January Exhibitions
Kick off the new year with some amazing art
A new year means you have a chance to check out a bunch of fresh visual arts exhibitions around town. From the return of Free First Thursday Nights at Glenbow to new programming at the Indefinite Arts Centre, it’s a great time to get out and about.
Peaks and Valleys
January 2 – February 2, 2019
Framed on Fifth (1207 5th Ave. NW)
Free admission
Monumental and charged with an intense energy is a great way to describe the mountain peaks featured in paintings by David Newton. Abstracted with bold strokes and strong colours, explore the show at its closing reception from 1:00 to 4:00pm on February 1.
framedonfifth.com
Race Issues: A Comic Series Art Exhibit
January 3, 2019, 6:30 – 8:30pm
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. SE)
Free admission
Presented in partnership with the Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation, artist Eman Elkadri has been working on a comic series about the experiences of racialized youth living in Canada. See 40 unique comics about microaggressions, hear from Elkadri about her inspiration, and hear from some of the youth she worked with. Can’t make it to the reception? The exhibition remains open to the public on January 4 and 5.
facebook.com
Free First Thursday Nights
January 3, 2019, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Since its launch in 2016, Free First Thursday Nights has provided access to over 56,000 visitors and this popular program returns to Glenbow for 2019. And, with the last chance to see a bunch of awesome exhibitions, it’s the perfect time to go!
facebook.com
Community Youth Program
January 8 – April 2, 2019
Indefinite Arts Centre (8038 Fairmount Dr. SE)
$144
An after-school program of art instruction employing a broad range of techniques and mediums, young artists with disabilities are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate in this mixed ability class. It takes place each Tuesday from 3:45 to 5:15pm.
ouriac.ca
Craft Beer Night
January 9 – February 20, 2019
Indefinite Arts Centre (8038 Fairmount Dr. SE)
$150
Indefinite Arts Centre has partnered with Dandy Brewing Company for this seven-week workshop series. Introducing participants to Dandy’s brewing process and products while learning basic ceramic techniques, it’s your chance to create a one-of-a-kind beer stein. The series takes places Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00pm and is for ages 18+.
ouriac.ca
Elliptical
January 10 – March 6, 2019
HUB @ 302, Alberta Society of Artists, Crossroads Art Centre (302, 1235 26th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Errol Lee Fullen has maintained a professional art practice for over 40 years. In addition to creating solo collections, he has worked extensively with architects, designers, consultants, and collectors on public, corporate, and private commissions. See the show at its reception on January 19 from 1:00 to 3:00pm with an artist talk at 2:00pm.
albertasocietyofartists.com
Shawn Evans
January 11 – February 16, 2019
VIVIANEART (1114 11th St. SW)
Free admission
In this exhibition of all new works, Canadian artist Shawn Evans paints his own experience of architecture and industry through engaging and fragmented compositions. Combining photorealism and abstraction, his work features layers of murky paint washes to portray an urban wasteland.
vivianeart.gallery
Inversion
January 11 – February 9, 2019
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. SE)
Free admission
Jill Ho-You engages with anxiety, fear, and speculation about the future of the planet in this solo exhibition. Blurring the lines between the human body, natural, and manufactured landscapes, Inversion traces a speculative history of the Earth from creation to destruction. Explore the show at its opening reception at 8:00pm on January 11.
facebook.com
Black: A Group Show
January 12 – February 2, 2019
Herringer Kiss Gallery (101, 1615 10th Ave. SW)
Free admission
Ranging from moody to suspenseful, abstract expressionist to minimalist, figurative to abstract, this group show explores how black is used by the art world. Swing by the opening reception from 2:00 to 5:00pm on January 12.
herringerkissgallery.com
Obscura
January 12 – February 22, 2019
Alberta Printmakers Gallery & Studio (4025 4th St. SE)
Free admission
Using techniques of photography and printmaking, Angela Snieder’s work proposes that illusion and artifice contribute to our experiences of space. Explore the show at its opening reception from 7:00 to 9:00pm on January 12.
