Exhibitions July 2018
Rain or shine, Calgary’s visual arts programming is a treat this summer
If you haven’t had a chance to get to know Calgary’s awesome visual arts community, the summer offers you a great chance to do so. With a mix of ongoing exhibitions and special events, there’s plenty to see and do.
Here’s what we’re checking out this month:
Alex Janvier: Out for Lunch Tours
July 4, 2018, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free – $5
Explore 65 years of art making over the course of your lunch hour in this bite-sized tour of the beautiful and important exhibition, Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master.
facebook.com
Mini Masters
July 5, 2018, 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.
eventbrite.ca
Free First Thursday Night
July 5, 2018, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free
With a new season of exhibits, don’t miss this month’s Free First Thursday Night at Glenbow. The museum is committed to expanding the reach and impact of art and culture in our community, and this monthly offering is a great way to do that! So, swing by and explore.
facebook.com
CHROMA: Summer Group Exhibition
July 5 – August 18, 2018
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free
This annual group show celebrating colour and the diversity of the artists represented by the Christine Klassen Gallery. From lush floral bursts on mylar to textured abstractions on canvas, conceptual photography to synesthetic experiences, check it out at an opening reception from 5:00 to 7:00pm on July 13.
christineklassengallery.com
Bring the Baby Art Tour
July 6, 2018, 12:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended
A relaxed, social tour, bring your baby to the Esker Foundation and have tot-friendly fun while discussing the exhibitions.
eventbrite.ca
Ambient Photo
July 6 – August 4, 2018
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. SE)
Free
Luther Konadu unpacks collective identity and the black body in this exhibition that utilizes self-portraiture to examine truth telling through image. Explore it at the opening reception at 8:00pm on July 6. In addition to Konadu’s exhibition at The New Gallery, he has curated a screening of Charles Burnett’s films, Killer of Sheep and Several Friends at Globe Cinema at 7:00pm on July 26.
thenewgallery.org
Artist-Run Pancake Breakfast
July 7, 2018, 9:30 – 11:30am
Ruberto Ostberg Gallery (2108 18th St. NW)
Free
An annual juried exhibition with the intended purpose of connecting artists to each other and to the greater community, celebrate the closing of Connections 2018 at the gallery’s annual artist-run pancake breakfast. Come by for pancakes, enjoy a live musical performance by Shona Rae and the Voodoo Hand, and take in a fantastic exhibition.
ruberto-ostberg.com
SHOW OFF! 2018
July 7 – 14, 2018
Alberta College of Art + Design (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free
Showing off isn’t always a bad thing, especially if you’re talking about the annual ACAD Show Off! high school art competition. An annual juried exhibition for high school students living in Alberta, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut, there’s over $30,000 in prizes to be won. Swing by the closing reception at 2:00pm on July 14 for the award ceremony.
acad.ca
G’ddy Up!
July 7 – August 25, 2018
Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art (730 11th Ave. SW)
Free
Just in time for the Calgary Stampede, see works by artists who seek to explore the contemporary cowboy culture as well as those who implement aspects of this culture in formal exploration through painting, photography, and sculpture. Featured artists include Joe Andoe, Dianne Bos, Sophie DeFrancesca, Kevin Sonmor, and Samantha Walrod.
newzones.com
Sunscreen
July 7 – August 25, 2018
Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art (730 11th Ave. SW)
Free
The return of its annual summer group exhibition, swing by Newzones this summer to take in this constantly rotating show. Sure to delight the senses, make a habit of stopping by the gallery as the artwork rotates each week.
newzones.com
Suzette Knudsen
July 12 – August 25, 2018
cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free
Visit the Alberta Craft Gallery to see the work of ceramic artist Suzette Knudsen. Stop by on July 12 from 5:00 to 8:00pm for a chance to meet her, chat about the work, and hang out with fellow craft admirers. Unlike traditional exhibitions, Spotlights at the Alberta Craft Gallery offer you a chance to buy and carry.
facebook.com
Community Evening at Esker
July 13, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free
Celebrate community and art at Esker—here’s your chance to participate in a tour led by Naomi Potter, and enjoy treats generously provided by Bite Grocer & Eatery.
