Strathcona Contemporary Exhibition

The Strathcona Contemporary Exhibition was an opportunity to engage with the community and the exhibiting artitists shared their art with the public. The exhibition included

Artists’ meet and greet    

An afternoon event filled with art, conversation, connection with the community of creators, fellow artists, art enthusiasts and potential collaborators.

Youth Gallery Celebration   

Celebration of local artists in an opening reception at the Gemstone Gallery Youth Art Space and the award-winning youth artists from the Art Society of Strathcona County’s 2024 Student Art Competition.          

Artist workshops (18Y+)    

 An afternoon of hands-on creative enriching celebration of art,with two artists featured in the Strathcona Contemporary exhibition. fostering a supportive environment for growth and expression.            

Arts and culture info panel    

A panel of arts administrators and community activators shared information about different programs, grants and resources for career growth.

 Artists’ Pecha Kucha    

An evening of incredible showcase of talent from Strathcona County’s art community in Pecha Kutcha style. Seven artists from past Salon exhibitions and the just concluded Strathcona Contemporary exhibition shared their stories and the annual art acquisitions was announced.                     

 

"Metanoia"

March 12 - April 17, 2024. 

“Metanoia,” featured artwork from Oksana Movchan, from Edmonton, Alberta at Gallery@501 from March 12 until April 17, 2024. 

Visitors were invited to experience one artist’s journey of the soul in a beautiful and surreal exhibition of large-scale abstract paintings. “Metanoia” is a Greek word meaning transformation of the heart and consciousness. This exhibit by Oksana Movchan captured her immersion in ancient practices of meditation, in philosophy and quantum theory, and in dreamlike metaphysical expressions of the soul.  Movchan integrates spaces and objects from reality and imagination to reflect her experiences and dreams in her paintings.

 

"Reflections"

January 23 - March 2, 2024. 

Carol Wylie and Marie-Pierre Castonguay

“Reflections,” featured artworks from two Canadian artists, Carol Wylie, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Marie-Pierre Castonguay, from Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Access to unlimited images has changed the way we think about portraiture and how we see each other. These artists thoughtfully captured unique moments of their subjects that inspire visitors to slow down and find connection to the subjects and consider their perceptions, assumptions, vulnerabilities and strengths, similarities and shared experiences. 

Carol Wylie explores the identity and consciousness of each person she paints, using layers of colour and brushstrokes that capture memory and essence. By depicting a direct gaze with the viewer, Wylie aims to create engagement by capturing an emotive presence of each individual.  

Marie-Pierre Castonguay shares a series of documentary photographs of the morning routines of girls and women aged 0 to 102, with bilingual (French, English) captions. Focusing on an honest depiction of the routines of each person, she explores positive body image, acceptance and family connection. 

 

"A Force of Nature"

Darren Emenau and Twyla Exner

October 20 - December 1, 2023

Discover an exciting array of artwork that reveals the incredible forces within nature and the man-made impacts of electronic technology upon our environment. “A Force of Nature,” features artworks from two Canadian artists, Darren Emenau from Saint John, New Brunswick, and Twyla Exner from Prince George, British Columbia. Visitors will step inside an immersive experience that combines art and science accompanied by nature soundscapes and hands-on activities. This exhibit includes ceramics, recycled electronic technology sculptures, and colourful drawings.

Darren Emenau’s artwork explores the powerful force of water which over time, erodes, creates holes and sculpts the surface of rocks. Emenau pushes the traditional boundaries of ceramic sculpture through the exploration of surface treatment, form and abstraction. Using locally sourced clays from New Brunswick, Emenau experiments with textures and coloured glazes inspired by forms found along the coastline.

Twyla Exner is inspired by the wonders of nature. Creating lively drawings and repurposing recycled materials to form installations of sculptures, Exner proposes hybrids of technological structures and living organisms. Exner explores the human impacts of electronic technology which creates waste, sculpts the landscape and erodes our ability to prioritize the planet over a never-ending cycle of outdated and ever evolving technology

 

Ni'kmaq - My Family and Resilience

Nelson White, Margaret Witschl and Delio Delgado

August 22 - October 7, 2023

“Ni’kmaq – My Family” features artwork by Nelson White from St. John’s, Newfoundland. “Resilience” features artwork by Margaret Witschl from Edmonton, Alberta and Delio Delgado from Hamilton, Ontario. 

“Ni’kmaq – My Family” is an exhibition of portrait paintings about Indigenous identity, family and community. Nelson White is a Mi’kmaq artist and a member of the Flat Bay First Nation Band (No’kmaq Village) in Flat Bay, Newfoundland. He shares stories of the strong bonds that individuals create within their extended families and communities that extend beyond a traditional notion of a “nuclear family”. White aims to show a contemporary view of Indigenous art and expand the viewers notion of what it means to be Indigenous today.

“Resilience” is an exhibition that reveals the transformative impact of healing through art. Margaret Witschl paints to navigate personal and world events and to support her mental health. Through relatable symbols and images, she confronts shared anxieties about the pandemic, financial and employment uncertainties, and resulting health impacts. Witschl openly expresses personal stories to encourage others in their own mental health journey.

Delio Delgado creates large-scale abstract paintings that reflect his thoughts on mortality and healing. Having experienced a potentially terminal illness and isolation, Delgado paints with a focus on recovery and resilience. Using collaged layers of maps, geometric shapes and expressive colors, Delgado explores finding direction and meaning in his physical health journey.

Around You / Near You: Shaped in the Studio

Elias Abada, Ken Ambler, Shane Boyce, Kim Casarin, Bob Jamieson, Logan Jans, Jordan Kucy, Braden Lucier, Linda Pecknold, André Plamondon and Laura Traverse
(February 3 to March 3, 2023)

An exhibition featuring the artwork of 11 local artists from Sherwood Park and Edmonton. The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, Robin Hood Association and Winder Inclusive Communities Service (WICS) have collaborated on this exhibition with Gallery@501. Inspired by the work these talented artists are doing in the studio, these community organizations have partnered to celebrate and exhibit their impactful artwork.  
 

