Chris Flodberg Opening Night a sign of change in Calgary Art Scene | Arts & Design

To have over 150 people show up on a crispy Friday evening in Calgary to view the work of local artist Chris Flodberg is inspiring by itself. To have them show up in the midst of a much awaited Calgary Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets hockey game (The Flames waited nearly 16 years to welcome back the Jets) that took place on the same night at the same time is a ‘movement’.

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Calgary arts scene has been seeing a lot of this movement lately. There has been a monumental shift in appreciation of local artists and artwork that has moved outside of the realm of the avid collector to a larger and more diverse group of art fans. And this was evident at the aforementioned reception that took place in one of Calgary’s toniest art galleries – Masters Gallery – located in the Mount Royal area on March 9, 2012.

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Ryan Green, co-owner of Masters, also announced that it was Chris’ birthday and everyone got to wish him Happy Birthday as well. The attendees were a mixed crowd that was all over the map suggesting a more fun and interactive mingling environment mixed with live music, wine and food. Can’t go wrong with that!

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Local singer-song writer, Michael Gormley opened the evening by performing his new single, ‘Wail at Reverse’, a track inspired by one of Chris’ paintings –‘Was it Ever Real’.

The following is a brief bio of Chris Foldberg as described on his website.

Chris Flodberg is a Canadian painter currently living in Calgary, Alberta He is known for his large, traditionally realistic oil paintings depicting a range of subjects from still-life, the figure, landscape, and the intimate spaces that often go overlooked.

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Meanwhile, at the hockey game, the Flames won and their fans were jubilant at the victory.  Meanwhile the Winnipeg Jets fan left home disappointed. At the Masters Gallery reception, everyone went home happy! Everyone.

Photo by Chelsea Kindrachuk (ctkphotography1@gmail.com) via mastersgallery.wordpress.com

Tags: @calgary2012, #sceneyyc, Abi Paul, art, Art Gallery, Awesome Calgary, calgary, Culture

Category: Arts & Design