Paint with Purpose
This initiative promises to give back to local causes through charitable donations, fundraising and art education. Read on about what we’re currently up to!
Calgary Home Renovation Show
Find us from January 10-12, 2025 at the BMO Centre (Hall F) live painting for a good cause!
Meet the Artists!
We’re 10 local artists committed to giving back.
Our completed works will be available for auction online on
Wednesday, January 22 at 10am MDT. Come back here at that time to start bidding!
If you want to be reminded of when the auction goes live - click here!
100% of the proceeds from the auctioned works will be donated to the Distress Centre Calgary.
Read more about how they help Albertans here.
Rachel Lyon
Muralist
+ Project Lead
I’m a professional muralist and multi-disciplinary artist with a focus on nature elements, typography, and warm colour palettes. I love working with new clients, whether it’s a business looking to create excitement in their space, or a residential client looking to update their home.
I have a passion for supporting my community and small businesses through various initiatives. I believe that art should be accessible to all people and that the city we live in becomes a better place to live when we all try to shop local and give back to our communities when possible.
Gillian Harris
Visual Artist
Gillian has always loved being creative, whether through visual arts or hands-on projects. With an MA in Communication and Technology, she’s passionate about storytelling and how it connects and inspires people. She has always explored her interests wherever they take her including studying everything from business and tourism to digital design. Her work is deeply influenced by nature and her personal experiences, including travel, being a cat mom, and a profound love for live music. As the owner of Cat’s Eye Face Painting and Uncommon Spirit Co., Gillian has spent over 12 years building a career as a small business owner and developing her skills. Now exploring mural painting, she brings her love of creativity and connection to life by transforming empty spaces into vibrant, expressive artworks that celebrate nature and human connection.
Sterling Smith
Muralist
Calgary-based abstract and geometric artist with a passion for transforming public and private spaces through vibrant, engaging installations. Known for a unique blend of color and form that brightens environments, I am deeply connected to the local community through collaborations with restaurants, local brands, and civic organizations. Seeking to grow my art practice to make a full-time living.
Amy Pfaff
Visual Artist
Amy Pfaff is a Calgary-based artist, seasoned visual arts educator, and the creative force behind Donkey & Lion, a brand rooted in heartfelt storytelling and whimsical design. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Amy has cultivated a passion for fostering creativity.
Inspired by nature, personal journeys, and life’s small joys, Amy’s work combines vibrant imagery and playful puns to create greeting cards and art that connect with her audience. Her brand, Donkey & Lion, was born from a promise made during her twin's health journey with cystic fibrosis and lung transplants, evolving into a platform that celebrates resilience and supports causes close to her heart.
Proudly designed and printed in Calgary, Donkey & Lion champions local production and gives back to the community, supporting initiatives like The Mustard Seed. From climbing-themed cards to collaborative projects like The Little Things, Amy’s work reminds us of the beauty in everyday connections and the power of creativity to bring people together.
Tiffany Lynn Cuffley
Muralist
Tiffany Lynn Cuffley, based in Mohkinstsis / Calgary, is a multidisciplinary artist with a formal background in Performance Arts. Her journey includes training at Company of Rogues and a career as a professional figure skater with Disney On Ice. Transitioning seamlessly into visual arts, Tiffany specializes in installation-based works and murals, drawing inspiration from design, pattern, natural elements and the geometry of movement. Her portfolio encompasses group shows, solo exhibitions, and notable installations and murals at venues like Sammie Cafe, Corner Block Bridgeland, Una Pizza + Wine, Deerfoot Mall, and Vertigo Theatre Gallery. Tiffany has also collaborated with esteemed entities such as Brookfield Properties, Telus, The City of Calgary, Deloitte Inc, Mount Royal University, University District, and the Calgary Stampede Dream Home, in addition to participating in BUMP mural festival.
Tara Younggren
Muralist
My creative journey started when I was very little, spending my time painting, drawing and making messes whenever I got the chance. This early love of art lead me to becoming an art and graphic design teacher at a junior high school, which I did for 10 years. I thought I had figured out my path in life but things all changed when I was on my second maternity leave. I started 2 AM Illustrations as a passion project and it exploded beyond my expectations! I was able to quit my day job, and focus full-time on turning my passion into a business, sharing my artwork with brands and businesses all over Canada. Becoming a freelance illustrator has allowed me to create everything from murals to surface patterns, logos and fonts and has truly been a dream come true!
Akmaral Smolenskaya
Visual Artist
Akmaral is an expressive oil painter known for capturing the beauty of people, animals, and flowers with vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and a sense of emotion and depth. Blending realistic details with abstract and impressionistic elements, their work explores the interplay of light, texture, and contrast, creating pieces that evoke joy and connection. Based in Calgary, she has exhibited at local shows, where her art has resonated with collectors. With a passion for sharing creativity, Akmaral continues to push boundaries, offering both original paintings and unique series inspired by her studio practice.
Day Pajarillo
Muralist
Day Pajarillo is a fine arts and mural painter with public arts installed in the City of Calgary. She studied Fine Arts major in Painting at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila Philippines. She also has a background in Fashion design and worked as a fashion designer in Qatar. Day is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. "I am the Daysigner of my own Daystiny"..
Natasha Johnson
Visual Artist
Natasha draws inspiration from nature, motherhood, and her life experiences, infusing her work with a whimsical touch. Art has always been a tool for self-expression and storytelling, guiding her journey from photography and artisan markets to becoming a full-time artist. Under the brand Pine and Roses, she shares her evolving creative process, balancing her roles as both a full-time artist/illustrator and a full-time mom. Natasha believes art is a vital part of community, and through her work, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and carve out their own unique paths.
Krystelle
Celestino Wurtz
Muralist
Krystelle Celestino Wurtz is a second-generation Filipino-Canadian Artist, Educator, and Stay-at-home Mom. She is the founder and lead artist of Krystelle Creations, an art hub rooted in the values of community, connection, and collaboration. Krystelle is dedicated to helping individuals and communities leave a legacy of beauty and meaning by transforming their stories into vibrant, bespoke artworks. Her mission is to nurture creativity and inspire togetherness so that your story is seen, heard and felt. Krystelle brings stories to life through live engaging community paintings, commissioned art, creative workshops, and fine art prints. Krystelle passionately believes that "Together, we can create beautiful things."
Note: Krystelle will be painting on behalf of Stong like Sloane. Read more about what they do here!
Photos from our September 2024 Paint with Purpose Mural Mentorship Program at the Calgary Fall Home Show
Photos from our February 2024 Paint with Purpose Mural Mentorship Program at the Calgary Home and Garden Show
Here’s what past program attendees had to say: