Must See Art Galleries Art has the ability to tell a million stories with just one picture, one sculpture, or one painting. Most everyone will interpret a piece differently and find something that their companion didn’t. Southern Alberta brims with artistic culture, having everything from lush prairie fields to harsh mountaintops to serve as inspiration. This list will take you to some of southern Alberta’s best galleries, but more importantly, showcase some of the province’s hidden gems.
Akokiniskway Gallery, Rosebud
Bluerock Gallery, Black Diamond
Lineham House Galleries, Okotoks
Nestled in the foothills, Bluerock Gallery is a sure thing stop. The gallery represents close to 200 local artists in mediums such as pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted wood furniture, as well as mixed media. Stop by on a Thursday from 6-9 pm for their free Drop-In Art Nights where they host workshops and other events. Not too far from Calgary, this gallery is packed with Alberta history in every art form imaginable.
This gallery lives and breathes historic Alberta. It is located in the original house of the Okotoks’ founding family in Olde Town. This gallery features southern Alberta artists and artisans. On the main floor, visitors can view the group shows of artists featured that quarter and browse artisanal items for sale. The second floor is home to the gallery’s associate artists who often work on-site. Stop by at the right time and you may get to chat one-on-one with an artist!
The Esplanade, Medicine Hat Since 2005, the Esplanade has been Medicine Hat’s cultural centre boasting a museum, theatre, and art gallery. With more than 3000 ft2 of gallery space, this is arguably one of southern Alberta’s largest. It features 10-12 travelling exhibitions on a yearly basis, from local to international artists. In addition to their touring exhibitions, they maintain a some permanent art collection for visitors to see year-round. For those looking to see art on a grand scale, this is your place.
For such a tiny place, the quaint hamlet of Rosebud is truly bursting with artistic culture. It’s one of the best stops for live theatre and home to the Rosebud Opera House. Just one block away in the historic United Church, the Akokiniskway Gallery features solely Alberta artists. The gallery opens 2.5 hr before performances at the Rosebud Theatre so it is best experienced as a little pre-show entertainment!
Garside Art Gallery & Studio, Longview If you are journeying along The Cowboy Trail, take a pit stop at the Garside Art Gallery & Studio. The gallery features the permanent collection of artist Debra Garside. This includes her popular photography series Wild Horses of Sable Island, the Streets of Longview Projects, Polar Bears, and her bronze statues. Guest artists of various mediums are also featured in this charming gallery.
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