Passing Through 

Wes Bell, Bettina Matzkuhn and Peca Rajkovic
(March 11 - April 22, 2023)

“Passing Through” brings together artwork that captures expressions of human interaction and impact on the land. This exhibit transformed familiar and traditional notions of landscape into personal perspectives, revealing interactive storytelling, beauty in survival, and intense emotional memory.

Rooted in the Ravine

Karen McCallum
(March 11 - April 22, 2023)

Edmonton-based artist Karen McCallum's exhibit Rooted in the Ravine showcases incredible talent in portraying the stunning landscapes of Alberta through painting. Incorporating unique viewpoints in her work, Karen layers colours to capture shimmering light to surround the viewer in the beauty of forest ravine areas in Edmonton. 

 

Moments and Lifetimes

Debbie.Lee Miszaniec
(March 15 - May 4, 2023) 

Debbie.lee’s exhibition Moments and Lifetimes, investigates our relationship with food through the genre of still life painting. With references to Greek pottery, British colonial trade goods, French rococo stories of love, tea cups, and vintage books - they contextualize the memory and anticipation of gustatory pleasure through time. 

Image: Lemon Bar, oil on canvas, 5x7", 2021

The Strathcona Salon

Strathcona County Artists
(May 11 - June 24, 2023)

A sweeping exhibition of the artists who help to shape the County’s artistic landscape. Eligible artworks from this exhibition were considered for County purchase. 

 
Image: Open Door to Your Dreams (detail), Sabine Hahnel, 2021

Vicissitude

Monique
(May 8 - August 7, 2023)

Vicissitude is a print-based installation from Saskatoon artist Monique. A visual and colourful delight, this exhibit encompassed hundreds of handmade, silkscreened butterflies from 16 different species.  

 

On the Surface

Jen Pankratz and Jessica Plattner
July 4, 2023 - August 12, 2023

This exhibition combined the work of two Alberta artists – Jessica Plattner and Jen Pankratz – into one conversation that questions reality, memory and self-image. Both artists used portraiture and the human body to explore their personal journeys in finding truths in an ever-changing world.
 

Chromatopia

Fibre Art Network
January 14 - April 23, 2022

The Fibre Art Network (FAN) is a co-operative of Western Canadian artists committed to promoting fibre as an art form and each other as artists. FAN membership includes emerging fibre artists, teachers, authors and judges. Many members have been recognized both nationally and internationally for their work. Chromatopia is a FAN exhibition inspired by Picasso’s monochromatic works in his blue period. Each artist was challenged to explore their own individual theme through the creation of two monochromatic textile artworks using two assigned colour hues.
 

Infinitesimal

Lisa Matthias
January 14 - April 23, 2022

Lisa Matthias is an artist, printmaker, and ecologist living in Alberta, Canada. Her interdisciplinary work combines art and science through an expression of microscopic elements in nature and references to our larger environmental footprint. Through an exploration of traditional and experimental printmaking processes, soundscapes, and animation, Matthias creates an immersive exhibit that inspires wonder in the natural world. 

The Strathcona Salon

May 14 - June 24, 2022

Take in a sweeping view of new artwork by Strathcona County artists! From this exhibit, a jury of practicing artists and residents recommend artwork to join the County’s permanent art collection. The “Salon" also features artwork by 10 promising youth artists. 

Confluence

Ken Hawtin, Geff Blenkinsopp, Ken Duncan
April 15th - June 26th, 2022

An exciting exploration of wood, copper and leather artistry on display in the gallery foyer. 

Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts: Bridging our artistic heritage - past, present and future

May 9th - June 26th, 2022

An exhibition of artwork from the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts (ACUA), a non-profit Ukrainian arts organization. On display in the gallery’s window showcase along Festival Avenue, this exhibit featured pottery, photographs, jewelry, paintings, felted pieces, pysanky, Motanka dolls and more.

 

We'll Build a Palace Upon the Ruins

Jason Frizzell
July 8 - August 20, 2022

This exhibition features close to 60 small-scale sculptural works that continue a thematic exploration of transition, identity, denial and discovery. Frizzell constructs miniature scenes that combine references from popular culture, imagined environments and a mash-up of time periods and eras.

"Rusted hulks of machinery and architecture of unknown origin and function dwell alongside futuristic robots, spaceships, and domesticated (or at least well-trained) dinosaurs. The pieces describe a place where the concepts of past, present and future may overlap and coexist,"; says artist Jason Frizzell.

 

And You'll Always Look Fantastic... As We Wander Through the Ashes (Detail), Jason Frizzell

 

The Healing Language of Alex Janvier

Alex Janvier
September 9th - November 20th, 2022

Strathcona County is honoured to present an exhibition entitled “The Healing Language of Alex Janvier” by world-renowned Denesuline artist, Alex Janvier, from Cold Lake First Nations, Treaty 6 Territory.

Curated in partnership with the Janvier Gallery and Gallery@501, this exhibition features paintings, sketchbook drawings, video and audio works that reflect Janvier’s experiences within Canada’s residential school system. 
 
This special exhibition primarily features paintings from the Janvier family’s private collection, and this will be the first time that many of the artworks are on display to the public. Gallery visitors will learn about Alex’s residential school journey from the traumatic loss of language, culture and family, to finding a voice through his art, and a way forward on the path towards healing and reconciliation. 
 
In collaboration with Indigital Media and Gallery@501, and with funding from Canadian Heritage, Alex and the Janvier family have created powerful video and audio works to complement the exhibit. Through sharing Alex’s impactful narratives, more light will be shed onto the history of residential schools, the lasting impacts for those who experienced them and their families, and the need for calls to action, connection and understanding. 

