Art Central

Art Central is great times. It’s the first art gallery I visited when I moved to Calgary, and I’ve been to friends exhibits and workspaces here, and even had a few prints up of my own.
Love the shops; one of them has a small collection of Threadless tees, so if you were unsure about getting one online, make your way over here :). The coffee at deVille’s is also uncommonly and reliably good.
Also, during Nuit Blanche, the lady manning the fort graciously let a friend and I use the bathroom even though it was locked. Thank you, lady!

My favorite spot to go to on First Thursdays is Swirl Fine Art. They have such a great group of local artists and they feature a new show each month.

Love it. Came on a first thursday of the month as per all thhe recommendations.
So much to look at and appreciate — this was the perfect venue to wander with a coffee after a casual dinner with friends. So many nooks and crannies, treasure everywhere!
Seriously worth it — you should go.

Go to Art Central on First Thursdays, as it is exceptionally eventful and free. The venue has special entertainment and numerous vendors have treats for browsers. I enjoy the art and unique clothing and gift stores.
The only downer is that parking is a challenge. However, if you don’t mind the exercise, leave your vehicle at Rotary Park (north of Centre St. bridge, east side) and walk. It takes about 10 minutes and saves you some stress.

Trendy, with it, enticing, alluring, there are too many words to describe what you’ll find. Three floors of awesome, that’s what Art Central is. Best time to go, the first Thursday of every month. In fact, that’s the best time to hit up any place in the Culture District.
Art Central is a mash of many items from paintings and sculptures to a flower shop and clothings & accessories. I quite enjoy perusing through each of the studios and shops.
Exploring this space won’t cost you a thing and will entertain on a Thursday evening. Saturday afternoons are also a great time to check it out. There are usually some live musicians playing.
So grab your mocha from deVille’s and wander on through.

I was also walking around the +15 one day when I was living in Calgary and I definitely do have to say that finding Art Central was a very wonderful, hip and urban places in Calgary. I have to applaud not just the Art Central ambiance but each and every one of the merchants at Art Central.

The other day I was wandering through the +15 in hopes of keeping warm and I wandered directly into the core of Art Central.
WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE!
I’ll be honest, I never knew Calgary had a place like this in all the years I lived here!
It’s got Art galleries, jewellery shops, bistros, a desserts shop, clothing stores, a flower shop, art studios and the list goes on and on!
It is VERY urban and VERY hip.
It’s located right across the street from a C-​Train stop and admission is absolutely free!
It’s the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done and it’s an absolute holiday for your senses! SO many visuals, So much excitement and SO many tasty treats!
I’m hooked onto Art Central. The name says it all: It’s the central location of Art in downtown Calgary, and mark my words, it’s fantastic.

Art Central is at the epicentre of Calgary’s visual arts scene. They have it all: galleries, jewellry, local designers, floristry, and even artist’s studios. And it is attached to the plus 15. Back when I worked downtown, I would pass through almost every day. I was like a kid in a candy store, I loved looking at everything that was new and unique.
The first Thursday of every month they host «first Thursdays» which gives you a chance to go down and tour all the shops, galleries and studios. Often the artists are in attendance, and there is cheese and wine while you tour the space. Many of the studios and galleries host workshops as well, so there is always something to see, do or buy.
Speaking of buying, I like to look around Art Central for some really great unique and local gifts. The shops have a varied focus, so it’s easy to find a little something for everyone on my Christmas lists.