About this Installation
Liss Febrero and aloT of Poetry are artists who share a passion for creating work that celebrates different voices. Through illustration and poetry, their collaboration explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, heritage and community.
Oh to Be honours the strength of womanhood and sisterhood across cultures. Literature and illustration are intentionally brought together: the poem offers an emotional foundation, while the illustration expands those words into colour, texture and form. Together, they create an experience that is both read and felt visually.
In the artwork, each figure faces away from the other while holding her own flame in one hand and supporting the other figure with the other hand. This symbolizes how people move through separate lives while carrying something meaningful, and how support and connections help guide them forward.
As immigrants, both artists draw from cultures deeply rooted in collectivism and mutual care. Through this work, they honour the ways women across generations and cultures have supported one another during difficult times.
Women’s stories and contributions are often overlooked in communities and public spaces. Through Oh to Be, the artists hope to create a sense of belonging, reflection and unity. Their goal is to encourage meaningful conversations about culture, identity and connection, while inviting viewers to recognize the invisible bridges that exist between people and communities.
About the Mini Gallery Program
The Northeast Mini Galleries Public Art Program includes 10 mini galleries, located at different community associations. The mini galleries feature 30 artists throughout the year — each exhibition showcases 10 local artists, selected by a local curator, for a four-month period.
The Northeast Mini Galleries program started in 2023 as part of the City of Calgary’s Northeast Public Art Initiative which brings several public art projects to Calgary’s northeast communities, supports local artists, enhances northeast neighbourhoods and reflects the people who live in the communities where the art will be located.
This initiative aims to build amazing spaces for people to come together and provides opportunities for local artists to showcase their talent while celebrating the diversity of artforms, people and cultures represented in northeast Calgary.
Information about the current exhibition and artwork featured in this gallery can be found on Calgary Arts Development's website.