Visitors can also re-discover Alex’s public art pieces displayed on site in the Strathcona County Library (“Indigo Children” and “One Hour in Time”) from 2011, and the staircase mural in County Hall (“Tribute to Beaver Hills”) from 1976.
 

Flourish and Sea Change

Gallery@501 Members
December 9, 2022 - January 21, 2023

“Sea Change: a profound transformation” features artwork connected to the theme of a profound or notable change. Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, the art reflects various interpretations of transformation in the artists’ personal lives, materials, art styles and world events.

“Flourish” showcases artwork Gallery members have created within the last two years, encompassing many themes, styles and media.  From fibre art to glass, painting and sculpture, each exhibit provides a glimpse into the creative minds of 43 artists from the 501 community.

Gallery@501 Members Show – The Art of Belonging 

November 12 - December 18, 2021

Celebrate the diverse and talented Gallery@501 members at our annual members exhibit featuring a wide variety of artwork made by local artists. This year we invited members to reflect on what belonging means to them and to submit artwork that interprets or conceptualizes that sense of belonging.

Nearly every aspect of our lives is organized around belonging; we belong to families, community groups, sports teams, and spiritual organizations to name just a few. These connections help us to feel accepted and grounded in a common sense of purpose which plays an important role in our physical and mental wellbeing. We can also think about the idea of ‘belonging’ in geographical terms – we belong to cities and countries where we reside, but we may also feel a sense of belonging in nature or to significant locations like a childhood home or a special vacation spot. The way we experience belonging shapes who we are and how we relate to those around us; this exhibit gives us an insight into how our members experience belonging and invites the audience to take stock of what is important in their own lives and to reflect on what belonging means to them.

Through virtual and in-person programs, artist talks, social media engagement, and multi-sensory exhibit experiences, Gallery@501 continues to support, inspire and grow a love of the arts while providing a welcoming space for all.

 

...bring a folding chair

AJA Louden, Elsa Robinson, Fetsum Teclemariam, Braxton Garneau

Oct 9 - 30, 2021

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition …bring a folding chair is inspired by annual Black History Month celebrations and recognizes the significant contributions Black Canadian artists make to Alberta.With art works exploring history, heritage and contemporary concerns, the artists in this exhibition ‘bring a folding chair’ to the table of Canadian society and the art scene in Alberta and, in sitting at the table, give voice to our common humanity.

The exhibition ...bring a folding chair was curated by Shane Golby and organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program. The AFA Travelling Exhibition program is supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

AMPLIFY

Elsa Robinson, Raneece Buddan, Diana Ohiozebau, AJA Louden

Sep 10 - Oct 30, 2021

The public is invited to celebrate Gallery@501’s 10-year anniversary through two new exhibits; AMPLIFY and Reckoning | Unraveling | Reclaiming; a journey to self, as part of the gallery’s anniversary exhibition series.

Showcasing from September 10 to October 30, 2021, AMPLIFY celebrates and amplifies the voices of contemporary Alberta artists with a focus on notions of identity in their work. Four local artists who express their perspectives through portraiture and figurative artwork were chosen for this exhibition – Elsa Robinson, AJA Louden, Diana Ohiozebau and Raneece Buddan.

Identity is a broad, complex and loaded topic. Despite global and social interconnectedness, a lack of understanding and respect for marginalized communities remains a barrier to acceptance, inclusion and equality. These artists  use unique materials and artistic processes to express personal stories, cultural influences, social concerns, celebrations of soul, struggles of human experience, expressions of family, and a search for belonging.

Creating more opportunities for everyone’s voices to be heard builds on the conversation of humanity and connection. A connection that can hopefully continue to inspire the call to amplify the voices of those who need it.

Visit the AMPLIFY Virtual Gallery

"Reckoning | Unraveling | Reclaiming
a journey to self"

Nisha Patel, Temi Phillips and Adetola Adedipe (aloT of Poetry).
Sep 10 – Oct 6, 2021

Reckoning | Unraveling | Reclaiming; a journey to self, running from September 10 - October 6, 2021, presents a new type of exhibit to experience - one that takes the viewer on a visual and sensory journey of the self through words. Reckoning | Unraveling | Reclaiming; a journey to self features poetry and writings of three Alberta authors: Nisha Patel, Temi Phillips and Adetola Adedipe (aloT of Poetry).

These three authors face a sense of reckoning through experiencing racism, confronting challenges as Canadian immigrants, re-evaluating cultural expectations and carrying the heavy emotional burdens of abuse. A concept of unraveling arises while questioning belonging, denouncing stereotypes, reflecting on mental health and disentangling the bias of society. Reclaiming weaves through their stories of personal strength, beauty in connection, finding light in darkness and the need for change and equality.These are real stories of experiences lived, struggles felt, connections lost, strength of spirit and hope for the future. It’s the stories of three authors whose courage and talent have created powerful portraits of self that embolden the readers to challenge their perceptions and grow in empathy and acceptance.

 

“Tales From the In Between”

by Tammy Salzl
July 8 – August 21, 2021

Reception and Artist Talk: July 29, 7 p.m.

“How do you give voice to the beauty and folly of being human?” – Tammy Salzl

Discover one artist’s tales of humanity, femininity, struggle and self-discovery through a multi-sensory exhibition by Edmonton artist, Tammy Salzl. Salzl’s artwork reflects human experiences with family, nature, beauty and loss, while combining memories with escapism and myth.

Gallery@501’s spaces have been transformed for this exhibition into a story-telling stage of rooms with Salzl’s sculptures, installations, films, paintings, and the accompanying lush soundscapes of Canadian sound composer Greg Mulyk.

