Threads of Belonging - Northeast Mini Galleries Exhibition

As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of finding a sense of belonging in a new city. Northeast Calgary, with its vibrant neighbourhoods, has become a place where newcomers and longtime residents alike can feel at home. The theme of this Northeast Mini Gallery Exhibition is “Belonging” and celebrates the connections that unite us — through shared stories, cultural roots and the creative expressions of artists who are linked to this dynamic community.

The selected artworks reflect a range of experiences and perspectives. Some of the artists have lived in northeast Calgary for years, while others are connected to its neighbourhoods through their work, culture or memories. Together, their pieces create a rich tapestry of stories about identity, resilience and the relationships we build with our surroundings.

Many of the works draw inspiration from personal experiences, cultural heritage and the local community. Karen Thompson’s piece sheds light on Indigenous perspectives through traditional beadwork that fosters understanding, dialogue and cultural representation. Anvita Bhatti’s artwork celebrates South Asian culture and beauty, resonating with the diverse population of the area. Others, like Firuze Avci’s reflection on migration, explore the journey of finding home and belonging, a theme that resonates deeply with northeast Calgary’s multicultural identity.

The Mini Galleries provide a unique opportunity to showcase these pieces within the neighbourhoods they reflect. For example, Jamie Kim’s journey finds a fitting home in Winston Heights-Mountview, while Gurpreet Brring’s Garden of Trust celebrates themes of community, trust and collaboration in Falconridge/Castleridge. These thoughtful placements create a connection between the art and its environment, inviting viewers to see their own community in a new light. Phoenix Ning’s Me and My Bestest offers an intimate perspective on identity and relationships in Beddington Heights Park, providing visitors with a moment of reflection and connection to their surroundings.

At its core, this exhibition is about connection — between the artists, the neighbourhoods and the people who call northeast Calgary home. It celebrates the stories that make each community unique while reminding us of the shared threads that unite us all. I hope this exhibit inspires conversations, reflections and a deeper appreciation for the vibrant spirit of northeast Calgary.

— Mao Kun Chen

As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of finding a sense of belonging in a new city. Northeast Calgary, with its vibrant neighbourhoods, has become a place where newcomers and longtime residents alike can feel at home. The theme of this Northeast Mini Gallery Exhibition is “Belonging” and celebrates the connections that unite us — through shared stories, cultural roots and the creative expressions of artists who are linked to this dynamic community.

The selected artworks reflect a range of experiences and perspectives. Some of the artists have lived in northeast Calgary for years, while others are connected to its neighbourhoods through their work, culture or memories. Together, their pieces create a rich tapestry of stories about identity, resilience and the relationships we build with our surroundings.

Many of the works draw inspiration from personal experiences, cultural heritage and the local community. Karen Thompson’s piece sheds light on Indigenous perspectives through traditional beadwork that fosters understanding, dialogue and cultural representation. Anvita Bhatti’s artwork celebrates South Asian culture and beauty, resonating with the diverse population of the area. Others, like Firuze Avci’s reflection on migration, explore the journey of finding home and belonging, a theme that resonates deeply with northeast Calgary’s multicultural identity.

The Mini Galleries provide a unique opportunity to showcase these pieces within the neighbourhoods they reflect. For example, Jamie Kim’s journey finds a fitting home in Winston Heights-Mountview, while Gurpreet Brring’s Garden of Trust celebrates themes of community, trust and collaboration in Falconridge/Castleridge. These thoughtful placements create a connection between the art and its environment, inviting viewers to see their own community in a new light. Phoenix Ning’s Me and My Bestest offers an intimate perspective on identity and relationships in Beddington Heights Park, providing visitors with a moment of reflection and connection to their surroundings.

At its core, this exhibition is about connection — between the artists, the neighbourhoods and the people who call northeast Calgary home. It celebrates the stories that make each community unique while reminding us of the shared threads that unite us all. I hope this exhibit inspires conversations, reflections and a deeper appreciation for the vibrant spirit of northeast Calgary.

— Mao Kun Chen