Exhibitions December 2016
Take a timeout and explore a local gallery this month
December is a busy time of year but a good way to stay on top of everything is to take some time out to enjoy the simple things. A great way to do just that is to explore an art gallery, or three! This month brings a number of new offerings and special events for you to enjoy on top of ongoing, and amazing, shows.
Diana Zasadny: Field Notes
Until December 7, 2016
Wallace Galleries (500 5th Ave. SW)
Free
Focusing on landscape, Diana Zasadny blends the boundaries of impressionist interpretation and contemporary abstraction to form a glimpse at what lies between reality and imagination.
wallacegalleries.com
Generations: 50 Years of Art at the University and Beyond
Until December 10, 2016
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free
Examining 50 years of outstanding faculty and students from the University of Calgary’s Department of Art, this show highlights both the artwork and the impact of five decades of imaginative, inspiring and innovative creation.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
FaunawolfCreations Art Exhibition
Until December 11, 2016
Cafe Koi (1011 1th St. SW)
Free
With work heavily influenced by Buddhist studies, check out a selection of art from Calgary-born creative polymath, Kaitlyn Hatch.
kaitlynschatch.com
Kananaskis
Until December 17, 2016
Ruberto Ostberg Gallery (2108 18th St. NW)
Free
Canadian artist Anna Ostberg has always been inspired by her surroundings but it took a little rustic cabin in the mountains to change her view of the Alberta landscape. Being surrounded by this impactful beauty has become an integral part of her art practice and the Kananaskis landscape plays a central part of her new show.
ruberto-ostberg.com
The Artist Should Have Value
Until December 17, 2016
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. S)
Free
Jo-Anne Balcaen’s current practice is based on her experiences as an artist and cultural worker, and the interplay of these two careers. Working in arts administration for well over a decade has given her many opportunities to reflect on forms of cultural work, careerism, and the power structures that form within the art world.
thenewgallery.org
Fall 2016 Exhibitions
Until December 18, 2016
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free
It’s your last chance to see the current shows at Esker Foundation. Don’t miss works from Cedric & Jim Bomford, Jasmine Cibic and Larissa Fassler.
eskerfoundation.com
Spirit of Christmas Art Show and Sale
Until December 23, 2016, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Okotoks Art Gallery (53 North Railway St., Okotoks)
Free
This holiday season the Okotoks Art Gallery transforms into the Spirit of Christmas, a winter wonderland full of gifts crafted by local artisans. Look for one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments, jewellery, cards, and original local artwork. Everything in this holiday showcase is priced under $200.
okotoksculture.ca
Far and Away: Selected Works 2014 – 2016
Until December 23, 2016
Herringer Kiss Gallery (709A 11th Ave. SW)
Free
See David Burdeny’s work up close at Herringer Kiss Gallery. Burdeny graduated with a Masters in Architecture and Interior Design and spent the early part of his career practicing in his field before establishing himself as an award-winning photographer.
herringerkissgallery.com
Holiday Salon Wall
Until December 23, 2016
Herringer Kiss Gallery (709A 11th Ave. SW)
Free
Enjoy this merry collection of works by gallery artists in this annual Herringer Kiss Gallery tradition.
herringerkissgallery.com
Night Driving
Until December 23, 2016
Herringer Kiss Gallery (709A 11th Ave. SW)
Free
Another exhibition to check out this month at Herringer Kiss Gallery, don’t miss Fiona Ackerman’s series of paintings that pays tribute to long nights and insomniac mediation that drives the wandering mind down unknown roads.
herringerkissgallery.com
Tyler Bright Hilton
Until January 7, 2017
VivianeArt (1114 11th St. SW)
Free
Canadian artist Tyler Bright Hilton is known for his expansive, ongoing fictional narrative that looks at anxiety, insecurity, and self-identity. Using an unusual character, Minmei Madelynne Pryor, he creates a coming-of-age story through related prints and drawings.
