by the arts for the arts
the vision
What lead us here?
Small Space Gallery offered a humble, curated art-centered space to a wide variety of local creatives from March 2018 to April 2020 in Kensington, Calgary. During this time, the Gallery hosted 50 carefully curated pop ups from collective shops to contemporary art exhibitions and installations. We took a hands on approach to working with emerging and established artists in order to push the boundaries of art sharing and create something unique to inspire the community. We provided artists with an exclusive pop up guide to push fresh ideas, while also providing them with the key to the space to establish a sense of self-worth and partnership. Through our unique approach in promoting the arts, we were well-received by many esteemed members of the local art community, such as:
- Small Space Gallery is a proud member of the Contemporary Art Map by Esker Foundation; a map that “celebrates the important contributions that artist-run centres, commercial galleries, creative spaces, and institutions are making to the cultural life of Calgary.”
- Panel members of the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program Panel Discussion alongside Contemporary Calgary and VivianeArt Gallery, hosted at Arts Commons (Calgary, AB) in December 2019.
- Avenue Magazine Article - October, 2018.
For all the gallery feels, check out our Instagram feed - @smallspacegallery !
Art Advisory services for the perfect blank canvas.
Throughout our experience as owners of a contemporary art pop up space, it became increasingly apparent that there exists a wealth of creative talent within our local community which we wouldn’t have otherwise known about! We realized the importance of creating space where art and community could collide; building empowering relationships with our local artists and entrepreneurs.
Now, we want to bring the same experience to you and YOUR space! Drawing from our curated artist collective, we collaborate with business owners and art collectors in seizing the opportunity to find an art collection that completes their space, reflects their tastes and inspires the community.
We aim to give new meaning to the art advisory landscape, where an uncomplicated collaboration creates artful spaces that inspire cultural conversation and nurture the communities we live in. Let us help establish the connection to bring all of our spaces to life.
Other perks.
We offer complimentary energetic cleansing of your space with handpicked palo santo from Ecuador to further evolve the process of revitalization.
Reviews from our artists.
“Thanks for using your space to support our local arts community!”
“We just wanted to take the time to pay you our compliments for the concept behind this space. We really admire your dedication for collaborating with artists from all walks of life, and being the bridge between an artist's work and the rest of the community. And the fact that the space is a self-sustaining way to give back to the art community is amazing. You are awesome!”
“I really appreciate what this space means for the city. Keep up the incredible work! Spaces like this signal hope to many artists as opportunity but also inject flavour and identity into the city.”
“I'm so happy this space exists! It's about time Calgary had some great pop-up space and yours is the best I've seen.”
“Thank you for opening up and providing a space for the artists and creatives in Calgary.”
“Thanks so much for your support of the maker community.”
“Your space really brightens up the neighbourhood.”
“We would love to look at your space as our launching pad!”
the founders
Sarah (1994) is an AUArts (formerly ACAD) graduate with a BFA, Drawing major. Currently, she is the Manager and Creative Director at Inner Balance Spa in Kensington. Having grown up in Inglewood and West Hillhurst, Sarah is inspired by community and the urban experience. Further to this, she aims to enhance the local experience through conceptual thinking, and takes a minimalist, organic approach to her passion for curation and design. Sarah continues to develop her studio practice.
Katrina (1990) has a BA, Spanish major from UBC, Vancouver. She is fluent in French and Spanish and is deeply inspired by diversity. Following graduation from university, she taught English in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador until she recently returned to Calgary, her native city. Currently, Katrina works in land, environment, and aboriginal relations in the energy sector. She is passionate about the arts and the urban development movement in the city of Calgary, and wishes to contribute to this movement in a meaningful, proactive way.
Together, they are strong and supportive sisters!
