These Sweet Treats Are Larger Than Life
This year’s Sweet Treats & Latte Festival has a bigger lineup than 2021 and now it’s got the biggest desserts in all of Edmonton. Literally.
No, you can’t eat the 7-ft doughnut or 4-ft ice cream sundae delivered to Whyte Avenue for the food festival, but they’ll look just as good as the real stuff on social feeds.
“We knew we needed to grow our Sweet Treats & Latte Festival for its second year,” said Cherie Klassen, Executive Director of the Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA). “And there’s no better way to spend a day on Whyte Ave than enjoying your favourite restaurants and sharing photos of art that can’t be found anywhere else in Edmonton.”
There are two art installations right in the heart of Old Strathcona, at Sid’s Selfie World.
Outside the selfie studio, folks will not be able to miss the 7-ft tall doughnut bench designed by Cory Bugden, and officially known as Sugar Sugar!
“Nothing says treat yourself like a 7ft sprinkled donut!” says Bugden. “Take your selfie game to a HOLE ‘nother level!”
Inside of the selfie studio, there is a 4-ft tall ice cream sundae, brought from Calgary by Sweet Treats partner PARK Production House, and a custom-designed sprinkles backdrop by artist Sofia Capettini that is sure to delight.
“I hope that when people visit the space they feel a sense of child-like excitement while appreciating the simple pleasure of enjoying a sweet treat or beverage made with love by a local business in the area” said Capettini.
You can find the larger-than-life treats at Sid’s Selfie World, a fairly new addition to the Old Strathcona area. The studio has 20 interactive and animated sets where you can up your selfie game.
“I love all things photography and being part of the Old Strathcona family,” said Sid Ortlieb, Founder and CEO of Sid’s Selfie World. “When the opportunity arose to host the Sweet Treats festival Instagram sets, we were thrilled to participate.”
We have once again partnered with PARK to bring art to the Ave. The OSBA worked with PARK on the first Sweet Treats last year and they also coordinated our Winter Whyte Art Bombs in 2020.
“Local public art installations like this not only help support artists and businesses but bring a pop colour and something sweet to the neighbourhood that everyone can enjoy,” said Maeghan Archibald, Project Manager, PARK.
Where To Find the Sweet Treats Art:
Side’s Selfie World 📍10336 82 Avenue
Life-size treats and hot drinks are available until Sunday, February 27 as part of the Sweet Treats & Latte Festival. Feature items are available at 18 different cafés, bakeries, restaurants and ice cream shops in Old Strathcona. Every feature item comes with a festival-exclusive illustrated coffee sleeve or sticker designed by Curio Studio. Sharing photos of these items on social media helps spread the word about these great Edmonton restaurants as well as qualifies you for gift card draws at all participating locations.
📸Photos taken by Steven Babish, @stevenbabish
Meet The Artists
Wall of Sprinkles – Artist: Sofia Capettini
Sofia is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Alberta. She graduated from the University of Alberta’s Bachelor of Design program in 2021 with hope to continue using her design skills to foster meaningful connections. In her spare time, she enjoys shooting photos on film, creating fun illustrations and trying out yet another new hobby.
Website: sofiacapettini.com
IG: @sofiadesigns
Sugar Sugar! – Artist: Cory Bugden
Cory Bugden is a Canadian illustrator and muralist based out of Calgary, Alberta. Originally a graphic designer for an agency that served clients like Oakley, Speedo and Red Bull, Cory decided to further his artistic capabilities at the Alberta University of the Arts in 2016, completing his degree in 2020. Cory uses bright colours with a fun and whimsical illustration style that can force a smile on anyone’s face. When he grows up, Cory wants to be a studio-owner, creative director, children’s book illustrator and amateur freestyle rapper.
Website: corybugden.com
IG: @beeaaarr
About PARK
PARK is a community-oriented platform dedicated to uplifting and celebrating local entrepreneurs, small businesses, artists, and creatives across Canada by raising awareness, and creating opportunities, spaces, and experiences. Over the past few years, PARK has been working closely with local artists to create beautiful and experiential murals and art installations in community spaces. These opportunities allow artists to share their work with larger audiences and build sustainable practices while supporting Canadian businesses and providing a piece of cultural identity to Western Canada.