vivianeart.gallery
Jasmine from Grasse
Until January 22, 2017
Project Space, Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free
Sans façon (Charles Blanc and Tristan Surtees) explores the sense of smell in this journey. Using an olfactory encounter, Sans façon has employed the help of Professor of Psychology, Glen Bodner, and Master Perfumer, Irene Schnell, to recreate the scent of a place and time drawn from individuals’ memories.
eskerfoundation.com
Pomp & Circumstance: Celebrations of the Fire Department Kind
Until January 29, 2017
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
With admission
A celebration of the bonds between Calgary and the fire brigade that gave us ceremony, drama, pride and panache. Head to Lougheed House to explore 70 rarely seen items to admire and touch. From flags and photos to uniforms and bugles, these artifacts embody what connected our town to our firefighters from 1885 to 1939.
lougheedhouse.com
What Made You So Awfully Clever?
Until January 29, 2017
Pumphouse Theatres (2140 Pumphouse Ave. SW)
Free
Joyce Doolittle and Quenten Doolittle are partners in life and in creativity. Having supported one another in their careers in theatre and music, they now turn their attention to the visual arts. Presented by the Pumphouse Theatre and United Active Living Communities.
pumphousetheatre.ca
1920s Modernism in Montreal: The Beaver Hall Group
Until January 29, 2017
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
Glenbow showcases the Beaver Hall Group, a Montreal-based group of Canadian painters who met in the late 1910s while studying art at a school run by the Art Association of Montreal. The show looks at works by group members as well as by associated artists, demonstrating the group’s diversity-fuelled exchanges.
glenbow.org
Rough Country: The Strangely Familiar in mid-20th Century Alberta Art
Until February 5, 2017
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
With the postwar social climate, the perspectives of Maxwell Bates, Laura Evans Reid, John Snow, W.L. Stevenson and Dorothy Henzell Willis are at times uncanny and disturbing. The myth of Alberta being a land of prosperity and simple beauty is challenged by the works featured in this show.
glenbow.org
Connections: Calgary Arts Community Builders
Until February 5, 2017
Gallery 505 (505 8th Ave. SW)
Free
This year has been a retrospective year for Calgary Allied Arts Foundation and to celebrate they have highlighted a small selection of their artists that have become internationally recognized artists and influential community builders.
calgaryalliedartsfoundation.ca
VSVSVS: at the same time
Until February 12, 2017
Contemporary Calgary (117 8th Ave. SW)
Free
VSVSVS is a six-person collective and artist-run centre based out of a warehouse in the Portlands of Toronto. Not concerned with solid architecture, for VSVSVS fluctuations are meant to be ridden and not resisted. This site-responsive work has been created for Contemporary Calgary, as is made up of propositions for three floors including walls that expand, floors that refuse immobility and a giant vibrator. Please do touch!
contemporarycalgary.com
NEXT2016: Jayda Karsten & Lindsay Sorell
Until February 12, 2017
Contemporary Calgary (117 8th Ave. SW)
Free
Contemporary Calgary continues its NEXT2016 series in support of emerging practices. This show invites artists to investigate the potential of post-studio practices, exploring notions of digital environments, mobility and ideas as artwork.
contemporarycalgary.com
M.N. Hutchinson: The Last Longest Day
Until February 26, 2017
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
Glenbow’s One New Work series completes with this, the third and final instalment. It focuses on Calgary artist M.N. Hutchinson’s project that saw Hutchinson take one photo every minute on the longest day of the millennium. Selecting from more than 900 photos, the exhibition draws on film negatives, contact sheets and new photographic prints made with traditional darkroom methods.
glenbow.org
Mini Masters
December 1, 2016, 11:00 – 11:45am
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential
Calling Calgary’s newest contemporaries! Join the Esker Foundation on the first Thursday of every month for a hands-on art class. Parents and guardians are invited to bring their little ones, ages two to five, to explore art making in this fun and social program. All are welcome to participate, just dress for mess!
eskerfoundation.com
Out of Lunch Tour: Voices from Beaver Hall
December 1, 2016, 12:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Members free, general $5
Join students from the University of Calgary’s Women, Canada, and Modernism course as they animate the paintings in the exhibition through spoken word vignettes inspired by the art and legacy of the Beaver Hall Group.
