Exhibitions November 2016

Warm up with a month of great shows

Although the weather is cooling down, visual arts are on fire with another month of amazing exhibitions. From lots of in-depth programming at Glenbow to smaller seasonal shows, there’s a ton to check out.

Experience Inclusion: Artist Studio Portrait Exhibition

Until November 3, 2016
In-Definite Arts Society (8038 Fairmount Dr. SE)
Free

Stemming from an annual City of Calgary initiative to help build an inclusive workplace and promote diversity, see portraits produced by City employees and In-Definite Arts artists. Celebrate this unique paring at the reception from 6:30 to 8:30pm on November 3. Light refreshments will be provided.
indefinitearts.com

You May Find Yourself Living in Another Part of the World

Until November 5, 2016
Herringer Kiss Gallery (709A 11th Ave. SW)
Free

Marjan Eggermont’s innovative work has gained her lots of recognition including being named one of the 20 most influential artists in Calgary. Now see this show featuring new work focused on native Albertan fauna.
herringerkissgallery.com

Curios – Constructed & Found

Until November 5, 2016
Ruberto Ostberg Gallery (2108 18th St. NW)
Free

Albertan father and daughter visual artists Ken and Kenzie Housego debut new artworks in this dual exhibition. Although both have separate art practices, the two are undoubtedly influenced by each other. Their works focus on the tactile and land somewhere between contemporary art and kitsch.
ruberto-ostberg.com

Zimoun

Until November 6, 2016
C (117 8th Ave. SW)
Free

Presented in partnership with Beakerhead, Zimoun uses simple components to build architecturally-minded platforms of sound. It’s a mesmerizing experience.
contemporarycalgary.com

Walking Phoenix

Until November 6, 2016
AVALANCHE! Institute of Contemporary Art  (Upper level, 343 11th Ave. SW)
Free

After four and a half years of operating a gallery, shop, and studio, AVALANCHE! Institute of Contemporary Art is shifting focus and hosting its final show in its gallery space.
avalancheavalanche.com

Ronald Bloore: Untitled

Until November 9, 2016
Wallace Galleries (500 5th Ave. SW)
Free

From 1958 to 2007, Ron Bloore dedicated his life to painting. In his secondary career as a gallery director, educator, and commentator he fought for the understanding of artists as integral to civilized communities.
wallacegalleries.com

Performing the Landscape

Until November 12, 2016
Multiple locations
Free

This is a big one people. Five local galleries have joined together to revisit the landscape tradition through the lens of the moving image. Performing the Landscape is an exhibition of video and film works exploring the picturesque, wilderness and the sublime.
acad.ca

Performagraphic

Until November 26, 2016
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary’s Main Space (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free

Performagraphic presents a powerful collection of James Luna’s photographic and video works referencing his artistic career of over 30 years. An internationally renowned artist, Luna (Puyukitchum/Luiseno) resides on the La Jolla Indian Reservation in North County San Diego, California. With over 41 solo exhibitions, 85 group exhibitions and performances worldwide, he has given voice to Native American cultural issues in some of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
truck.ca

Commanding Heights

Until November 26, 2016
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free

Themes of idolatry, reverence, power and wealth are explored in Lee Nielsen’s Commanding Heights. This series of contemporary painted portraits is completed in the style of religious iconography—figures are set against gold leaf halos, but are representations of an iconic business class that is revered in contemporary culture.
christineklassengallery.com

Karrie Arthurs, Revenant Portrait no. 3 (Family Revenants), mixed media on antique charcoal portrait | Image: Courtesy of Christine Klassen Gallery
Karrie Arthurs, Revenant Portrait no. 3 (Family Revenants), mixed media on antique charcoal portrait | Image: Courtesy of Christine Klassen Gallery
Revenant Portraits

Until November 26, 2016
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free

The second show at Christine Klassen Gallery examines the personal stories of 19th century North American settlers and prairie dwellers. Karrie Arthurs uses original 19th century charcoal portraits to create narratives for these lives that existed at one point in the past, and the ghosts that now exist in their place.
christineklassengallery.com

Staring at the sun with your eyes closed

Until November 26, 2016
Untitled Contemporary Art (343 11th Ave. SW)
Free

This show might be one you just want to check out without knowing too much. Featuring works from Lauren Chipeur and April Martin and curated by Zoë Wonfor, the exhibition looks to be sculptural but not much more can be gleaned. Mark your calendars for the publication launch November 4 at 8:00pm.
uascalgary.org

