'It's a treasure hunt': Saskatoon Alley Gallery adds pop of colour to downtown
A unique pop of colour has been added to a couple of back alleys in downtown Saskatoon.
Saskatoon-area artist Michelle Thevenot is one of 14 artists selected to showcase their work in the Alley Gallery.
“I like that it’s a little bit different, it’s kind of a treasure hunt to be found in a back alley street in this little city block,” Thevenot said. “It’s a surprise for people, something unexpected.”
This summer Downtown Saskatoon launched the Alley Gallery, where pieces of art now call the back-alley doors, home.
Sarah Marchildon with Downtown Saskatoon said the project aims to add a pop of colour and art to the neglected back alleys downtown as well as help alleviate some of the pressures its staff have on removing graffiti from back alleys.
“In a year our staff will remove upwards of 2,000 pieces of graffiti from the downtown district,so that’s certainly a part we’re trying to alleviate,” Marchildon said.
Currently the gallery covers 14 back-alley doors between 20th and 21st Streets between Third and Fourth Avenue downtown.
With the pandemic creating barriers for art exhibitions, Thevenot said the Alley Gallery is the best alternative to displaying local art.
“During COVID and the shutdowns it’s been really difficult for a lot of artists to feature their art and get it out there. Exhibitions have been cancelled and this is a new way for artists to be shown to the public in a way that’s easily accessible,” she said.
Marchildon said Downtown Saskatoon is committed to keeping the art on the back-alley doors for three years, and based on the feedback and success of this first alley gallery, there may be an appetite to expand.
Do you have a story idea or news tip? Email us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.