State of Art YYC: Creating Community Through Art and Giving Back

State of Art YYC was formed in March 2007 with a simple but meaningful goal: to showcase the diverse and vibrant talents of artists living in Calgary. What began as a small collective has grown into a busy and passionate art community, united by a shared belief that art should be accessible, celebrated, and connected to the people who experience it.

From the beginning, State of Art YYC has focused on bringing art into the community — creating spaces where people can discover beautiful work and connect directly with the artists behind it. These connections spark conversations, build appreciation, and remind us all of the power art has to inspire and bring people together.

As the group became established, members began to ask an important question: how can we give back?

Through a connection with Cerebral Palsy Alberta’s Art FUNdamentals Program, that opportunity became clear. As an art instructor with the program, Tammy Fischer encouraged the State of Art YYC community to support CP Alberta through fundraising and by helping raise awareness about the organization and the work it does. The response was immediate and heartfelt.

Soon after, participants in the Art FUNdamentals class were invited to showcase and sell their artwork at State of Art YYC’s biannual fine art shows. This opportunity has become something truly special. Tammy and her colleague Knicki always reinforce the same message to our students: they are artists, and their work deserves to be seen and appreciated in the world.

Watching the moment when a student learns that their artwork has sold is unforgettable. The pride, excitement, and sense of accomplishment on their faces speaks volumes. These experiences help build confidence and remind participants that their creativity has value — and that people genuinely connect with what they create.

Community members who attend the shows are always eager to engage. They ask questions, admire the artwork, and often leave with a piece that holds meaning for them. That connection between artist and buyer is powerful, creating a sense of recognition and belonging for the artists involved.

The generosity doesn’t stop there. Artists and guest artists who participate in the State of Art YYC Fine Art Show also donate pieces of their own work, with proceeds going directly back to CP Alberta’s Art FUNdamentals Program. These contributions help purchase art supplies so participants can continue to explore, learn, and create.

Since 2017, the State of Art YYC Fine Art Show and Sale has raised over $9,000 in support of the Art FUNdamentals Program in Calgary. Beyond the dollars raised, the impact can be seen in the confidence built, the talents celebrated, and the sense of community created through art.

State of Art YYC continues to be a shining example of how creativity can bring people together, uplift voices, and make a lasting difference — one piece of art at a time.