Searching For Bruce Willis

Until November 26, 2016
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary’s Main Space (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free

Julie Tremble has been greatly influenced by cinema, literature, and philosophy. Her practice considers the role that narrative plays in our experience of the world. Using video and digital animation, she constructs experimental fiction and contemplative animation loops to explore emotion, nature, mental state, and social interaction.
truck.ca

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. For a special insight into the exhibition, check out the Curator’s Tour from 12:00 to 1:00pm on October 20.
nickle.ucalgary.ca

Fall 2016 Exhibitions

Until December 18, 2016
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free

A new season means new shows at the Esker Foundation. See works from Cedric & Jim Bomford, Jasmine Cibic and Larissa Fassler.
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

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 perspective of Maxwell Bates, Laura Evans Reid, John Snow, W.L. Stevenson and Dorothy Henzell Willis is 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 retrospective year for Calgary Allied Arts Foundation and to celebrate they have highlighted a small selection of its artists that have become internationally recognized artists and influential community builders.
calgaryalliedartsfoundation.ca

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

Behind the Scenes Tours: Staff Picks

November 1 & 2, 2016
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
$18 – $20

Join Glenbow’s Cultural History Collection Technician Marcia Slater for this unique behind the scenes look in celebration of Glenbow’s 50th anniversary. These tours showcase not only its amazing collection, but also the incredible people that work there.
glenbow.org

Lifelong Learners

November 2, 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 the Esker Foundation for a tour and discussion of the current exhibitions. Explore new ideas and engage creatively with arts and culture.
eskerfoundation.ca

Beaver Hall Film Series: Eva Hesse

November 2, 2016, 7:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
$8 – $10

Don’t miss the Calgary premiere! of this documentary that captures the psychic struggles of one of America’s foremost postwar artists, Eva Hesse.
glenbow.org

Mini Masters

November 3, 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

Free First Thursday Nights

November 3, 2016, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free

So many new exhibits, so little time! Take advantage of this month’s Free First Thursday at Glenbow to see the new sights including the amazing look at the Beaver Hall Group in 1920s Modernism in Montreal.
glenbow.org

SelfLove365

November 3, 2016, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free

Belinda Fireman’s original paintings are characterized by inspiration, colour, fun and vulnerability. Building from a daily practice that inspires and generates creativity and self-worth, SelfLove365 is inspired by portraits of people in Fireman’s life, surrounded by the writings of her vulnerable and relatable thoughts. Through the month of November, her images and words will be on exhibit at Calgary’s Loft 112, presented by FosterMAK and you can join them for this artist reception.
fostermak.com

Bring The Baby Art Tour

November 4, 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

Spray Can Sea. Ooh Bared Ass, Vet Her

November 4 – 26, 2016
Jarvis Hall Gallery (333B 36th Ave. SE)
Free

Known as the wild man of contemporary Canadian painting, Wil Murray heads to Jarvis Hall Gallery for this solo exhibition. Showcasing a recent body of work, this show is a continuation of his solo exhibition presented at the Art Gallery of Alberta in the summer 2016, and a transitional step toward his work for next year’s Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art. An opening reception is slated for 6:00 to 9:00pm on November 4 and a not-to-be-missed artist talk is planned for 2:00pm on November 5. All are welcome.
jarvishallgallery.com

Jo-Anne Balcaen’s The Artist Should Have Value | Image: Courtesy of The New Gallery
Jo-Anne Balcaen’s The Artist Should Have Value | Image: Courtesy of The New Gallery
The Artist Should Have Value

November 4 – 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. An opening reception takes place November 4 at 8:00pm. Admission is free and all are welcome.
thenewgallery.org

Tyler Bright Hilton

November 4, 2016 – 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. See the show at its opening reception 6:00 to 9:00pm on November 4. Artist remarks start at 7:00pm.
vivianeart.gallery

Fresh Art & Music Show

November 5, 2016, 7:30pm
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church  (1121 14th Ave. SW)
$10 – $12

Combining live music, paintings, mixed media, ceramics, candles and more from local artists, LimeLighter returns with a fresh new show. Mix and mingle, talk to the artists, purchase a piece of art, listen to some fabulous live music, and enjoy a great night out.
brownpapertickets.com

