Photo of Maria Divina Gracia Tanguin-Galura
Photographed by: Ramsey Kunkel
2024 Lookbook Message
Calgary Party 50 by Maria Galura
Creating delightful balloon experiences
Decade of Calgary Party 50! Truly grateful to look back and celebrate the humble party in a bin for little Miss Kelsey in 2014 to holiday mirror balls for Miles Display in 2024. Cliche to say time flies when you’re having fun.
In between vibrant community events and corporate milestones, the nomination of RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award presented by Women of Influence - Microbusiness Category, was a cherry on top. Starting a creative outlet turned side hustle to a full-time business is described a roller coaster and a bucket list adventure.
Nostalgia hits as I remember selling candies for fun and day dreaming having a party shop to finally living in it - surreal yet full of tingling bliss. The intention of each balloon contributing to an installation is to make YOU smile, parallel to petty fleeting moments leading to lifelong memories profoundly reminisced one day.
Amuse your eyes at this Lookbook: a split second of time captured with the brightest of colours, carrying life stories spent with loved ones. May these series of balloon art installations remind you to be in the present!
Calgary Marathon 60th | Calgary, AB
Nestled under the tipi at Stampede Grounds, the rain and winds didn’t tamper the 7,000 runners celebrating the diamond year.
Photographed by: Colin
Woods
Sled Alley Party | Calgary, AB
On its 2nd year, Sled Island closes off a block for performances, interactive sports and local artisan market.
Photographed by: Colin Woods
17th Avenue Gazebo | Calgary, AB
Being one of first Business Improvement Areas BIA of the City of Calgary, a weekend retro celebration with M&M’s Canada, Birdie of McDonald’s and Ghostbuster Crew made summer movies more fun. Photographed by: Colin Woods
Pixel Park 1st Birthday | Calgary, AB
Photographed by: Colin Woods
17th Avenue Halloween | Calgary, AB
Photographed by: Colin Woods
Ethnik Festivals | Calgary, AB
Closing gala at The Ampersand, the feature staircase is a great canvas for gold balls at 10’ being the biggest.
Photographed by: Colin Woods
Chartreuse Arch with evening lights welcome high esteemed ravers at the riverbanks. Photographed by: Neil McElmon
Beakerhead | Calgary, AB
Mushroom Tower Trio at Telus Spark for the 11th year of Beakerhead is a burst of colour and textures of interesting fungi. This is Maria Galura’s 7th balloon art installation for her top favourite festival.
Photographed by: Colin Woods
Southcentre Mall 50th | Calgary, AB
Golden mirror balls for a milestone celebration.
Photographed by: Colin Woods
Pride Parade and Commonwealth | Calgary, AB
Calgary’s most fun parade!
Photographed by: Benj Bergado
Fly High 3.0 | Calgary, AB
On its 3rd year, the delightful FREE balloon experience delivers core memories at Stephen Avenue for everyone. The blue and white balloons are in parallel to Tourism Calgary’s 2024 slogan “Blue Sky City”.
Photographed by: Colin Woods
Chinook Blast Starquarium | Calgary, AB
Collaboration of B!G Art’s Paul Magnuson and Calgary Party 50’s Maria Galura. Paul and Maria first met at Beakerhead in 2017. They have been creating art since and this piece on City Hall Grounds for 3 weeks was a winter spectacle.
Photographed by: Colin Woods
Mia and Sophia’s 6th Princess Party | Calgary, AB
Decked with balloons since their 2nd birthday, Stephanie Lewis created magic for her twins with real princess and carriage.
Photographed by: Deserae Evanson
7’ tall Maple Leaf Balloon Mosaic | Calgary, AB
Summer Olympics at Paris France for Petro Canada supporting Team Canada
Photographed by:
Bank and Baron
Apex Massage | Calgary, AB
Truly a big feat! Celebrating balloons on both of Apex Massage’s 25th and 30th years in business is an honour.
Photographed by: Colin Woods
No. 1 Firehall Halloween | Calgary, AB
FREE Community event with Alice Lam of Good Neighbor handing out foil character balloons at Historic FireHall in Downtown Calgary. Photographed by: Colin Woods
Watermark Christmas Display | Calgary, AB
Collaboration series with Miles Display. Mirror balls deck Calgary downtown lobbies. Photographed by: Colin Woods
Bankers Court Christmas Display | Calgary, AB
Collaboration series with Miles Display. Mirror balls deck Calgary downtown lobbies. Photographed by: Colin Woods
The Core Christmas Display | Calgary, AB
Collaboration series with Miles Display. Mirror balls for Calgary mall photo opportunity spot. Photographed by: Colin Woods
STARQUARIUM
The STARQUARIUM is best described as a one-of-a-kind, never seen before, intergalactic aquarium. This 22’ high, 16’ wide mega structure delivers custom 3D animated content via 560,000 video pixels and an array of intelligent lighting. You can view the entire installation in 360° All visitors passing by will be treated to video, lighting and special effects.
Presented by Paul Magnuson of B!G Art and Maria Galura of Calgary Party 50 for Chinook Blast 2024
Calgary Municipal Plaza 800 Macleod Trail SE Calgary AB T2G 2M3 Canada
Photographed by: Colin Woods