Kat drew inspiration for “Pride in Bloom” from a personal reflection shared during an artist talk in 2022. The mural is Kat’s response to divisive and transphobic rhetoric, with a focus on growth and belonging. As Kat put it, “I understand there are a lot of seeds being watered now that used to be denied light and life. To some people, it’s scary and we look like weeds. I know that because that is how I used to feel about myself. But we aren’t an invasive species. We’ve always been here. Through connecting with my community and learning to love myself, I’ve realized that the flowers we are so lucky to see blooming in our time want nothing but to add to the garden of life.”
The mural features native Albertan wildflowers in the kaleidoscopic colors of the Pride Progress flag, serving as a vibrant reminder that queer folks have always had, and will always have, a home in Calgary.
“Pride in Bloom” came to life thanks to a fantastic collaboration between BUMP Festival, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), and Calgary Queer Arts Society. These partnerships have been key in making this landmark project happen, ensuring it’s not just a stunning addition to Calgary’s landscape but also a strong statement of solidarity and support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We’d also like to thank Benjamin Moore West Hillhurst for their generous contribution to this project as well.
Anna Maclaren, our Murals Manager, shared why this mural matters so much: “This mural is not just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and celebrating the diversity that makes Calgary so special. We believe in making space for everyone in our city, and this project is a significant step in that direction.”
Brendan MacArthur-Stevens, a Partner at Blakes, added, “Blakes would like to thank Kat Simmers for their incredible work on this mural. In addition to being a beautiful piece of art, this mural is a celebration of the history and resilience of Alberta’s queer community. We are honoured to contribute to a project that brings these stories to life and fosters a deeper connection within our city.”
Shone Thistle, Executive Director of Calgary Queer Arts Society, also reflected on the mural’s impact: “Kat’s work and the story that inspired this mural remind me of the Mexican proverb ‘They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds.’ Kat’s story, her work, and the message it carries are empowering and relatable to so many queer people. There are loud voices in the world today, trying to make queer and trans individuals wrong for their very existence, but we are a beautiful part of the garden of hope and resilience, and this mural amplifies that message.”
We’re planning an event to celebrate this project, so stay tuned for more details! For updates and more information about the Pride mural project and the BUMP Festival, be sure to follow us on Instagram or check out Kat’s artist profile on our website.