We are pleased to present the work of local artist Tammy Salzl as part of our 10-year anniversary exhibition series, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Gallery@501!

 

Strathcona Salon Series Acquisitions and Loans

May 13 to June 19

Celebrate Strathcona County’s amazing local artistic talent! The artwork in the show has been submitted for consideration for purchase, loan or donation to the Strathcona County Art Collection (est. 1987). Art by both adult and high school artists will be featured.

The exhibit opens virtually and will be hosted online unless facilities re-open. Watch for the virtual announcement of the chosen acquisitions and loans after June 15. Vote for your favourite artwork by June 14; one artist will receive the People’s Choice award. 

 

Walking Gently: Spirit Stories and the 13 Moons 

March 11 to April 24, 2021*

*Viewing extended to May 12, 2021. 

Gallery@501 is pleased to present “Walking Gently: Spirit Stories and the 13 Moons”, an exhibit by two Métis artists, Leah Dorion and Gary Sutton, who seek to share storytelling, cultural knowledge and connection through their artwork. The exhibit opens virtually on the Gallery website on March 11 and will be hosted online unless facilities re-open. Watch for virtual engagement throughout the exhibition, including exhibit tours with gallery staff, artist videos, and a special virtual talk with both artists on April 24.  

Leah Dorion is a Métis artist from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, who works as a teacher, painter, filmmaker and writer. Leah shares ancestral stories of Indigenous thirteen moon teachings through decorative, symbolic paintings of traditional ceremonies and lunar cycles, with accompanying poetry.  

Gary Sutton is a Métis artist from Redwood Meadows, Alberta, who is inspired by the Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation and paints in the Woodland Style, also known as legend or medicine painting. Gary creates powerful storytelling, by painting stylized animals and symbols representing the character and spirit of each person he paints. 

For more information about this exhibit and virtual activities, visit strathcona.ca/gallery501 or call 780-410-8585. 

Members Show and Sale by Local Artists
Nov 6 to Dec 9, 2020*

*Exhibit end date changed to December 9 due to new provincial restrictions in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Gallery@501 is pleased to present its annual Member Show and Sale featuring artwork by local artists. The exhibit opens on November 6 and is on display until December 9.

The annual show and sale provides Gallery@501 members with the opportunity to display their artwork, and for gallery guests to contact the artists to purchase works. All proceeds of the sales go directly to the artist.

Gallery@501 is open to the public with new protocols in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Strathcona County. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the gallery is free.

To learn more about Gallery@501 and becoming a member call 780-410-8585.

 

Mother Tongue / Ehts'o Ket'a
By Bruno Canadien 

September 10 to October 25, 2020
Reception on September 10 at 7 p.m.
Artist in attendance.

Canadien’s work is primarily focused on addressing issues surrounding the intersection of First Nation/Tribal sovereignty, resource exploitation and environmental concerns. He uses collage, adornment, painting and drawing to present evidence of contemporary Indigenous presence and resistance throughout his work. A member of a northern First Nation (Deh Gah Got’ı́é Kǫ́ę́, Deh Cho Region, N.W.T.) - Dene, and a resident of Alberta, this issue carries personal resonance for Canadien, especially in regards to the effects of the Athabasca Tarsands development, which is located within the MacKenzie/Peace watershed, upstream from his home community of Fort Providence, N.W.T.

Opening reception details

Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m.
Reception to take place in The Agora adjacent to Gallery@501. Small groups will be taken through the exhibit. 
401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park AB
 

The opening reception for ‘Mother Tongue / Ehts’o Ket’a’ by Bruno Canadien has been created to follow all Alberta Health Services guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The health and safety of our staff and guests is our top priority, please take note of the new guidelines and procedures in place for this event. Thank you for your cooperation! 

• Stay home if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted entry.
• Upon arrival guests will be asked to sanitize their hands.
• All guests and staff are required to wear a non-medical mask for the duration of the event. A mask will be provided for those who do not have their own.
• Guests will be asked to provide their name and phone number for the purposes of contact tracing.
• All attendees must maintain a physical distance of 2 meters (6 feet) from individuals outside of their household or cohort.
• The reception will take place in the Agora space, adjacent to Gallery@501. Guests will enter this space from the entrance nearest the Gallery@501 main entrance. From here guests will be able to enter the gallery space via the side barn doors.
• The number of guests inside the gallery space will be limited to 15, including staff.
• There will be no food or beverages served at the opening. As an alternative, each guest will receive a ‘to go’ bag with a mini publication about the exhibit and a few treats from Gallery@501.

 

Repeated Visits to the Museum of Life
By Paddy Lamb

Extended to August 30, 2020  

March 5 to April 26, 2020
Reception on March 5 at 7 p.m.
Artist in attendance.

For Lamb, collected objects and artifacts have a deeply personal, tactile significance.  They add a tangible link between the actual and the imagined.  Lamb’s work reflects on different eras of cultural heritage, and challenges a traditional definition of commemoration or monument. Lamb’s landscape based installations act as a repository for our history, culture and collective memory.

 

In The World But Not Of It    

By Tim Smith

Jan 10 – Feb 23, 2020
Reception on January 10 at 7 p.m.
Artists in attendance

Documentary photography based on an ongoing ten-year project photographing the Hutterites, a communal anabaptist religious group that live apart from mainstream society on colonies throughout Canada. What began as a simple encounter with members of Deerboine Hutterite Colony in the spring of 2009 has grown into a multi-layer long-term documentation of the Hutterites.

Tim will lead a workshop on “Candid Portrait Photography – lifestyle Session” Learn to find and capture “moments” on your iphone camera; skills learned are transferable to digital cameras.

Lifestyle photography is a type of candid photography. Lifestyle photography aims to capture people in real-life situations with genuine emotion and in a matter that is a combination of photojournalism and fine-art.

