Mike Hooves
Age 33-3422 Jul 2026
Calgary, Alberta (Canada)
Breast cancer
Mike was a visual artist and drag performer who was unapologetically non-binary and leaves behind a substantial body of artwork around the Calgary area.
It is with profound and 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 @albertauarts [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 the @palimpshed project, Mike grew to be a prolific name in public art. Some notable pieces include the @hellovintage_yyc facade in Inglewood, “Lone United” for [@calgarypride](https://www.instagram.com/calgarypride/], “Vivid” for AUArts, as well as numerous Roadworks murals for @yycbump 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 @quickdrawyyc annual Animation Lockdown series, installations such as Trans Is A Flower (2022) and Rhinestone Cowfolx (2026—on display until October at @werklundcentre ), 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 resulted in the creation of @drag.sings alongside @kennaburima , 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 @yacancercanada , @queeringcancer , @wellspringalberta , and @skippingstoneca . A special thank you to the Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre and Foothills Hospital for taking care of Mike along their cancer journey.
Mike's Instagram profile is https://www.instagram.com/mikehooves/, and that of their drag persona Mx Jendr is https://www.instagram.com/mx.jendr/.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DbGwNGMySST/
