Edmonton Art Gallery of Alberta
The Art Gallery of Alberta or the AGA is a prominent feature in the heart of downtown Edmonton’s art district. The inspiration comes from the city’s mix of northern environment and urban grid. The North Saskatchewan River and the Aurora Borealis reference the large angular floor-to-ceiling windows that connect against a 190 metre winding steel ribbon. The building itself is a work of art!
The new AGA opened in 2010 and covers over 85,000 square feet of world-class regional, national and educational art. There are three floors filled with awe-inspiring exhibits. Initially, the gallery opened in 1924 and has been building its collections since then. With a focus on art produced in Alberta and Western Canada, the gallery collection includes over 6,000 works.
The Permanent Collection started in 1924 but slowed through 1930-1940 due to the Great Depression and World War II. The museum began acquiring art more abundantly from 1960-1980, focusing on paintings and sculptures of modern art. Thirty million dollars was the appraisal price for the Permanent Collection in 2015. The museum has focused on acquiring contemporary Inuit, First Nations, and Metis artists to add to the Permanent Collection as an important part of western Canada’s culture and talent.
The museum’s historical Canadian art collection includes Jack Bush, Emily Carr, Henry George Glyde, Bill Reid, Paul Peel, Marion Nicoll, Lilias Torrance Newton, and members of the Group of Seven. Selected works include Frazer’s Ridge (1915), Autumn Foiliage (1916), and The Fisherman(1916-1917), all by Tom Thomson.
Canadian artists featured in the Contemporary Collection include Robert Boyer, Janet Cardiff, Chris Cran, Dean Drever, Alex Janvier, Lyndal Osborne, Takao Tanabe, Jane Ash Poitras, Brian Jungen, Marlene Creates, Douglas Haynes, Liz Magor, Aganetha Dyck, and Amy Malbeuf.
Thomas Bewick was a renowned printmaker in the 18th century, and the gallery exhibits 850 of his prints. The gallery has a sculpture terrace with works by Alberta artists Peter Hide and Ken Macklin. Bacchanale: Music in Picasso’s linocut Prints is a current exhibit that celebrates the extraordinary and close relationship between music and art. The Bacchanale is both a type of music and a lively party relating to the Roman god of wine, Bacchus; Picasso was also a music lover, and both are celebrated through this exhibit.
In 1977 the gallery started acquiring photographs, and now the collection has grown to over 1,500 photos. Historical photographs by the legendary Yousuf Karsh, Walter Evans, Karl Blossfeldt, and Enard Curtis are displayed. Some of the contemporary photographers represented include William Eakin, Lynn Cotten, and Edward Burtynsky.
Current Exhibits include 100 Years: The Group of Seven and other voices. On May 7, 1920, the Group of Seven, some of Canada’s most famous artists, had their first exhibition at the Art Gallery Of Toronto. Highlights are also shared from mentors, students, and colleagues of the Group. The Animal Architects exhibit allows visitors to discover creative habits and building behaviours through their unique dwellings and habitats. It was inspired by the insects, birds, mammals, and the structures they design.
The gallery supports education for all ages, starting with their online program Tours for Tots; it is geared for toddlers and presents a fun new theme weekly. For children ages 6-12, there is a monthly art club subscription that provides them a complete art project kit, plus exclusive videos, tutorials, events, and personalized notes, sometimes with surprises. The AGA sees over 20,000 participants in their school programs each year. There is a youth art council that welcomes new members and various varying art classes and events.
The AGA shop carries exclusive giftwares such as artisan jewelry, housewares, books, cards, kid’s art activities, souvenirs, and of course, local artisan products. The Gallery also sells and rents art. They feature an extensive online catalog or an in-person gallery to choose from. Make a day of the gallery and take in lunch at the Zinc restaurant. It was named one of Canada’s best new restaurants in 2010 and offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
The museum offers free admission to children and youth 18 years and younger, making for a great and economical family outing. A visit to the AGA introduces young people to the beauty, creativity, and individuality of art. Visiting the Art Gallery of Alberta is an enriching experience filled with rich western Canadian history and gives insight into contemporary and modern art. It is an iconic downtown Edmonton landmark that attracts over 75,000 visitors each year.
Check out the Edmonton Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village which is in Edmonton AB too.
Back Home – Excalibur Water Systems – Water Treatment & Purification in Edmonton AB