This Something.
A Thirty Year Survey, 1989 - 2019

by Catherine Burgess

November 14 to December 19, 2019
Reception on November 14 at 7 p.m.
Artist in attendance

Catherine Burgess is an Edmonton sculptor who has been making and exhibiting her work for forty years.  Since graduating with a BFA from the University of Alberta in 1975 she has maintained a studio in Edmonton, mounted 25 solo exhibitions and shown in over 60 group exhibitions in Canada, the US and England.  “My sculptures are conversations among whole things, rather than unities resulting from a gathering together of fragments. Each individual element contains an awareness of its own form and materiality, its own completeness, stored remembrances, energies, meanings and connections

 

I am my Father
Reflections on killing the Indian in the child.

By Adrian Stimson

September 6 - October 20
Reception: September 6 at 7 p.m.
Artist in attendance.

Adrian Stimson is a member of the Siksika (Blackfoot) Nation. He considers himself an interdisciplinary artist; he exhibits nationally and internationally. Stimson’s work evokes ideas of cultural fragility, resilience and nostalgia. His installation work primarily examines the residential school experience; he attended three residential schools in his life. He has used the material culture from Old Sun Residential School on his Nation to create works that speak to genocide, loss and resilience. Currently, Stimson’s work focusses on colonialism influenced/referenced by his (and his communities) experience with Residential Schools.

Luxor Urban Art

By Owen Murray

July 2 to August 25

Reception: July 2 at 7 p.m.

Urban Art Photography – photographs of murals (referencing ancient Egyptian symbols and artworks combined with contemporary
socio-political messages) protesting the political and cultural uprising in Egypt labelled the “Arab Spring”. The Arab Spring was a series of pro-democracy uprisings that enveloped several largely Muslim countries, including Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Bahrain. The events in these nations generally began in the spring of 2011, which led to the name.

Inspired by Nature at Summer Camp

June 26 to July 31, 2019

Reception: June 26 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Strathcona Wilderness Centre and Gallery@501 have partnered to present “Inspired by Nature @ Summer Camp” a photography display in the Artrium. This photographic display of fusing art with nature and nature with art was done during camp “Adventure Photography” at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre this past summer.

The youth photographers (aged 12 – 15) worked alongside professional photographers Jamie and Nadine Burdon, learning about photography and our environment and how it relates to our biodiversity.  Inspired by Nature @ Summer Camp was part of the Roberta Bondar 2018 Summer Camp Challenge, where campers/photographers used the camera as a tool for learning about the environment, science and art.

Dr. Bondar is Canada's first female astronaut and the first neurologist in space. In 1992, Dr. Bondar flew on the space shuttle Discovery and as part of NASA’s Earth Observation Team, Dr. Bondar’s in-flight role included photographing planet Earth using many different camera types.

Strathcona Salon Series

May 14 to June 21, 2019

Reception: June 13 at 7 p.m.

This exhibition features Strathcona County’s amazing artistic talent! The work in the show has been submitted for consideration for purchase, loan or donation to the Strathcona County Art Collection (est. 1987).

Both adult and high school artists are eligible to submit. 
All of the work will be juried and the selected artwork will be announced on June 13. Visitors to the show prior to June 13 may vote for their favourite artwork and the People's Choice Award will be presented at the unveiling.

I Like to Believe I am Telling the Truth

by Chris Saruk Reid

March 15 to April 28, 2019

Reception: March 22 at 7 p.m.

Reid’s work is loosely derived from her Ukrainian Canadian heritage with a mix of her husband’s African American heritage, to create stories of modern day survival laden with angst, the fear of paying bills, need for adequate food, housing, etc. A focal point for this exhibit will be the folklore that Reid uses, in particular Ukrainian folklore.  
Reid originates from Lamont, Alberta and currently lives in Brandon, Manitoba.

Gallery@501: Members Show & Sale

February 1 to March 8, 2019

Reception: February 1 at 7 p.m.

The Gallery@501 is pleased to present its annual Member Show and Sale, featuring work by local artists. The exhibit opens on February 1 and is on display until March 8, 2019.

The public is invited to attend the exhibit’s opening reception on February 1 at 7 p.m. at Gallery@501 (501 Festival Avenue, Sherwood Park).

The annual show and sale provides Gallery@501 members an opportunity to display and sell their artworks. All proceeds of the sale go directly to the local artist.

Passages
by Vincent Roper

July 5 - August 26
Roper’s art practice draws inspiration form the fields and structures in and around his home here in Strathcona County.  He sketches in pastel en plein air whenever possible and his landscape paintings in oil and acrylic emphasize colour. Roper’s artwork explores colour as descriptors, opposed to creating work that describes nature.

Inspired by Nature at Summer Camp
by Youth photographers

June 14 - July 30, 2018

The Gallery@501 and the Strathcona Wilderness Centre are pleased to present the exhibit Inspired by Nature @ Summer Camp by youth photographers who attended the Adventure Photography camp last summer. This exhibit opens on June 14 and is on display in the Artrium (Community Centre) until July 30, 2018. 

Photographers aged 12 to 15 worked alongside professional photographer Nadine Burdon to learn about photography, the environment and how it relates to our biodiversity. The photographic display fusing art with nature and nature with art was captured at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre-based camp.

The following photographers will be recognized for their work on June 14 at 4:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the reception at Gallery@501.
•    First place diamond winner: “Resting” by Samara Mikaluk 
•    First place sapphire winner: “Just Bee-Cause” by Markus Henze
•    First place ruby winner: “Damaged Beauty” by Rayne Dzioba
•    Honourable mention: “Closet Monster” by Keegan Arndt

The exhibit was part of the Dr. Roberta Bondar 2017 Summer Camp Challenge, where campers/photographers used the camera as a tool for learning about the environment, science and art. Dr. Bondar is Canada’s first female astronaut and first neurologist in space. 