FosterMAK Presents: Local

November 5 & 6, 2016
Symons Valley Ranch Market (14555 Symons Valey Rd. NW)
Free

Join the FosterMAK group of artists for Local and enjoy almost 200 pieces of exceptional art created right here in Calgary by local artists.
fostermak.com

Fitzcarraldo

November 6, 2016, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

This 1982 West German surreal adventure-drama film was written and directed by Werner Herzog and stars Klaus Kinski as the title character. One of Herzog’s best known films, it has become a classic. There will be a short intermission halfway through the film.
eskerfoundation.ca

FaunawolfCreations Art Exhibition

November 6 – 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

Art Baby Tours

November 8, 2016, 10:00am
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free with admission

Bring your baby to the museum 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

Rough Country: The Strangely Familiar in mid-20th Century Alberta Art

November 9, 2016, 12:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Members free, general $5

Check out this Out for Lunch Tour and discover highlights of mid-century regional painting with Rough Country curator Mary-Beth Laviolette.
glenbow.org

Panel Discussion: Let’s talk about… intention with d.talks

November 9, 2016, 7:00 – 9:30pm
Festival Hall (1215 10th Ave. SE)
$5 – $15

Supported in part by Esker Foundation, join d.talks for this look at how intentions inform the way in which our cities are designed and experienced. Hear Larissa Fassler and Jimenez Lai in conversation with local Calgarians in an open forum panel discussion about the design of public space.
eventbrite.ca

Glenbow Salon Series: Art HERStory

November 10, 2016, 7:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
$18 – $20

Presented in conjunction with 1920s Modernism in Montreal: The Beaver Hall Group, join curator Mary-Beth Laviolette as she discusses pioneering female modern artists from Alberta. Ticket includes one complimentary beverage.
glenbow.org

Artist Talk: Larissa Fassler

November 10, 2016, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

Larissa Fassler heads to the Esker Foundation to speak about her interest in the public spaces of cities. Looking at specific places in Berlin, Paris, and downtown Calgary, she will speak about the different questions, issues, and opportunities each of these sites brings to the surface.
eskerfoundation.com

Far and Away: Selected Works 2014 – 2016

November 10 – 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. Join Burdeny from 5:00 to 8:00pm on November 10 at the show’s opening reception.
herringerkissgallery.com

Family Yoga

November 12 & 19, 2016, 1:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free with admission, registration required

Transform your body and spirit in an inspired setting outside of the Art of Asia gallery. A brief tour and meditation session will also take place among the Buddha sculptures inside the gallery. Space is limited. Email discoveryroom@glenbow.org to reserve your spot.
glenbow.org

Riverview Artists Fall Show & Sale

November 14 – 18, 2016, 9:00am – 4:00pm
The Winter Garden, Jamieson Place (308 4th Ave. SW)
Free

The 12 artists who make up the Riverview Artists Group invite you to view their latest exhibit of original paintings. Finding inspiration in a wide range of subjects, they express their ideas in a variety of styles and techniques. There’s even a chance to win an original painting.
riverview-artists.com

Nothing Yet Art Show

November 17, 2016, 6:00 – 11:30pm
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
$20

This collaborative art show is hosted by the Alex Youth Health Centre and brings together a group of artists stemming from similar artistic backgrounds.
facebook.com

Glenbow Salon Series: Art HERStory

November 17, 2016, 7:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
$18 – $20

NOTE: Due to unforeseen events, this event has been cancelled. The Art HERStory series continues with curator and Glenbow Adult Education Coordinator Sarah Todd who will speak on contemporary Canadian portraits by women. The talk focuses primarily on video, photography and performance art. Ticket includes one complimentary beverage.
glenbow.org

Diana Zasadny’s River Valley Forest | Image: Courtesy of Wallace Galleries
Diana Zasadny’s River Valley Forest | Image: Courtesy of Wallace Galleries
Diana Zasadny: Field Notes

November 17 – 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. Join Zasadny for an artist reception from 2:00 to 5:00pm on November 19 or get a sneak peek at the show’s preview day on November 17.
wallacegalleires.com

VSVSVS Artist Talk

November 18, 2016, 6:00pm
Stanford Perrott Lecture Theatre, Alberta College of Art + Design (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free

Contemporary Calgary and the Illingworth Kerr Gallery are proud to present an artist talk by the Toronto-based collective VSVSVS. Presented in conjunction with their exhibition at the same time, running at Contemporary Calgary from November 24, 2016 to February 12, 2017, this talk offers an unique insight into the collective.
contemporarycalgary.com