glenbow.org
Free First Thursday Night
December 1, 2016, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free
Open late and free to check out, make sure you swing by Glenbow for its final Free First Thursday of 2016.
facebook.com
50 // 50
December 1, 2016, 7:00 – 10:00pm
Untitled Art Society (343 11th Ave. SW)
Free admission
Join Untitled Art Society for its annual fundraiser with drinks and a silent auction featuring artwork donated by the community. Revenue earned from the sale of work is split between the artist and the society, with half going directly to the artist and the other half going towards supporting future public programming at UAS.
uascalgary.org
Shannon Bool: The Eastern Carpet in the Western World Revisited
December 1, 2016 – February 11, 2017
Illingworth Kerr Gallery, Alberta College of Art + Design (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free
This incredible exhibition of Shannon Bool’s recent work revisits textile art from a contemporary art perspective. Her first solo exhibition in Calgary, this show takes its title from one originally staged at London’s Hayward Gallery in 1983.
acad.ca
Bring The Baby Art Tour
December 2, 2016, 12:00 – 12:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended
Bring your baby to Esker Foundation for a tot-friendly discussion on this relaxed, social tour.
eskerfoundation.com
Jingle and Mingle Holiday Market
December 2 & 3, 2016
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary (2009 10th Ave SW)
$5
Skip the lines and spend your time with TRUCK as its holiday market returns with one-of-a-kind products made by some of Calgary’s most talented artists and artisans. There’ll even be tasty treats provided by Big Rock Brewery, Caffe Beano, and Sidewalk Citizen.
truck.ca
Wonderlands
December 2, 2016 – January 2017
Greater Goods (8, 606 Meredith Rd. NW)
Free
Experience abstract expressionist Carolyn Jerrard’s new series as the featured artist at Greater Goods Boutique & Tea Bar. With a passion for landscapes that are influenced by imagination, check out her solo show at an artist reception from 7:00 to 10:00pm on December 2.
facebook.com
The Watchers – 20 Years Later
December 2, 2016 – January 21, 2017
Jarvis Hall Gallery (333B 36th Ave. SE)
Free
A monumental exhibition by internationally acclaimed environmental artist, 20 years ago Peter von Tiesenhausen embarked on a journey across Canada with The Watchers—five enormous charred wooden figures originally exhibited on the rooftop of the Stride Art Gallery. They now return weathered with time, experience and history, and von Tiesenhausen retraces that artistic voyage he has been on ever since. Don’t miss the opening reception on December 2 between 5:00 and 8:00pm with an artist talk with the current director of Stride Gallery, Nicole Kelly Westman, at 2:00pm on December 3. All are welcome, seating is limited.
jarvishallgallery.com
Body Dysmorphia
December 2, 2016 – January 28, 2017
Upstairs Gallery, ArtPoint Gallery & Studio Society (1139 11th St. SE)
Free
Lizzie Carr’s solo show specifically focuses on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)—a mental illness revolving around body image issues that results in depression and social phobia. These painted portraits were created as a visual interpretation of discomfort in one’s skin. Art prints will be for sale at the opening reception from 5:00 to 9:00pm on December 2 with a share of proceeds going to the Calgary Silver Linings Foundation.
facebook.com
Uncertain Places with Sans façon
December 3, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Esker Foundation (444, 1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended
Through its art practice Sans façon responds to the relationship between people and place. Working internationally, its approach renews awareness and tempts interaction with the surroundings. This artist talk explores the sense of place through examples of past work and the development of new work for the Esker Project Space.
eskerfoundation.com
Scent and Memory with Irene Schnell
December 3, 2016, 2:00 – 3:00pm
Esker Foundation (444, 1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended
Join the Esker Foundation as Irene Schnell, a perfumer who trained in Paris and is based in Calgary, discusses the role of scent in our memories and how it provokes us in our everyday lives. Having consulted on Sans façon’s Project Space exhibition, she speaks to its unique opportunities, inspirations, and challenges.
