In early 2018, an architecture design firm in Calgary, Alberta commissioned me to produce two original works for the newly developed Residence Inn® by Marriott® Calgary Downtown/Beltline District, which pays homage to its cowboy roots.  They had been following my work for some time and noted the rustic and sepia look and feel captured in much of it.  Considering Calgary celebrates the same sense of community culture and spirit of the American west, the fit between us seemed like a snug glove.

Various photos I’d taken and suggested to them were offered for consideration until two were finally narrowed down for this project: a Texas Longhorn calf and a wild horse.  Our license agreement included a high-resolution file of both original pieces, professionally photographed.  Each image was to be divided into 4 separate squares on wood panels for a total of 5’ x 5’ reproductions and displayed in the corridors of each of the 15 floors near the elevators.

Both works were produced in the span of 30 days and completed in August 2018.  The hotel was completed in early 2019 and the reproductions now hang proudly on each floor of the hotel.

 

Originals are available as are Limited Edition Prints.

 

 
                  "Wild Thing" original art © Julie Bender                                            "The Lone Star" original art © Julie Bender

 

                                                           "The Lone Star" on display at Marriott Calgary  

 

   

"Wild Thing" in four panels on display at Marriott Calgary           The Lone Star" in four panels on display at Marriott Calgary    

 

                                         

                                                                                     Marriott Calgary main lobby