City guide: Calgary

If you're looking for Alberta's finest art-related businesses, just follow the scent of citrus and sausage. What is now Crossroads Market (1235 26 Avenue S.E., 403-291-5208) was once a meat-packing plant whose 84-year-old brick building, located in Calgary's Ramsay community, was renovated in 1999 by Gerald R. Kendall. While shoppers and bargain hunters peruse the weekend flea market/farmers' market on the main level, art lovers can head upstairs to Artspace and The Avenue of Shops, where beautiful one-of-a-kind items for the home beckon.

The Artspace Gallery (403-269-4278) occupies 9,000 square feet of the Artspace complex. Pristine white walls and high ceilings are the perfect backdrop for the creations of more than 50 artists, for the most part Canadian, working in various disciplines including glass, paint, sculpture and furniture. There's also a space that primarily showcases student art.

A touch of whimsy is on offer at SunCatcher's Design Studio (403-265-6200), where owners Rod Burns and Elizabeth Hertz display delicate handcrafted antique art objects, like chandeliers, blown-glass vases and small furnishings. Elizabeth also designs eye-catching custom-made leaded- and sandblasted-glass pieces upon request.

The newly opened Galerie Petite (403-547-8390) presents the work of owner Cherry Deacon, a visual artist and jewellery designer, as well as other select Calgary artists. The 200-square-foot jewellery and textile gallery showcases exquisite handmade creations, including rings, pendants, scarves and handbags.

Paired with Galerie Petite is Myken Woods Fine Art (403-606-8414), which presents owner Myken Woods's work and that of other artists who reference world cultures; Amy Loewan, for example, weaves strips of rice paper printed with words in 44 different languages, and Paresh Athparia creates beautiful paintings that are inspired by Eastern spiritual symbolism. Stunning paintings, elaborate wall hangings and striking sculptures dominate the charcoal grey space.

Royal Flush (2115 Fourth St. S.W., 403-228-2934) is a vast showroom filled with all things European for the bathroom. Chic fixtures from above-counter vessel sinks and Philippe Starck-designed toilets and tubs are on display for your delight. Also check out the vast selection of fabulous multiple shower systems, all imported from Europe.

For a totally modern shopping experience, slide into Koolhaus (724A 11th Ave. S.W., 403-731-5665; koolhausdesign.com) in the Beltline district. Koolhaus offers shoppers a large selection of modern home furnishings, including a great selection of this year's hot A.V. units. You'll also find landscape mirrors, exclusive lines of Baronet uphostery and the hydraulic Diva bed with head-to-toe storage underneath.

With ever-evolving styles and collections, The French Connection (1222 11th Ave. S.W., 403-283-4344; frenchconnectionantiques.com) is also connected to Stockholm -- that's where proprietor Pilar Albertson's brother lives. He helps source outstanding Swedish antiques for the store, including this year's Flamant line from Belgium and more Empire antique pieces. You'll find everything from art deco to midcentury modern eclectic.

Owner Victor Gauthier has moved Interior Living (1124 10th Ave. S.W., 403-246-6240) from the Calgary suburbs into the design district, bringing his chic eclectic stash to more design-savvy shoppers. This year he features the ceramic art of Sid Dickens, hammered metal wall art and tufted and studded pieces in addition to his "mini, full-service home decor service" with a full selection of custom draperies, blinds and bedding.

Image courtesy of Tourism Calgary