albertaprintmakers.com
Pushing Boundaries with Art, Nature & History: An Indefinite Arts Residency
January 12 – February 23, 2019
Leighton Art Centre (282027 144th St. West, Millarville)
Admission by donation
Explore the work of 30 artists from Indefinite Arts Centre, this show stems from a residency program at Leighton Art Centre that looked at freedom of expression inspired by the natural environment and the site’s history. The opening reception takes place from 2:00 to 4:00pm on January 12 and all are welcome.
leightoncentre.org
Mekinawewin, to give a gift
January 12 – March 23, 2019
Untitled Art Society Main Space (343 11th Ave. SW)
Free admission
Mekinawewin, to give a gift is a three month-long project by Tamara Lee-Anne Cardinal that focuses on the role gifting plays in contemporary forms of exchange. Throughout the project Cardinal will be building new work in the gallery space alongside hosting several workshops with community organizations. A closing reception and gifting ceremony is set to take place from 2:00 to 5:00pm on March 23.
uascalgary.org
Before Digital: Post-1970 Photography in Alberta
January 15 – March 16, 2019
Illingworth Kerr Gallery, Alberta College of Art + Design (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free admission
Curated by Mary-Beth Laviolette in partnership with Contemporary Calgary, this exhibition takes a selective look at the late analogic period through the eyes, camera shutters, and darkrooms of 27 Alberta photographers. Explore the show at its opening reception from 5:00 to 8:00pm on January 17.
ikg.acad.ca
GLUMPS
January 17 – February 28, 2019
Burnt Toast Studio Gallery (Bay 5, 215 36th Ave. NE)
Free admission
A recent graduate from the Alberta College of Art + Design, Mitchell Luken works primarily with copper etching processes. Exploring personal identity and social masks within modern society, check out the show at the closing reception from 7:00 to 9:00pm on February 28 or make an appointment by email at info@burnttoaststudio.com.
facebook.com
All the Way Back
January 17 – February 28, 2019
Burnt Toast Studio Gallery (Bay 5, 215 36th Ave. NE)
Free admission
A recent graduate of the print media program at the Alberta College of Art + Design, Shelby Wolfe-Goulet’s work reflects on notions of memory and identity while unpacking complex family narratives and histories that are shaped by intergenerational knowledge. Explore the show at the closing reception from 7:00 to 9:00pm on February 28 or make an appointment by email at info@burnttoaststudio.com.
facebook.com
Colour Field Painting
January 19, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm
RGO Treehouse, cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free admission, registration required
Contemporary Calgary’s Contemporary Kids program returns with this fun image-filled exploration of colour field painting and how the techniques of this movement continue to inspire the practices of contemporary artists.
contemporarycalgary.com
Ebb & Flow
January 19 – February 2, 2019
Knox Contemporary Gallery of Art, Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free admission
With a new pop up exhibition of contemporary visual art, head to Knox Contemporary Gallery of Art to see how an artist applies paint to the painted surface, whether by bushing, rolling, spraying, pouring or splattering and throwing. Demonstrations of techniques can be viewed periodically throughout the exhibition.
terrygregoraschuk.com
#callresponse
January 19 – March 15, 2019
TRUCK Contemporary Art (2009 10th Ave. SW) & Stride Gallery (1006 Macleod Tr. SE)
Free admission
Organized by Tarah Hogue, Maria Hupfield, and Tania Willard, TRUCK Contemporary Art, Stride Gallery, and grunt gallery team up for this artistic and curatorial collaboration. Featuring work by Christi Belcourt, IV Castellanos, Marcia Crosby, Maria Hupfield, Ursula Johnson, Cheryl L’Hirondelle, Isaac Murdoch, Esther Neff, Tanya Tagaq, Tania Willard, and Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory, #callresponse promotes discussion and action around Indigenous cultural revitalization, land-based knowledge, and cross-cultural solidarity. Explore the show at its opening reception on January 19—it starts at 7:00pm at TRUCK before heading to Stride at 9:00pm.
