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— It’s really out there
You don’t need to pay admission or head indoors to a gallery to experience art in East Village. A program called Art in the Public Realm has brought permanent art installations to our outdoor spaces, as well as revolving installations that feature temporary artwork by local artists.
Permanent Installations
Julian Opie’s computerized pop art features LED-animated figures continuously strolling through mini street scenes. Promenade, East Village’s first permanent public art installation, reflects the endless flow of the Bow River that it overlooks and the continuous movement of life through East Village.
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Calgary artist Ron Moppett’s brightly coloured mosaic wall has transformed Riverfront Lane into an outdoor art gallery. Take a break at a nearby bench while you check out the five massive panels of SAMEWAYBETTER/READER, which illustrate the early days of the area.
Christian Moeller’s iconic outdoor three-piece sculpture, TRIO, is installed on the Central Library’s east and west outdoor plaza spaces. The colourful, captivating pieces bring a playfulness to the library experience – a delightful sense of arrival and wonder for all visitors to enjoy, especially children. Each piece measure nine to 10 metres tall and moves like a pendulum to create a visual choreography.
Bloom by Michel de Broin is the third permanent art installation in East Village. de Broin was inspired by the natural landscape of St. Patrick's Island and the surrounding urban cityscape. The monumental sculpture of streetlights blossoms at night, softly lighting the island and watching over it.
In the middle of Crossroads plaza is the Wheel of Women, a ground-level installation that celebrates women of influence throughout the city’s history. The large tile circle at the south base of the bridge contains the names of thirty notable Calgarian women and their contributions to our city.
Featured local artist
Alex Kwong is a visual artist based in Calgary, Alberta, known for his striking, representational work that blends realism with expressive elements. His art takes shape on a variety of surfaces, from canvas to large-scale murals. Informed by his background in Art History and a deep curiosity fueled by travel, Alex's practice draws inspiration from historical movements and the rich tapestry of global cultures.
At the heart of Alex's process is a commitment to capturing and reflecting the stories of individuals, groups, and places. By fostering meaningful connections with communities, he creates authentic, site-specific works that honor the spirit, fabric, and people of those spaces. These murals stand not only as vibrant expressions of collective identity but as lasting landmarks that inspire both within their immediate context and beyond.
Alex’s portrait work is featured in East Village on six large-scale murals painted on the concrete abutments of Jack & Jean Leslie RiverWalk.
Temporary Installations
Kitao’wahsinnooni: What Sustains Us - Created by Calgary artist, Alex Kwong, Kitao’wahsinnooni was completed in the summer of 2025 and is the sixth public art installation on bridge abutments and other surfaces along RiverWalk. The work evolved out of deep listening, conversations, river floats, sweat ceremonies and long walks with people whose lives connect to the Bow and Elbow Rivers in deeply personal ways. Each mural reflects one of those stories – distinct and complex – but with a shared thread exploring the many ways the river nourishes, connects, and sustains life.
Corridor of Connection – Calgarian Michelle Hoogveld explores themes of connectivity, community celebration, sport and gathering in her Corridor of Connection mural at the 4th St SE Underpass. The themes not only depict the story of East Village’s transformation but also the emerging vision for east Victoria Park as Calgary’s Culture and Entertainment District. The artwork enhances the literal connection between the two communities and is an Instagram favourite.
Device to Root Out Evil – Making its return to Calgary on a 5-year loan after travelling the world, Device to Root out Evil is currently home to 5th Street Square. Dennis Oppenheim’s upside-down country church with its steeple thrust into the ground and base raised up high, as if to invite scrutiny from the heavens, is one of the most recognized sculptures in the world.