facebook.com
Alex Janvier: Saturday Tours
July 14, 2018, 11:00am – 12:15pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
Spend your Saturday with Glenbow and enjoy a guided tour for everyone who wants to know more about Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master.
facebook.com
ISO Three-Ways
July 14, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Stride Gallery (1006 Macleod Tr. SE)
Free
An afternoon of readings and conversations shared between Dana Buzzee, Areum Kim, and Nicole Kelly Westman, hear pieces from Coming to Power: Writing and Graphics on Lesbian S/M and other texts that are relational to Dana Buzzee’s exhibition, Bruise Me Softy.
facebook.com
Master Class for Families
July 15, 2018, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration required
Join the Esker Foundation for an afternoon of family fun at the gallery and delve into new mediums with art projects that relate to the current exhibitions. Don’t miss this educational, energetic, hands-on program for kids ages five to 10 (an adult is required to stay for the duration of the workshop).
eventbrite.ca
Alex Janvier: Out for Lunch Tours
July 18, 2018, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free – $5
Explore 65 years of art making over the course of your lunch hour in this bite-sized tour of the beautiful and important exhibition, Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master.
facebook.com
Introduction to Sashiko with Jolie Bird
July 21, 2018, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration required
A day-long workshop where participants explore sash(i)ko, a rural hand stitching technique from Northern Japan, work on a stitch sampler alongside a centerpiece or wall hanging. All materials included, participants must be 16 years of age.
eventbrite.ca
Bee Kingdom Glass Open Studio
July 21 & 22, 2018, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Bee Kingdom Glass (427 22nd Ave. NW)
Free admission
Swing by Bee Kingdom’s studio and find colourful scotch glasses, decanters, and more. You can even experience the studio and see the creation of glass work—be sure to grab a free hot dog while you’re there.
facebook.com
Curiouser and curiouser: Exhibition Tour with Elizabeth Diggon
July 27, 2018, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended
Join Elizabeth Diggon, Esker’s assistant curator, on this informal tour that considers how Vanessa Brown and Anna Torma layer personal histories, fantastical narratives, and hidden symbols into their respective artistic practices.
eventbrite.ca
WRECK CITY Residency + Exhibition
July 27 – August 12, 2018
Multiple locations
Free
Its first ever multi-venue exhibition spanning from Marda Loop to Downtown Calgary, this iteration of WRECK CITY is located across four independent sites in Southwest Calgary. Over five weeks, 21 artists from across North America have been creating new site-specific artworks through installation, sculptures, urban intervention, performance action, deconstruction, mark-making, and other experimental styles.
wreckcity.ca
From Lyrical Line to Wearable Wire Jewellery with Joan Irvin
July 28, 2018, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration required
Join local jewellery artist Joan Irvin for a tour of Vanessa Brown’s exhibition, The Witching Hour and head into the studio for some creative alchemy of your own.
eventbrite.ca
Alex Janvier: Saturday Tours
July 28, 2018, 11:00am – 12:15pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
Spend your Saturday with Glenbow and enjoy a guided tour for everyone who wants to know more about Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master.
facebook.com
Promenade
July 28 – September 1, 2018
Jarvis Hall Gallery (333B 36th Ave. SE)
Free
Its summer group exhibition, this exhibition features a collection of work by artists new and old to the gallery roster. Artists include Robin Arseneault, Martin Bennett, Susan Clarahan, Mark Dicey, Marianne Gerlinger, Janine Hall, Tyler Los-Jones, Rachel MacFarlane, Billy McCarroll, Sondra Meszaros, Jeff Nachtigall, Bill Rodgers, Marigold Santos, Jen Somerville, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Larissa Tiggelers, Dan Whiting, and John Will. Check it out at its opening reception from 4:00 to 7:00pm on July 28.
jarvishallgallery.com
Open House for Jolie Bird: 1597; Harmonious Frequencies
July 29, 2018, 1:30 – 3:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free
Join artist Joile Bird to celebrate the completion of her 12-week installation of 1,597, harmonious golden dots in the Esker Project Space. Visitors can even take a ‘dot’ home with them.
facebook.com
Ongoing Exhibitions
Dan Whiting: New Works
Until July 7, 2018
Jarvis Hall Gallery (333B 36th Ave. SE)
Free
A show of new works by Dan Whiting, his creations are notable for richly stained surfaces, meticulous attention to detail, and transcendental use of watercolour.