stride.ab.ca
Home
January 19 – March 23, 2019
Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary, cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free admission
Artists come from all over the world to work in Medalta’s studios, bringing their unique experiences, techniques, and ideas to the Historic Clay District. Curated by Jenna Stanton, this exhibition celebrates 12 artists who have decided to make Medicine Hat their home.
albertacraft.ab.ca
After the War
January 24 – March 17, 2019
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
With admission
Revealing the experiences of returning Great War veterans, their struggles, and their contributions to Canadian society as we know it today, Lougheed House debuts this new national traveling exhibit created by the Canadian Centre for the Great War in Montreal. Swing by the free launch event from 6:00 to 8:00pm on January 24 to hear Caitlin Bailey of the Canadian Centre for the Great War interviewed by podcaster Greg Wilson of The Military Museums.
lougheedhouse.com
Winter Exhibitions Open
January 25, 2019, 6:00 – 10:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
The perfect chance to explore this season’s shows at the Esker Foundation, swing by this opening to see Neil Campbell’s wheatfield and Jeremy Shaw’s Quantification Trilogy.
facebook.com
Valentine’s Glass Sale
January 26, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Bee Kingdom (427 22nd Ave. NW)
Free admission
With handblown glass for sale including a couple of new designs for Valentine’s Day, enjoy live glassblowing demonstrations all day long at Bee Kingdom’s next sale.
facebook.com
Neil Campbell and Jeremy Shaw in conversation with Naomi Potter
January 26, 2019, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended
Join the Esker Foundation for a conversation with Director/Curator Naomi Potter and artists Neil Campbell and Jeremy Shaw. The afternoon focuses on the relationships between their work—the rhythmic and harmonic qualities of the human form, spatial perception, altered states, and what it means to be alive.
eventbrite.ca
Artist Talk with Jill Ho-You
January 26, 2019, 3:30 – 4:30PM
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. SE)
Free admission
Join Jill Ho-You as she discusses and elaborates on her exhibition Inversion. Blurring the lines between the human body, natural, and manufactured landscapes, Inversion traces a speculative history of the Earth from creation to destruction.
facebook.com
Spring Festival Calligraphy Exhibition
January 26 – February 3, 2019
Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1st St. SW)
Free admission
With a traditional tea ceremony and calligraphy demonstration at 1:00pm on February 2 and 3, 2019, celebrate the Spring Festival Exhibition of the White Brush Fellowship of Calligraphy.
culturalcentre.ca
Quantification Trilogy
January 26 – May 12, 2019
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Jeremy Shaw’s first solo show in Calgary revolves around three para-fictional short films—Quickeners, Liminals, and I Can See Forever. Shaw’s central film trilogy is complemented by his photographic series Towards Universal Pattern Recognition.
eskerfoundation.com
wheatfield
January 26 – May 12, 2019
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
The works in Neil Campbell’s Esker exhibition range from wall paintings to vinyl print installations to forms milled from plate steel that gesture toward sculpture. His carefully articulated shapes and patterning morph gallery spaces from being familiar and static to something unexpected and active.
eskerfoundation.com
Mireille Perron: The Anatomy of a Glass Menagerie
January 31 – April 6, 2019
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free admission
Organized by Nickle Galleries and curated by Christine Sowiak with catalogue essay by Julia Kruger, Mireille Perron explores AltaGlass by presenting 113 selected objects from the collection alongside cyanotypes. Check out the show at its opening reception, 5:00 to 8:00pm on January 31.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
Breaking Tradition: Landscape (Im)possibilities
January 31 – April 13, 2019
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free admission
Curated by Jasmine Hynes in collaboration with Museum and Heritage Studies from the Collection of Nickle Galleries, the photographic works in this exhibition challenge traditional understandings, perceptions, and interpretations of landscape. Check it out at the opening reception on January 31 from 5:00 to 8:00pm.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
Revolutionaries and Ghosts: Memory, Witness and Justice in a Global Canadian Context
January 31 – May 3, 2019
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free admission
With works from the collections of Nickle Galleries and the MacKenzie Art Gallery, curated by Timothy Long and Christine Sowiak, each piece in this exhibition summons stories of political responses and personal memories of many world events from the 20th and 21st centuries. Explore it at the opening reception, 5:00 to 8:00pm on January 31.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
Ongoing Exhibitions
Tamara Lee-Anne Cardinal: Feet on the Ground
Until January 6, 2019
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
Part of Glenbow’s One New Work series, check out new work by Tamara Lee-Anne Cardinal, a Calgary-based emerging multi-media and performance artist and community activist. Cardinal, whose ancestral roots are Cree and German, uses the women’s Pow Wow Jingle Dress Dance and its regalia as key elements of her art practice to seek a deeper understanding of herself and her Indigenous culture.
