Sole Scholars

CrossIron Mills

August 18th - September 4th, 2023

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PARK and CrossIron Mills are gearing up for back to school season with a bit of extra ‘sole’ thanks to Sole Scholars, a larger than life shoe experience created with sneakerheads in mind. The sneaker-filled installation, featuring an eight foot long sneaker and live sneaker painting, will provide a source of inspiration and education for all ages when it launches to the public on August 18, 2023.

16 sneakers from cult-favourite brands - all sold at CrossIron Mills retailers - making up a shoe wall complemented by vibrant artwork paying tribute to sneaker culture, will provide a picturesque backdrop for engaging events and presentations throughout the back to school season.

Celebrate the Back to School season from August 18th to September 3rd with a bit of extra sole! Join us for this larger-than-life celebration of the sneaker. Find the Sole Scholars display near Urban Planet.

Enter to Win
Win a pair of artist-customized kicks in your size; 4 tickets to a Calgary Surge game, and a $100 CrossIron Mills gift card; and plenty of other sneaker-themed prizes!
Here’s how:
1. Follow @crossiron_mills on Instagram
2. FIll out a contest entry ballot
3. Place your ballot in the box of the artist you want to customize a pair of kicks for you!
4. Winners will be selected by September 8 2023 and notified by Instagram direct message, or by phone.
For an extra entry, take a picture with our display and tag us on Instagram: @crossiron_mills

Larger than Life Sneaker Painting
Aug. 18 – 21
Watch a local artist transform a larger than life sneaker into a work of art!

The History of Sneakers Presentation
Aug. 27 & Sept. 3
12pm | 1pm | 2pm
Experience the Evolution of sneakers with an exclusive presentation by the experts at YYC SOLEdiers. Learn about the iconic moments, trends, and innovations that shaped the sneaker culture we know today. A special Thank You to STATUS for their help with the call out and selection process.

Sneaker Painting
Aug. 26 & Sept. 2 | 11am-3pm
Discover the perfect fusion of art and style as local artists showcase their talent through live painting sneakers into one-of-a-kind customized kicks.

 
 
 
 

Sumin Choi

Set Artist

Sole Scholars
— This art installation for Sole Scholars is all about embracing the essence of modern culture infused with a touch of retro charm. I've painted sneakers from different brands with bold colour blocks and playful lines, giving them a fresh look. The walls around them carry through the same colour blocking style, creating a fun and dynamic atmosphere for the overall installation. I hope this art brings a touch of excitement and style to Crossiron Mill patrons' shopping experience, making it a memorable experience for the back-to-school season.
 
 
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Ryan Coulson

Logo & Ground Decal

Sole Scholar
— Ryan Coulson is a multidisciplinary artist based in Calgary, AB. with a focus in graphic design, illustration, creative production, and brand development. Oftentimes working with the subtleties of advertising, he takes a deconstructionist approach to explore the power of brands and their consumer familiarity.
 
 
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Vanja Kragulj

Giant Sneaker

Sole Scholar
— For my sneaker design, I wanted to depict the organic shapes and patterns seen in street fashion and skater culture. The abstract shapes and patterns are a key element of my illustration work and are featured subtly in the overall design.
 
 
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Maddie Cook

Contest Artist

Sole Scholar
— With the theme of back to school, I reflected on my school experience and wanted this pair of sneakers to represent a notebook full of vibrant colours and fun doodles. I included nostalgic items representing school spirit, such as scissors, pencils and headphones. I am a fan of Keith Haring’s pop art and was inspired by his artistic style when creating these shoes.
 
 
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Tiffany Cuffley

Contest Artist

Sole Scholar
— As a multidisciplinary artist, my work across all mediums explores the interplay of shape, pattern, and colour, driven by a passion for abstraction. I am drawn to the infinite possibilities that abstraction explores. Breaking down the world into fundamental components of shape, colour, and pattern, creates an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the beauty in simplicity. . Through my work I strive to convey a sense of wonder and curiosity at the world around us.
 
 
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YYC SOLEdiers

Presentation

About YYC SOLEdiers
— An idea was born to combine a passion for Fashion and Culture. Status is a premium and progressive Streetwear boutique and independent lifestyle brand. Status has built its name through a unique approach by curating a best-in-class assortment of products, exceptional customer service, and a signature cinematic experience in its flagship store in Calgary's iconic Kensington neighbourhood. Follow us on this journey as we showcase a next-level scope of creativity, through a cinematic lens and trend- savvy storytelling. YYC Streetwear for the culture.
 
 
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Featured Artists AND PRESENTERS

 
 

In Partnership With