood. Over the course of two weeks, we transformed a blank wall into a living canvas, inviting festival-goers to add their brushstrokes, learn techniques, and connect through art.

Timeline for project: May 11th to May 25, 2025

PROJECT CHALLENGES

The Challenges:

The goal was to activate public spaces that people usually just walk by and turn them into moments of creativity and connection. We wanted to make mural-making accessible and fun for everyone, even in temporary or event-based environments. Our solution was a free-standing, mobile mural wall—easy to transport, set up, and adapt to any event. This approach allowed us to bring large-scale art experiences directly into community spaces without the need for a permanent wall.

The Concept

The mural featured the phrase “Creativity Loves Company,” a message that celebrates collaboration and the joy of making art together. To add inclusivity and visual rhythm, we layered sign language letters over the word “Love,” making the design accessible and inviting to a broader audience. The colour palette reflected The Bear and Unicorn’s signature hues: pink, blue, yellow, and purple; infusing the piece with energy, positivity, and playfulness.

Our Approach
We designed this experience to be approachable for everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned painters. Throughout the weekend, we encouraged participants to pick up a brush, share their stories, and contribute their own colours to the design. The process became a celebration of community spirit and creativity in motion.

Transferring the design into the free-standing mural

Setting up the wall to start inviting people to paint with us

The first ones to paint!

Execution

• Timeline: Two weeks of setup, painting, and live community engagement

• Location: F45 Training, 1023 9 Ave SE, Calgary

• Engagement: Over 100 Festival attendees contributed directly to the mural, making each brushstroke part of the story

• Experience: Cloudy mornings, sunny afternoons, laughter, and conversation—every moment added colour to the wall and the festival itself.

Everyone was really excited to take part of this!

Impact
The final piece was more than just paint on a wall; it was a shared experience that reflected Inglewood’s creative soul. Many hands contributed to bringing the mural to life, transforming a blank surface into a joyful symbol of collaboration and belonging.

Final Details and Touch-Ups
After the community painting, we added final layers and outlines to unify the piece. Small adjustments enhanced depth, ensured colour consistency, and made the mural “pop” from every angle. The result is a harmonious, energetic artwork that feels alive and inviting.

IMPACT & RESULTS

The mural transformed the Art Bar into a vibrant, welcoming space. Passersby and neighbours have shared how much it brightens the street, and Canopy’s team loves how it now reflects their spirit and community focus. It’s more than just colour on walls—it’s connection, pride, and joy visible to everyone who passes by.

FROM THE CLIENT

"David & Maya were so talented and engaging at the Inglewood DIY Festival. They are amazing partners and collaborators who added to the vibrancy of the event and connected with a diverse audience through creativity, showcasing their expertise. We are grateful for all the support! The community LOVED it!!!" — Inglewood DIY Festival

Bring the experience to your event!

Imagine this kind of creative energy at your next celebration, whether it’s a festival, corporate event, community gathering, or even a wedding. Our interactive mural experiences invite guests to connect, collaborate, and create something beautiful together.
Let’s design a moment they’ll remember long after the paint dries.

Reach out to schedule a call to discuss your project.