glenbow.org
Cosmos: Gathie Falk, Margaret Nazon and Erik Olson
Until January 6, 2019
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
Curated by Mary-Beth Laviolette, the mysteries of the universe come to life in celestial studies by three fascinating contemporary artists. Featuring Calgary-born Erik Olson’s sumptuous planetary paintings, Canadian artist Gathie Falk’s expressionist depictions of the sun, moon, and stars, and Margaret Nazon’s interpretation of images from the Hubble space telescope using traditional beadwork techniques, this show is out of this world.
glenbow.org
The Arctic: Real and Imagined Views from the Nineteenth Century
Until January 6, 2019
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
With artworks depicting 16 separate Arctic expeditions between 1818 and 1876, this exhibition examines the enduring colonial iconography of Canada’s North as a by-product of the age of British Arctic expansion. Curated by Travis Lutley, Inuit cultural consultants, Sophia Lebessis and James Kuptana, provide a perspective on the exhibition’s content and themes including both Indigenous and European artifacts.
glenbow.org
Equus and the Others
Until January 12, 2019
Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art (730 11th Ave. SW)
Free admission
A solo exhibition by Kevin Sonmor, this new series focuses on large scale, often life sized, paintings of horses. Looking at ways to animate the paintings without allowing the paint itself to be the vehicle of animation, his earnest subjects seem intent on living up to their appointed status and expected image.
newzones.com
Tour of Duty: Canadians and the Vietnam War
Until January 13, 2019
The Founders Gallery, The Military Museums (4520 Crowchild Tr. SW)
With admission
This personality-based exhibit shares a range of soldiers’ perspectives on the Vietnam War and includes artifacts and oral histories from Canadians who were there. Covering the estimated 40,000 Canadian citizens who enlisted in the U.S. military and fought overseas in the war, other stories presented include U.S. and South Vietnamese veterans who later moved to Canada. The exhibition also includes 20 protest posters from the Whitney Museum of American Art to give shape to social forces and cultural history alongside a sample of Vietnamese block prints from the village of Dong Ho.
themilitarymuseums.ca
The Artist’s Mirror: Self Portraits
Until January 16, 2019
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
The first in series of exhibitions developed in collaboration with Library and Archives Canada, head to Glenbow to see self-portraits from the two institutions’ impressive collections. Curated by Sarah Todd, see pieces that allow their creators a chance to look deeply at themselves.
glenbow.org
This+That+TheOther
Until January 26, 2019
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free admission
A playful alternative to the thematic holiday show, This+That+TheOther features unconventional groupings of artworks by seemingly disparate artists including Madeleine Lamont, Ulrich Panzer, Carl White, and more.
christineklassengallery.com
A tender proposition to the din
Until January 27, 2019
Esker Project Space (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Jen Reimer and Magnus Tiesenhausen take to the Project Space to explore a moment extracted from a cycle of water storage, distillation, distribution, consumption, and transformation. The industrial civic processes recorded are the vibrations of water treatment and circulation taken from within Calgary’s Glenmore reservoir and Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant, facilitated by the City of Calgary WATERSHED+ Dynamic Environment Lab and by many gracious and patient Water Services workers.
eskerfoundation.com
Have a visual arts event that’s not listed above? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
