KAT SIMMERS
Originally from Bashaw, Alta., Kat Simmers is a muralist, author, and multidisciplinary artist who brings bold colour and storytelling to Calgary’s ever-evolving visual arts scene.
An artist since she was young, Simmers first put pencil to paper and later expanded across media during her post-secondary studies. Her knowledge of the arts is backed by a diverse educational background, including multiple majors at Red Deer Polytechnic, Sheridan College, and the Alberta University of the Arts, as well as a semester-long exchange at the Rhode Island School of Design.
While Simmers always knew art was an interest of hers, she didn’t initially imagine herself painting large-scale murals or working across so many mediums.
“Art? Yes. Murals, not necessarily. Comics, not necessarily, but art for sure, I’ve been drawing since I was a teenager,” says Simmers.
With her deep connection to Calgary, Simmers’ work is not only rooted in artistic expression but also in her community. Creating queer art for queer people is a big part of Simmers’ practice and identity, as shown in projects ranging from rainbow murals and pride projects to her graphic novel series Pass Me By. Her mural work has been featured prominently at the BUMP Festival.
“I feel so rooted here, I love my community here, the people and places that make me feel at home here are so important to me that I want to stick around and try my best to make a difference, to make it better for all the people who visit those spots,” says Simmers. ‘But it’s complicated being a trans artist in Alberta, for sure.”
See Kat Simmers’ mural work at katsimmers.com.
LANDON KRENTZ
With a specialization in physical theatre and visual vernacular, Landon Krentz creates immersive work that explores the human experience and connects deaf and hearing audiences. Through performance, Krentz explores queerness, Deaf culture, and inclusion to bridge gaps in the community.
“Being deaf has deeply shaped the way I experience language, storytelling, and connection through signed language and Deaf culture,” says Krentz. “Queerness added another layer to that experience, especially around communication, intimacy, vulnerability, and consent.”
Getting started as an artist wasn’t exactly a straightforward path for Krentz, as he didn’t realize that theatre could be more than just attended by Deaf artists. After landing a job at a dance touring company as an administrative assistant, Krentz realized he was helping fund performances he couldn’t fully access as a Deaf audience member. This kicked off his mission to create Deaf-led work.
“I honestly believed that artists were mostly hearing people, and that Deaf people were meant to support the arts rather than lead them,” says Krentz.
After having experience creating spaces for both Deaf and queer audiences, Krentz hopes emerging artists know there is value in the unique perspectives they bring to their work.
“There are stories, experiences, and ways of seeing the world that only you can bring. I think the challenge is learning how to fight for your place in the industry while also protecting your peace, your joy, and your sense of self,” says Krentz.
Learn more about Landon Krentz at landonkrentz.com.
MIKE HOOVES
Born and raised in Calgary, Mike Hooves is an illustrator, animator, designer, and filmmaker who colours outside the lines with every medium they touch.
Hooves has been drawing since childhood, and decided to pursue the arts at a young age.
“In grade three, I met a teenager who showed me her sketchbook, and from there I was hooked on drawing. I took art classes throughout school, and I graduated with a BDes in illustration from AUArts. Art is always on my mind,” says Hooves.
After teaching animation to children, Hooves began using cheap markers to connect with the creativity and lack of pressure of childhood. Alongside illustration, they’ve also brought their playful style to murals, painted with house paints and sprays.
Hooves continues to make art that fully embraces queerness. Their work features soft, androgynous characters, body hair, and moments of queer love and kinship.
“I focus on joy; a gentle queer joy that can be accessed by all viewers,” says Hooves.
Regardless of one’s ability or expectations, Hooves wants people to know that art is a form of communication and doesn’t have to be perfect as long as you’re communicating your ideas.
“With the rise of AI, I believe crusty, rough-around-the-edges art is needed more than ever,” says Hooves.
Check out Mike Hooves’ illustrations at mikehooves.ca.
