It is with profound sadness and disbelief that we say goodbye to beloved Calgary visual artist and drag performer, Mike Hooves, whose cancer journey peacefully concluded on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 while surrounded by the care and compassion of their loved ones.

Fiercely and unapologetically non-binary, Mike will be remembered as a vibrant personality and an undeniable talent. Even through hardship and illness, they were a triumphant beacon of queer joy and creativity.

A graduate of Alberta University of the Arts, Mike developed a unique artistic voice and successful arts practice. As an illustrator and muralist, Mike left indelible marks throughout Calgary. Following the completion of their first mural in 2020 as part of Palimpshed, Mike grew to be a prolific name in public art. Some notable pieces include the Hello Vintage facade in Inglewood, “Lone, United” for Calgary Pride, “Vivid” for AUArts, as well as numerous Road Works murals for BUMP Festival Arts Society that are displayed throughout the city.

Mike’s art wasn’t limited by medium, and they found personal and artistic fulfilment through their webcomic Enby Breast Cancer (2023), numerous entries in the Quickdraw Animation Society annual Animation Lockdown series, installations such as Trans Is A Flower (2022) and Rhinestone Cowfolx (2026—on display until October 2026 at Werklund Centre), as well as their short films G.E.M. (2017) and Polymorph (2017), the latter of which screened at BFI Flare in London, and featured cinematography from Mike’s partner of 10 years, and eventual wife, Bryce.

An exceptionally talented drag performer, Mike’s persona Mx Jendr brought joy and charisma to stages throughout the city, and created Drag Sings Live! alongside Kenna Burima, a revue show that showcases the talented voices of Calgary’s incredible drag performers.

In Mike’s spirit of generosity, please consider donating to the organizations that Mike held dearest, including Young Adult Cancer Canada, Queering Cancer, Wellspring Alberta, and Skipping Stone. If you wish to directly support fellow queer young adults living with cancer, check out fundraisers for Steph and Aang. Mike’s own fundraiser is available here. A special thank you to the Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre and Foothills Hospital for taking care of Mike along their cancer journey.