 

Strathcona Salon Series
featuring Local Artists

May 15 - June 23

The Strathcona Salon Series is an opportunity to showcase Strathcona County's local artistic talent. This is an annual exhibit which includes artwork that has been submitted for consideration for purchase or loan into the County's Art Collection. From May 15 to June 6, visitors to the Gallery@501 can vote for their favourite artwork showcased in the Strathcona Salon Series. A special unveiling reception will happen on June 7 at 7 p.m. where the public will find out whose juried work has been selected for the Collection. At that time, the "People's Choice Award" will be given out based on the highest number of votes.

The Art of Truth and Reconciliation
by George Littlechild

March 9 - April 29, 2018

George Littlechild, through his art-practice discusses identity displacement and cultural genocide from his own personal experience. George was part of a large-scale scoop where aboriginal children were taken from their home communities and placed into white adoptive or foster families in the 1950s and ’60s. It wasn’t until George was in his twenties that he reconnected with the Maskwacis (formerly known as Hobbema)  community where his birth family were from and met aunts, uncles, and siblings he never knew he had.  Unfortunately, George’s birth parents had passed away before he had a chance to meet them. George’s mother had attended a residential school, as did both his Grandparents.  George delivers his work to audiences to create a dialogue between both the Aboriginal communities and the Colonial communities as a method of healing through shared experience.

Gallery@501: Members Show & Sale

January 11 - February 25, 2018

The Gallery@501 is pleased to present its annual Member Show and Sale, featuring work by local artists. The exhibit opens on January 11 and is on display until February 25, 2018.

The public is invited to attend the exhibit’s opening reception on January 11 at 7 p.m. at Gallery@501 (501 Festival Avenue, Sherwood Park).

The annual show and sale provides Gallery@501 members an opportunity to display and sell their artworks. All proceeds of the sale go directly to the local artist.

Light in the Land - the Nature of Canada
by Dr. Roberta Bondar

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Bondar's flight!

November 10 - December 21, 2017

The photographic portraits of land and seas in this exhibition are artistic interpretations of the unique and important landscape that is Canada. Appropriate in Canada's sesquicentennial year, these images present extraordinary landscapes across the country, encouraging a love and respect for the natural environment in its complexity. The collection is a consistent view of one artist, Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada's first woman in space, exploring the varied landscape in the singular light that is Canada.

Enhancing the sesquicentennial celebrations, Gallery@501 in partnership with the Strathcona Wilderness Centre will be exhibiting the winning photographs from the 2013-2016 Summer Camp Bondar Challenge. To date, two Strathcona Wilderness Centre, Adventure Photography camp participants, have been given awards in this challenge, Honourable Mention - "Dragon Fly Sitting on a Stick" by Emil Murray (2013) and Third Place Diamond - "Blue Dots" by Jade Fontana (2014).

Winning entries from the national Camp Bondar Challenge include three winners from the Strathcona Wilderness Centre Summer Camp. The Strathcona Wilderness Centre is located in the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. These photographs will be on display in the gallery from November 10 - 14, then on display in the Artrium (Community Centre) from November 15 - January 12, 2018.

 

Quiet Stories from Canadian Places
by Heather M. Cline

September 9 - October 22, 2017

In 2016, Heather Cline visited Strathcona County to work with schools in our community. During the week long residency, Cline interviewed local persons for their "stories from Canadian places" which she is using to create the audio component that complements the paintings in this exhibit. "Quiet Stories from Canadian Places" engages artists, audiences, students, teachers, seniors, craft-persons, singers, and musicians while embracing Albertan/Canadian historical and contemporary culture. Check out the 'Quiet Stories from Canadian Places' opening reception here. 

 

Joe Fafard : Retailles 
by Joe Fafard

July 7 - August 27, 2017

Internationally renowned, Joe Fafard is one of Canada's most recognized and prolific artists. Retailles offers an insight into Fafard's exploration of the laser-cut process featuring laser-cut and welded metal sculptures along with embossed and woodcut prints. French for scraps or trimmings, "that which is cut away,' Retailles not only references the act of removing the negative from positive space to create form, but also refers to the act of recycling these "off-cuts" to create new works. Drawing features prominently in this exhibition, from the reduction of form to line in both three-dimensional and two-dimensional spaces to the Matisse-like cut-outs and the creation of recycled sculptural collage.

 

Strathcona Salon Series

May 6 – June 25, 2017

This exhibition features Strathcona County’s amazing artistic talent! The work in the show has been submitted for consideration for purchase, loan or donation to the Strathcona County Art Collection (est. 1987). Both adult and high school artists are eligible to submit. All of the work will be juried and artworks selected for the collection will hang in the Artrium in the Community Centre for one year, prior to being distributed to public spaces in Strathcona County.

 

"O Canada (I'm sorry)" by Diana Thorneycroft

March 3 to April 30, 2017 

Selections of two bodies of work will be exhibited: Group of Seven Awkward Moments and A People's History. The works found in the series Group of Seven Awkward Moments investigates the relationship between the Canadian landscape and national identity. A People's History explores examples of Canadian society that exemplify the word "awkward". In the words of Thorneycroft, "Canadian history is full of awkward moments and that is more of a reality than this heroic landscape that the Group of Seven portrayed."

"Reflections" by Richard Borowski

November 4 - December 18, 2016
Public Opening Reception: Friday, November 4 at 7 p.m.
Artist will be in attendance.

Borowski’s prints and paintings of reflections found on building windows create a disjointed reality that is distorted, and fragmented. Reflections are in a constant flux of distortion, inherent in their appearance; causing us to question our self-reflections and their accuracy or distortion.

 

"The Wild Party" by Jason Carter

September 1 to October 23, 2016
Public Opening Reception: Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m.
Artist will be in attendance.

