The Blox Public Art Downtown Calgary Beautification Project
The BLOX Public Art Downtown Calgary Beautification Project Details
The BLOX Beautification Project is an initiative aimed at transforming urban spaces into vibrant, welcoming environments through art. As part of this project, we were selected to design and paint two large planters that will be placed in one of 21 predetermined locations throughout The BLOX (10-12 Ave, 2-9 St SW). These planters, measuring 3 feet tall and 41 inches in diameter at their widest point, serve as both functional urban infrastructure and artistic statements.
Timeline for project: Start date (July, 2024 > August, 2024)
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Site Challenges:
We needed to move them to our home studio to do the work, but the planters were not easy to transport. Thankfully they were not too heavy either. The primer that was used was transparent, which created a challenge for covering the planters with our base colour.
Design Challenges:
The project timeline was short, and we wanted to do something that was eye catching but wouldn’t require a larger investment of energy to create.
THE SOLUTION
Our vision for the creative activation was to incorporate floral elements, bringing nature-inspired vibrancy into the heart of the Calgary's downtown. Flowers symbolize growth, renewal, and connection—echoing the purpose of public art in fostering a sense of community and liveliness. The designs feature bold, colourful blooms that flow seamlessly around the curved surfaces, ensuring visual impact from every angle. The palette we use was THE BLOX (8 colour palette).
To bring our vision to life, we began by applying a base coat creating a solid foundation for our design. Next, we carefully sketched the floral patterns onto the planters, ensuring precise placement and balance. Since the provided paint had a somewhat transparent quality, we first applied a white undercoat to the sketched design. This extra step helped enhance the vibrancy of the colors, allowing them to stand out boldly against the background. The process required careful layering and attention to detail to achieve the desired depth and richness in the final artwork.
IMPACT & RESULTS
By integrating art into everyday city infrastructure, these planters enhance the streetscape and create a more inviting space for residents and visitors alike. The project aligns with our mission of using public art to transform urban spaces into engaging, meaningful environments.
We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to The BLOX Beautification Project and look forward to seeing how these planters become a dynamic part of the neighborhood’s evolving landscape.
FROM THE CLIENT
Our Planter Program is in full swing! 🌿✨ The new art-filled planters are officially out and brightening up the streets! 🌸🎨 We couldn’t be more stoked to have worked with Maya and David on this project. Their creativity has brought a fresh, joyful touch to the neighborhood, and with plant installations underway, our streets are about to look even more lively! 🌼🌱
—The BLOX
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