Kananaskis

November 18 to 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. Check out the work at two opening receptions, November 18 from 5:00 to 9:00pm and November 19 from 2:00 to 5:00pm.
ruberto-ostberg.com

Pastels & Pastries

November 19, 2016, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
$12

Enjoy delicious pastries from The Restaurant at Lougheed House while visual artist Marissa Buckley teaches you how to use pastels to draw one of the artifacts from the Pomp & Circumstance exhibit. This event is appropriate for ages 14 and up. Tickets include all food and drawing materials.
eventbrite.ca

Small Box Architecture Workshop with Laura Vickerson

November 19, 2016, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential

Spend the day constructing miniature buildings using recycled cardboard, product boxes, and other re-purposed materials with Laura Vickerson. All supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring materials they would like to incorporate into their projects. Participants must be over the age of 15 to participate.
eskerfoundation.com

Printed Matter Affair

November 19 & 20, 2016
Stride Main Space (1006 Macleod Tr. SE)
Free

This two-day public event is geared at fostering a public conversation and platform to feature printed matter from artists and organizations from Alberta. The printed matter includes zines, books, prints, and other miscellany such as bags, buttons, stickers and patches. Be on the lookout for daily talks and workshops as well.
stride.ab.ca

Master Class for Families

November 20, 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! Every month they delve into new mediums with art projects that relate to the current exhibitions in this educational, energetic, hands-on program for kids aged five to 10. An adult is required to stay for the duration of the workshop. All materials will be provided.
eskerfoundation.com

What Made You So Awfully Clever?

November 21, 2016 – January 29, 2017
Pumphouse Theatres (2140 Pumphouse Ave. SW)
Free

Presented by the Pumphouse Theatre and United Active Living Communities, 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. An opening reception takes place from 6:30 to 9:00pm on November 21 with live performances, an artist Q&A hosted by Eugene Stickland, and refreshments.
pumphousetheatre.ca

Behind the Scenes Tours: Staff Picks

November 22 & 23, 2016
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
$18 – $20

Join Glenbow’s Military History Collection Technician to discover unexpected items deep in Glenbow’s storage areas. These tours showcase not only its amazing collection, but also the incredible people that work there.
glenbow.org

Glenbow Salon Series: Art HERStory

November 23, 2016, 7:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
$18 – $20

Curator Monique Westra looks at portraits of, and by, the women artists in the Beaver Hall Group in this intimate discussion. Ticket includes one complimentary beverage.
glenbow.org

Out for Lunch Tour: Voices from Beaver Hall

November 24, 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 paintings through spoken word vignettes inspired by the art and legacy of the Beaver Hall Group.
glenbow.org

Managing History, Manipulating Memory

November 24, 2016, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

Join Esker’s head of research, Elizabeth Diggon, on this conversational tour that discusses the artistic practices of Cedric and Jim Bomford, Jasmina Cibic, and Larissa Fassler. The tour focuses how their works each comment on the intersection between public spaces and the creation and projection of identity and nationhood.
eskerfoundation.com

VSVSVS: at the same time

November 24, 2016 – 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
November 24, 2016 – 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. Jayda Karsten and Lindsay Sorell have been selected to present concurrent solo exhibitions in the Top Gallery with an open call for others to submit before November 7.
contemporarycalgary.com

PLACEHOLDER: An Unconventional Book Club Discussion with d.talks

November 25, 2016, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential

Join d.talks for an evening discussion that responds to the work of artists Cedric and Jim Bomford, Larissa Fassler, and Jasmina Cibic. This is an intimate discussion and an opportunity for Calgarians to identify how our city and citizens affect local and global themes. Receive a list of selected texts, or bring your own book, poem or object.
eskerfoundation.com

Love Art in Calgary Tour #12

November 26, 2016, 1:00pm
Multiple locations
$25

Join Love Art in Calgary for its 12th tour featuring the home studio of painter, Carl White and The Long Grass Studio to see work from Juanita Dawn and Pat Rozitis.
facebook.com

Glenbow Salon Series: Art HERStory

November 30, 2016, 7:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
$18 – $20

Art HERStory wraps with this presentation from University of Lethbridge’s Assistant Professor of Art History Devon Smither. This intimate discussion focuses on the female nude in the work of the Beaver Hall Group. Ticket includes one complimentary beverage.
glenbow.org