Jason Carter is an Aboriginal man from the Little Red River Cree Nation as well as a successful painter and stone carver. Carter’s painting art-practice focuses on animals from the wild that now find themselves living in an urban world. These animals have been forced from their natural habitat and have adjusted to man-made urbanization, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Carter’s large canvasses present animals (moose, deer, bear, beavers, etc) surrounded by colour and pattern. These digitized patterned backdrops create a contrast that charges his work with added tension between the painted animal and the background.

Donations are gratefully accepted for admission but are not required. 

 

"A Question of Faith" by Paul Bernhardt

July 8 to August 28, 2016
Opening Reception: Friday, July 8 at 7 p.m. 
Artist will be in attendance.

Over the past two years, Paul Bernhardt has been creating paintings that are sourced from found images, either through his own personal experience or images from the web; images that explore technology’s role as mediator. Bernhardt’s work investigates the relationship between churches and cell phone tower; religion and technology. Bernhardt’s paintings focus on machines, both historic and contemporary in relation to communication. 

Images of churches with cell phone towers are layered with camouflage patterns, scratched in tree’s and muted references of sky & spaces. Machines/equipment as a communications tool historically and contemporary are manipulated painted surfaces creating a question of re-engaging with the uses of these machines/equipment. Where they an enabler for today’s society or not and from who’s perspective, and what are the ethical implications.

The Gallery will be closed to the public in between exhibits for installation.

 

Strathcona Salon Series

May 14 - June 26, 2016
Unveiling Reception Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m.

This exhibition features Strathcona County's amazing artistic talent! The work in the show has been submitted for consideration for purchase, loan or donation to the Strathcona County Art Collection (est. 1987). Both adult and high school artists are eligible to submit. All of the work will be juried and artworks selected for the collection will hang in the Artrium in the Community Centre for one year, prior to being distributed to public spaces in Strathcona County.

 

"Members Show and Sale"

April 1 - May 1, 2016
Opening Reception: Friday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Local artists in attendance.  

Members of Gallery@501 will be showcasing their artworks at Gallery@501. This is an opportunity for our local artists to present their work in a professional gallery. Shows such as the Members Show allow participating artists to include this exhibit on the Curriculum Vitae, adding to their professional development as an artist. Be a part of history, come share a story.

Artist Heather Cline will be audio recording short stories from gallery visitors at the Opening Reception for the Members Show & Sale.  Stories will become part of the exhibit “Quiet Stories from Canadian Places” in 2017.

 

"Interpretations" by Corrie Side, Claire Uhlick and Marie Winters

January 8 to February 21, 2016
Opening Reception: Friday, January 8 at 7 p.m.
Artists in attendance. 

Three emerging artists: A painter, A printmaker and A photographer. All working on the subject of portraits with unique perspectives, observations and psychological twists. 

 

Lake, Land & Sky by Annette Sicotte

November 6 – December 20, 2015 
Unveiling Reception: November 6 at 7 p.m.
Artist in attendance.

Local artist Annnette Sicotte, paints landscapes depicting the geographical area of Cooking Lake.  Sicotte’s works examines details of the land as well as an over-bridged view of weather, sky and light.  Sicotte’s paintings reference the use of light know as Chiaroscuro founded in the Romanticism period.

 

“Un:” by Walter Jule

September 11 – October 25, 2015 
Unveiling reception on September 11 at 7 p.m.
Artist in attendance.

An internationally recognized printmaker, Walter Jule’s new sculptural works are constructed with Plexiglas, wood, and metal, creating installations of light, line, and tension. 

His interest in the act of meditation has led him to explore the twenty-first century desire to find an objective and scientific answer to every aspect of the human experience. His artworks resist this temptation through the use of words such as “Ungraspable and Unknowable,” and invite the viewer to rest and enter a state of contemplation. 

 

_after by Laara Cassells

July 10 to August 30, 2015
Unveiling reception on July 10 at 7 p.m.
Artist will be in attendance.

In _after, Laara Cassells integrates icons of historical portraiture with contemporary subjects in a series of double portrait paintings based on diverse sources from El Greco to Rogier van der Weyden and Charles Sprague Peirce.

Each is staged and painted in the manner of the original source, with the insertion into the picture of a contemporary young person uncannily resembling the historical, aristocratic subject and the substitution of the signifying prop of the original subject (books, instruments etc.) with electronic devices such as ipods, ipads, and cellphones.

In collaboration with Esplanade Art Gallery, Medicine Hat, AB and The Thames Art Gallery, Chatham, Ontario.

 

Inspired by Nature at Summer Camp

June 5 to August 23, 2015
Unveiling reception on June 6 at 2 p.m. 
Artists will be in attendance.

Inspired by Nature at Summer Camp is a photographic display showcasing photos taken in the 2014 Adventure Photography summer camp offered by the Strathcona Wilderness Centre in partnership with Gallery@501. All photos were taken by campers aged 12 to 16 years old.

 

Strathcona Salon Series Acquisitions and Loans

May 15 to June 28
Unveiling Reception: June 12 at 7 p.m. 

The Strathcona Salon Series exhibition showcases Strathcona County’s amazing local artistic talent! The work in the show has been submitted for consideration for purchase, loan or donation to the Strathcona County Public Art Collection (est. 1987). Both adult and high school artists are eligible to submit. All of the work will be juried and items selected for the Collection will hang in the Artrium in the Community Centre for one year, prior to being distributed to public spaces in Strathcona County.

In addition, a “People’s Choice” award will be given out. Please visit the show and cast your vote (deadline June 11). 

Acquisitions & Loans will be announced along with the People’s Choice at the Unveiling Reception, Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m.

 

Gallery@501 Member's Show & Sale

February 27 to March 15
Artwork by Gallery@501 members.

