There’s a new bird hanging out on Norwood Boulevard. Specifically, a budgie named Tiffany. Tiffany lives at the Aviary, which is across from BikeWorks North, at 9314 111 Avenue. A venue-warming present from musicians Lindsey Walker and Jordan Norman to the owners of the Aviary, brothers Philip and Mark Muz, Tiffany represents a lot. First, the bird is a connection to the history of the space. Before work began on turning it into a community café and arts venue, the Aviary was a yoga studio. Previous to that, it was Tiffany’s Bird Shop. The budgie also symbolizes how, after a difficult road following the ARTery closing, the creative spirit of the former venue has found a new home.

Not that the Aviary will be the same as the ARTery. “It’s impossible to recreate that exact thing,” explains Philip. “It’s going to be open during the daytime, and open to all ages. A little more all-encompassing, but still with the same vibe as the ARTery.” Telling of the attitude that drives him and his brother, Philip asserts, “the Aviary is going to be a place where if you have something to perform, you’ll get a chance.”

Discussing the important topic of food, Philip goes on to say: “It’ll be a sandwich shop, with coffees, lots of teas, and non-alcoholic options. We’ve never been a place that pushes alcohol on people. We more push people getting together.” Such an emphasis should not be difficult, because as Philip already noticed, there’s “a real hunger for people in this neighbourhood to have a place to hang out.”

A lot of work is left to do, but the hope is to have the Aviary up to code and open by May or early June. One focus of the renovations is to make the Aviary as accessible as possible. To help with this, Joel Kleine from Edmonton band Bombproof the Horses visited the venue recently and discussed the plans with Mark. A wheelchair user, he found the back entry to be quite accessible. In addition, he gave advice on how to make the washrooms easy to access as well. “All in all,” Kleine said, “it looks like it’ll be a welcoming space for everyone.”

Local folk musician Tyler Butler agrees. “It’s going to be great to play here. It will have great sound, it’s friendly, and will be a real community hub.” The Collective West’s Erin Faught concurs too, and is excited to see what the Aviary family “have up their sleeve in this new neighbourhood.” Musician and MLA for Edmonton-Centre, David Shepherd sees the new venue as part of a wider trend. “Given how many artists and musicians have moved into Norwood over the years,” David said, “the Aviary’s a perfect addition to the neighbourhood. I can see it providing a much needed spark of revitalization to 111 Avenue.”

In a similar but unsurprising vein, Megan and Beth Dart, sisters who are a foundation of the Edmonton theatre community, believe that the Aviary will be “a place where the creative minded are welcomed with open arms to experiment, to fail, to succeed, all within the safe space of a community bubbling over with talent and heart.”

People can help the Aviary (and ensure Tiffany the budgie has lots of friends to hang out with soon) by attending the Aviary Victory Fundraiser at Studio 96 on Saturday March 5. Tickets are $15 at yeglive.ca, or $20 at the door. The all-ages event starts at 6 p.m., with the bands, including Labour, beginning at 8. Aviary Victory Bonds (gift certificates redeemable once the Aviary opens) will be available as well.