| Untitled Arts Society is celebrating 10 years on Calgary’s arts scene.
The not-for-profit, artist-run collective was founded in 1993 by a group of graduating students from the Alberta College of Art and Design. To help celebrate its longevity, UAS will be hosting an exhibition of past and present members’ works later this month.
Although the collective’s existence has been threatened over the years by Calgary’s high rents (forcing it to relocate three times), it is now enjoying a relative period of stability after moving into its present location in 1998.
With 16 studios, a gallery, office space and a fully equipped darkroom, UAS is the home to nearly 100 artists who work in such diverse media as music, painting, performance, printmaking, photography and ceramics.
Mark Holliday, one of the co-founders of UAS, is a good example of the type of artist who continues to be involved with the organization one decade later. After working as a pipefitter in Calgary, Holliday decided to make a career switch and, in 1990, enrolled at ACAD. Graduating with distinction in 1994, Holliday helped to create UAS at its first location on 11th Avenue S.W. Today he works as a visual artist in Calgary creating landscapes using oil and acrylic paints on burlap, and recently had an exhibition of his paintings in New York City.
From students to artists who are known on the international circuit, UAS offers a dynamic environment for those who want to dedicate themselves to the creative process.
The opening of the 10th-anniversary UAS exhibition is on Friday, February 20 at 7 p.m. at the Untitled Gallery, fourth floor, 319 - 10th Ave. S.W. |
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