Members of Gallery@501 will be showcasing their artworks in this exhibit. This is an opportunity for our local artists to present their work in a professional gallery. Shows such as the Members Show, allow participating artists to include this exhibit on the Curriculum Vitae, adding to their professional development as an artist.

 

Elsewhere

January 9 - February 22
Sydney Lancaster & Brenda Danbrook
Opening Reception: January 9 at 7 p.m.
Artists will be in attendance.

 

Danbrook and Lancaster both work with memory and identity in their art practices. Memory based art-practice and the experience of memory is multi-sensual, enveloped in spatial ways of understanding our surroundings and the world around us. Memory engages us in an understanding of site, social and body memory and the role of place in memory.

 

The Blue Hour

November 7 - December 21, 2014
Megan Hahn - Professional local artist
Reception: November 7 at 7 p.m.
Artist will be in attendance.

The photo transparencies found in the The Blue Hour by Sherwood Park artist Megan Hahn, bring to life a past history of family and gardens, communication and sustenance. Families are centres of identity and nurture; gardens are places of shelter. Hahn’s images transform landscape into dreamscapes capturing a presence of nostalgia informed by family, in particular her grandparent’s garden and home.

 

Perceptual Disorders

September 12 - October 26, 2014
Julian Forrest
Opening Reception on September 12 at 7 p.m.

Alberta painter working with imagery that combines social & political references of modern society with Alberta’s historic images; souvenir and kitsch. Julian Forrest’s large scale paintings through the use of pop culture narrative raises the issues related to masculinity, dislocation and place. Using traditional Western representations of identity and history, Forrest’s paintings challenge the viewer to question imagery that can be either symbolic or emblematic; questioning the role now played in contemporary media such as advertisements, television, film and the internet.

 

Art: Objet de Sport, Front Showcase & Artrium

July 7 - September 6, 2014

Art: Objet De Sport is an exhibit of sports related artworks from artists and artisans from across Canada. Artifacts courtesy of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and the Canada Sports Hall of Fame.

Front Showcase will showcase Canadian Olympians who participate in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Digital images are courtesy of Museu Olimpic i de l’Esport, Barcelona, Spain & International Olympic Committee in Lausanne Switzerland.

Artrium Venue will showcase 1992 Olympic posters courtesy of Museu Olimpic i de l’Esport, Barcelona, Spain.

 

Inspired by Nature at Summer Camp

July 7 - September 6, 2014
Photographers: Azlan Belcourt, Cale Coffey, Michael Frank, Emily Murray, Paul Hannah, Evan Vik
Award: Honourable Mention, Roberta Bondar Foundation

In partnership with the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, Gallery@501 will be presenting the photographic display Inspired by Nature at Summer Camp in our front showcase window from June 2 – 27.

Inspired by Nature at Summer Camp is a group exhibit of photography by six youth who attended a week long “Adventure Photography” summer camp at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, summer of 2013. Led by SWC instructors and professional photographers Jamie and Nadine Burdon, the 12 – 15 year old campers explored a variety of compositional and technical topics with both their eyes and lens. Inspired by Nature at Summer Camp is part of the “Summer Camp Bondar Challenge” where the young photographers submitted their photographs to the Roberta Bondar Foundation jury for prizes and awards.
 

 

Strathcona Salon Series

May 20 - June 29, 2014
Local Artists

The Strathcona Salon Series exhibition will showcase Strathcona County’s amazing local artistic talent! Adult and Youth artists submitted artworks to be juried into Strathcona County’s Permanent Art Collection.

In 1987, Council established the Permanent Art Collection and the Committee that oversees the Collection. The purpose of our Committee is to encourage and support local artists, collect works of art by Strathcona County artists, display those works in municipal buildings, and foster an awareness & enjoyment of our Collections.

 

Duality in a Diaphanous Landscape

March 14 - April 27, 2014
Manola Borrajo-Giner & Susan Rankin

Local glass artist Manola Borrajo-Giner will be partnered with Ontario glass artist, Susan Rankin. Manola's kiln formed glass pieces offer a contrast in form to Rankin's blown glass pieces. Both glass artists works have an edge of landscape / living space that is intriguing and from a different perspective.

 

The Beat Generation & Beatnik Café featuring the Jim Findlay Band & Guests

January 10 - February 16, 2014

A selection of artworks on loan from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (Frank Stella, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Jules Olitski, Toni Onley, Marion Nicoll, Ted Godwin, etc) that were created in the 1950 - 60's during the Beatnik Counter Culture movement; Gallery @ 501 will host a Beatnik café/poetry readings, gallery space will be designed as a 1950's public and private space.

In Partnership with Festival Place we present P.J. Perry Quartet, January 24, 7:30 pm and Brendan McLeod, February 1, 7:30 pm – Festival Place.

 

 

Landmarks on the Studio Wall

November 1 - December 20, 2013
Robert Dmytruk, Les Graff, and Paddy Lamb
Curated by Brenda Barry Byrne

Landmarks on the Studio Wall is a group exhibit of artworks by three prominent Alberta landscape painters; Robert Dmytruk, Les Graff, and Paddy Lamb. The investigation of process as art-practice is integral in their representation of the land and our place within it.

 

Rules of Play

September 13 - October 27, 2013
Margaret Witschl
Curated by Brenda Barry Byrne

Witschl’s work explores the legacies of the Surrealist movement, producing a body of work which explores the expression of anxiety within the context of contemporary Surrealism. The work focuses on two aspects of Surrealist interest – collage and games.

 

Surface Tension

June 21 - August 11, 2013
Sean Caulfield and Royden Mills
Curated by Brenda Barry Byrne

Collaboratively, this body of work explores the complex legal, ethical and social issues with advancements made in life science technologies (stem cell research, cloning, genetic testing).