jarvishallgallery.com
Brianna Gluszak
Until July 7, 2018
Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary (280, 1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free
Visit the Alberta Craft Gallery to see the work that Calgary artist, Brianna Gluzsak, created during her stay in Denmark.
facebook.com
-PATHIE
Until July 14, 2018
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free
Andrée-Anne Roussel’s interactive installation features video elements and a kinetic sculpture, revolving around the themes of engagement and apathy. It questions our relationship with the world and with works of art.
truck.ca
We Are Walled
Until July 14, 2018
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free
A video installation about the Great Firewall—a Chinese surveillance apparatus that blocks internet access and controls internet traffic—Xiaoyu Sun explores its influence on Chinese people who have experienced living inside and outside of it.
truck.ca
Screwdriver for Mary
Until July 14, 2018
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free
Screwdriver for Mary is a new video work and installation that is built on the memories of maternal care, touch, and soap bubbles. Created by Marika Vandekraats this exhibition complements a live performance that took place at Sled Island.
truck.ca
Latin American Art Exhibition
Until July 14, 2018
cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free
With almost 100 pieces of artwork on display, swing by cSPACE King Edward to explore this show hosted by the CASA Mexico in Alberta Foundation. An artist reception takes place at 6:00pm on July 5 and includes a chance to network with the featured artists.
facebook.com
TA(I)L(E)S
Until July 21, 2018
Herringer Kiss Gallery (709A 11th Ave. SW)
Free
Lauren Walker’s work explores the study of identity, perception of self, and sense of place. Her paintings consciously incorporate feminist themes and have included aspects of quilting and textile patterns. Now, with her new series, she borrows imagery from nature.
herringerkissgallery.com
Bruise Me Softly
Until July 27, 2018
Stride Gallery (1006 Macleod Tr. SE)
Free
A frank, autobiographical exploration of queer identity and sexuality, Dana Buzzee looks to the practice of witchcraft as a framework for creating art. Bruise Me Softly presents a collection of works that create an activated site of sex-positivity focused on queer femme narratives.
stride.ab.ca
HANDPIC’D 2018
Until July 28, 2018
VIVIANEART (1114 11th St. SW)
Free
The fifth edition of VIVIANEART’s annual invitational exhibition, this show continues a set precedent of celebrating emerging artists and recent graduates within the local arts community. Swing by to see a selection of works by Sean Taal, Megan Feniak, and Kellen Spencer.
vivianeart.gallery
1597; Harmonious Frequencies
Until July 29, 2018
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free
A great street facing space, the Esker Foundation’s Project Space comes alive with a performance-based installation implemented over the course of 12 weeks. Working within a clean and minimal space, see Jolie Bird create an eight-foot diameter representation of the Fibonacci Sequence.
eskerfoundation.com
Threaded Through Paint
Until August 5, 2018
Tower Gallery, Leighton Art Centre (282027 144th St. West, Millarville)
Pay-What-You-Can
In her debut solo exhibition, Calgary watercolourist Brittney Tough celebrates the mundane through glowing and meticulously rendered paintings of textiles. Fascinated by capturing fleeting moments of exaggerated light, colour, and pattern, her contemporary approach to watercolour has created a body a work that is vibrant, photorealistic, and brimming with nostalgia.
leightoncentre.org
Land-People-Movement
Until August 10, 2018
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free
Curated by Christine Sowiak and organized by Nickle Galleries, this exhibition includes selections from the gallery’s collections and explores ways of looking at the outside world that help us move through it.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
PROCESS; thinking through
Until August 18, 2018
Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary, cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Avenue. SW)
Free
A behind the scenes look at the creative process of fine craft, this exhibition features the work of 17 Alberta Craft Council members and comes to Calgary after a successful stint in the Edmonton gallery.
albertacraft.ab.ca
REASSURANCE…
Until August 31, 2018
Sheldon Chumir Health Centre (1213 4th St. SW)
Free
As a public artwork Recognition…Validation…Reassurance… takes the form of a social practice art project. Created by community participants for community benefit, the content addresses mental wellness, and is devised and led by artist Dick Averns. Reassurance… is based on the premise that mental health is about self-expression but is often invisible. Presented along a city block in the downtown core, this 24/7 installation features nearly 200 artworks generated through free community workshops. Also be on the lookout for works displayed on Calgary Transit buses, CTrains, and platforms.