eskerfoundation.com
Art Baby Tours
December 7, 2016, 10:00am
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free with admission
Bring your baby to Glenbow for a relaxed, infant-friendly one-hour tour of 1920s Modernism in Montreal: The Beaver Hall Group. Suitable for adults accompanied by children under two.
glenbow.org
Four Years
December 7, 2016, 2:00 – 8:00pm
Village Brewery (5000 12A St. SE)
Free
Neil Zeller got his start when Village Brewery took a chance on a new photographer and invited him to display a few art pieces on the walls of their tasting room. Four years later, Zeller heads back with a two-month solo show. Raise a glass and see his favourite pieces at this opening reception.
facebook.com
Lifelong Learners
December 7, 2016, 2:30 – 3:15pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended
On the first Wednesday of every month, seniors are invited to join us for a tour and discussion of the current exhibitions. Explore new ideas and engage creatively with arts and culture.
eskerfoundation.ca
Rotating Christmas Miniature Show
December 7 – 24, 2016
Wallace Galleries (500 5th Ave. SW)
Free
This show features a selection of various gems perfect for under the tree. See work by various gallery artists, including Elza Mayhew, William Duma, Diana Zasadny, Nancy Boyd, Gregory Hardy, Jennifer Hornyak, and more.
wallacegalleries.com
Tear Down and Rebuild and Tear Down
December 8, 2016, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended
Join the Esker Foundation for this exhibition tour with Shauna Thompson and discuss how its current shows address examples of public space and architecture.
eskerfoundation.com
9th Annual Under $100 Art Show
December 8 – 11, 2016
Art Spot (2501 Alyth Rd. SE)
Free
Bigger than ever, see works from over 100 participating artists with new artwork being brought out daily. Check it out at the opening reception, December 8 from 5:00 to 10:00pm.
facebook.com
Not So Mini Print Exchange & Exhibition
December 9 – 23, 2016
Alberta Printmakers (4025 4th St. SE)
Free
Each year Alberta Printmakers hosts this fundraiser where artists are invited to submit a package of 10, 8″ x 10″ numbered original prints. The artists each receive eight prints in return and A/P sells two prints from each edition with the proceeds going towards artistic programming. Prints will be available for sale at the opening reception at 7:00pm on December 9 and start at $30.
facebook.com
NEXT2016 Curator Tour with Lisa Baldissera
December 10, 2016, 1:00pm
Contemporary Calgary (117 8th Ave. SW)
Free
Contemporary Calgary’s ongoing series in support of emerging practices, NEXT2016 invites artists to investigate the potential of post-studio practices, and how practices may manifest themselves within an exhibition space.
facebook.com
Take a Walk on the Wild Stride
December 10, 2016, 8:00pm
Stride Main Space (1006 Macleod Tr. SE)
Free admission
Get out there and support Stride Gallery at its annual fundraiser. The night includes drinks, delectables, music, dancing, auctions, and raffle prices. It also acts as a chance to look back at the past year and raise a glass in celebration.
stride.ab.ca
Put a Bird on It!
December 10, 2016 – January 28, 2017
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free
This group show keeps with Portlandia tradition and only includes works with birds included. Check it out at the reception, 1:00 to 4:00pm on December 10, with an artist talk slated for 2:00pm.
christineklassengallery.com
BIG Small Art Show
December 17, 2016, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Motion Gallery (127, 200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free
Head to Motion Gallery as 10 local artists are hold their first ever BIG Small Art Show. With more than 100 pieces of original artwork for under $100, this is a great place to find small works of original art for yourself or for a last minute Christmas gifts.
facebook.com
Master Class for Families
December 18, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential
Join the Esker Foundation for an afternoon of family fun at the gallery that delves into new mediums with art projects that relate to its current exhibitions. An educational, energetic, hands-on program for kids ages five to 10, an adult is required to stay for the duration of the workshop. All materials will be provided.
eskerfoundation.com
And because the holiday season is upon us, remember, it’s always a good idea to check gallery hours before you go.
