Celebrating the holiday season with #WindowMagic

We each have our own special traditions, customs and nostalgic memories of the holiday season. Through a series of painted windows, Buds of Buds and Downtown Calgary are bringing some of these special moments to life. Cue The First Snow and 5 other vibrant, frosty works of art adorning the windows of several downtown businesses, and accept a warm welcome to the first ever Northern Reflections Window Exhibition, running from December 1 to 31, 2017.

But wait, there’s more!  This one-of-a-kind exhibition uses an app called “Augle” and Augmented Reality (AR) technology to transform these works of art into a 3D virtual experience. Not only will you engage and interact with each window, but you’ll also be able to vote for your favourite in the series through the app.

Here is a guide on how to download and use the application, while navigating through this grand urban art walk!

How It Works

Before you begin your journey, download the Augle app, available in the App Store or Google Play. Then head downtown and begin at any of the window locations in the exhibition - we recommend starting at City Hall, then continuing down Stephen Avenue towards the next window. As you approach each window, open the Augle app, click the AR CAM and point your smartphone at the painting. This will activate the window, through sound and animation, and allow you to engage and interact with the window. Much to your delight, you will discover that each window is an artfully curated destination that unlocks a magical wintertime story unique to each artist and animator.

Psst - don’t put your phone away between windows. Keep your eye out for unique surprises and hidden orbs throughout your adventure that can only be viewed through the app!

Experience the Exhibition

There are 6 different windows to explore throughout the downtown core, each space provided by local businesses. Conveniently positioned between City Hall and Bankers Hall along Stephen Avenue, the interactive windows are located at City Hall, Calgary Telus Convention Centre, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel, ONE 18 Empire, and Downtown Calgary (151 8 Ave SW).  Download the exhibition map and stay tuned for upcoming artist and animator features on social media.

For an exclusive experience, join us on Saturday, December 9, 2017 for a guided tour of the windows led by Buds of Buds. Along the way, you will learn more about AR and how the Augle app works in correlation with the artwork, while hearing the stories and inspiration behind each painted window. Tours leave from City Hall (800 Macleod Trail SE) at 2pm and 3pm and will last around 40 minutes. Bring your smartphone, dress for the weather and prepare to celebrate a mutual love for the magical wintertime stories within our city. No RSVP necessary.

**Access the exhibition via Calgary Transit and car2go, or take advantage of free ParkPlus street parking on weekends.

To learn more, follow Buds of Buds on social:

Instagram: budsofbuds
Twitter: @budsofbuds
Facebook: @budsobuds

Tagged as: #IAMDOWNTOWN, #NRWE17, #WindowMagic, Augmented Reality, Buds of Buds, Painted Window, Urban art-walk, Window Exhibit