August Exhibitions
Check out new visual art exhibitions around Calgary this August — from Design Week exhibits, to photography exploring the hidden world of undocumented labour. Each month, we spotlight a new or outgoing visual art exhibition in the city, followed by a roundup of others you can enjoy.
Closing this month at the Leighton Art Centre, Dog Trail is a multimedia exhibition by Jared Tailfeathers that traces a years-long journey into Blackfoot Traditional Methods of Making. Through paintings, photographs and tactile objects, Tailfeathers honours IImiitaa (dogs) as vital partners in Blackfoot life before the reintroduction of horses.
Outside on the Leighton Art Centre property, Dog Trail (Outdoor) features two ak’hstimani, the ancient Blackfoot practice of marking important events with stone circles on the landscape, often described by archaeologists as a medicine wheel.
Head over to Leighton Art Centre, located just southwest of Calgary near Millarville, to see Dog Trail. The gallery exhibition is on view until August 24, 2025, while the outdoor installation is available until October 26, 2025.
(Exhibition info adapted from Leighton Art Centre)
More August exhibitions:
Into the Void and Out of the Void
July 29 – August 25, 2025 | Opening Reception: August 1, 6 – 8pm
Cupola Gallery, cSPACE Marda Loop (4th Floor, 1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to explore
This debut solo exhibition of mixed-media artist Carmine Aspen is a vibrant exploration of joy through chaos, creation and contrast. Featuring surreal, fantastical works in paint, collage, embroidery and more, the show reflects a journey through a complex mind seeking light in all its forms.
cspacemardaloop.com
Remnant: 2025 MFA Graduation Exhibition
August 1 – September 13, 2025 | Reception: September 11, 5 – 8pm
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free to explore
The University of Calgary’s Graduating Master of Fine Arts class of 2025 includes six outstanding artists. Through drawing, painting, photography, installation and mixed media, the artists showcase their research-led creation. Organized by the Department of Art and Art History.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
trap (disambiguation)
August 1 – October 11, 2025 | Opening Reception: August 1, 6 – 9pm
The Bows (2001b 10 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
This exhibition explores the hidden world of undocumented labour through Danny Luong’s striking photographs of unregulated cannabis and psilocybin farms. Capturing the ingenuity and resilience of workers in criminalized, precarious conditions.
thebows.org
Exhibit of Social Artistry
August 1 – 30, 2025 | Opening Reception: August 1, 6 – 9pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4 St. NE)
Free to attend
This August, Sparrow Artspace presents Exhibit of Social Artistry, a participatory showcase by The Oratory and Recess Calgary. Featuring workshops and events, the month-long exhibit explores art as a tool for connection and community.
sparrowartspace.com
Memory
August 5 – 30, 2025 | Opening Reception: August 8, 6:30 – 9pm
Framed on Fifth (1209 5 Ave. NW)
Free to explore
Alberta artists Ana Zanella and Veronica Funk explore memory through two distinct styles: abstract patterns drawn from daily life and vibrant portraits inspired by vintage photographs. Together, their works connect past and present in a shared reflection on identity, storytelling and everyday beauty.
framedonfifth.com
Abstract Progression
August 5 – September 1, 2025 | Opening Reception: August 7, 6 – 8pm.
cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to explore
Experience bold colour and dynamic form in Abstract Progression, a solo exhibition by Maria Curcic. Known for her large-scale abstract works, Curcic blends fine art and fashion to create vibrant, movement-filled pieces that pulse with urban energy.
cspacemardaloop.com
Design Week Calgary Exhibits
August 6 – 9, 2025
The Grotto at Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
With admission
At Contemporary Calgary, Design Week is showcasing exhibits that explore design through models, prototypes and immersive installations. Highlights include: Designing Imminence, In Plain Sight – Game Urbanism and Manifesto.
designweekcalgary.com
Late Summer Expressions 2025
August 6 – 27, 2025
Wallace Galleries (500 5 Ave. SW)
Free to explore
Check out a selection of handpicked works by Wallace Galleries’ roster of artists, including: Alain Attar, Harold Town, Phil Darrah, Camrose Ducote, Amy Modahl, David Newkirk, Ronald Bloore, Nancy Boyd, Simon Andrew, Robin Smith-Peck, Jim Stokes, Jennifer Hornyak, Linda Nardelli and more.
wallacegalleries.com
Dreaming Asleep // Dreaming Awake
August 22 – October 11, 2025
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. S)
Free to explore
The New Gallery presents Dreaming Asleep // Dreaming Awake, its 50th anniversary exhibition featuring Helen Arias, Jordan Baylon and Peter Moller. Through artwork, writing, and public events, the exhibition reflects on the Gallery’s legacy as a space for experimental, artist-run culture in Mohkínsstsis.
thenewgallery.org
For more visual arts events and exhibitions, head over to the arts and culture events section of yycwhatson.ca.