calgary.ca
Local, Emerging Art Exhibit
Until September 2018
Inti Designs Studio & Gallery (1289 Highfield Crescent SE)
Free
A place where art and industry intersect, swing by the Inti Designs Studio & Gallery and explore this exhibit featuring a variety of art expressions including metal work, skull painting, mixed media, photography, and furniture.
intidesigns-studio.com
The Witching Hour
Until September 2, 2018
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free
Vanessa Brown works in the space between strength and fragility through an alchemical fusing of steel, pigment, and glass. Bringing together new installations and recent works, ranging in scale from grand to intimate, this exhibition is a proposal in material, colour, light, and sound.
eskerfoundation.com
Book of Abandoned Details
Until September 2, 2018
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free
Featuring new and major works produced over the past five years, Anna Torma uses drawing, collaging, painting, dyeing, free-hand quilting, patchwork, applique, felting, and embroidery to create a fantastic world.
eskerfoundation.com
What is Money?
Until September 3, 2018
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free
Curated by Marina Fischer with assistance from Justine Buchler, don’t miss the newest exhibition of ethnographic objects from the Nickle’s numismatic collection. Showcasing diverse forms of money used across the globe through time, the exhibition explores a range in cultural understandings of money, its value in society, and asks, what is money?
nickle.ucalgary.ca
No Clear Line
Until September 8, 2018
Okotoks Art Gallery (53 N Railway St., Okotoks)
Free
Hit the road this summer and explore No Clear Line at the Okotoks Art Gallery. Combining Paul Rasporich’s love of art with his passion for fishing, this exhibit features paintings of fishermen on local rivers.
okotoksculture.ca
Time is a Flat Circle
Until September 8, 2018
Okotoks Art Gallery (53 N Railway St., Okotoks)
Free
Ryan Smitham’s work addresses physical phenomena such as decomposition and erosion, as well as human-caused issues like violent conflict and the depletion of natural resources.
okotoksculture.ca
Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master
Until September 9, 2018
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
A major retrospective organized by the National Gallery of Canada, this stunning exhibition spans the entirety of Alex Janvier’s 65-plus year career and features more than 150 artworks showing the evolution of Janvier’s unique vision. Rooted in the geocultural landscape of his northern Alberta home, Janvier’s works on paper, canvas, and linen combine Dene iconography with Western abstract art styles and techniques.
glenbow.org
Gwenessa Lam: What Magic
Until September 9, 2018
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
An ongoing series of exhibitions focused on new work by significant Alberta artists, the sixth exhibition in One New Work features Gwenessa Lam, an assistant professor of painting at the Alberta College of Art + Design. Curated by Nancy Tousley, What Magic consists of an installation of etchings and texts, an artist’s book and a video projection.
glenbow.org
Bison bison bison
Until September 23, 2018
Main Gallery, Leighton Art Centre (282027 144th St. West, Millarville)
Pay-What-You-Can
Celebrating the continuing existence of the mighty Plains Bison in Alberta, Leighton Art Centre presents Bison bison bison. Experience the perspectives of 16 local artists as they portray this impressive creature in many styles and in pieces large and small. Works for sale includes paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and sculpture.
leightoncentre.org
Formed by Sand
Until September 30, 2018
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
With admission
Inside Alberta’s famous Victorian sandstone mansion, two-dozen artists explore and interpret the impact of sandstone and oil on Calgary, answering how much of our history and circumstance is a result of our geology. Works include print, video, collage, painting, text, mixed media, sculpture, and more.
lougheedhouse.com
Recent Acquisitions 2017
Until December 9, 2018
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission
An opportunity to show how Glenbow’s collection is growing and evolving, each of these objects or artworks holds a story. Stop by the museum to explore pieces that include Kananginak Pootoogook’s Young Arctic Owl, Dorothy Henzell Willis’ Joseph Plaskett in Paris, and many more.
glenbow.org
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
Have a visual arts event that’s not listed above? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
