Museums & Galleries

PEACEFUL MOMENTS

Kenneth Harrison began painting at a young age growing up on the prairies of Saskatchewan. He fell in love with the mountains and has spent most of his career painting the Canadian Rockies. “I love the absolute beauty of the mountain landscape. I love the serenity, the quietness. Most of my life I’ve been painting mountains. There’s really nothing else I enjoy painting more.” Harrison uses his stylized designs to fulfill his artist’s statement: “To create a peaceful, quiet, relaxing moment on canvas”. Harrison’s work is sold exclusively at Mountain Galleries (p 33) where he can often be found as an Artist in Residence. -KATE BARKER

GREAT GALLERIES

Canmore is home to great galleries with excellent artistic work. Discover wilderness artistry in the Ken Hoehn Gallery (p 33) and see the concepts of life expressed through nature. See surreal images of nature at the Jeff Walker Gallery (p 33) and discover hidden worlds under water as well as stunning forests and wildlife around the Canadian Rockies. -KB

LOCAL TALENT

EDITOR’S PICK

Fireweed Glass Studio (p 33) is home to four talented artists. These women use this hub for their own unique art practices. Beth Woolley Monod uses spectacular geography alongside the subtle simplicity of flora and fauna in her work. Deanna McGillivray explores the relationship between naturally occurring patterns and shapes. Barbara Rumberger combines elements of earth and fire to make ethereal works of art. And Nicole Tremblay is known for her love of bright colours, fluid shapes, whimsical figurines and natural imagery. -TJ

MUSEUMS & CULTURE VENUES

ARTSPLACE Community arts space where people can gather to explore, discover, and celebrate the adventure of art and creativity through a full range of classes, workshops, camps, performances, films and exhibits. Featuring visual, ceramic and fabrication studios, 105 seat black box theatre and The Hub Gallery with free art exhibits. Event schedule, workshop and performance tickets online. Also offering virtual live screenings, events and workshops available. 950 8 Ave, Canmore, 403-609-2623, artsplacecanmore.com

BANFF PARK MUSEUM NATIONAL

HISTORIC SITE Temporarily closed to the public with plans to reopen in 2021. Western Canada’s oldest natural history museum. The 1903 railway pagoda style building features architecture that allows natural light to illuminate the interior. The museum houses over 5,000 Victorian animal specimens that date from 1860. See historical representations of Banff’s mammals, birds, and insects and learn how they live in the Canadian Rockies. 91 Banff Ave, 403-762-1558

BUFFALO NATIONS MUSEUM Log fortress by the Bow River featuring lifesize dioramas that depict the traditional life and ceremonies of the late 1800s plains tribes. Learn about a culture rich in elaborate ceremonies, dances, songs and legends associated with the spirit world and the cycles of nature. A First Nations’ Elder is often available to conduct tours and play music. Shop for crafts and jewellery. All proceeds support the museum. Tea and coffee available. 1 Birch Ave by the Recreation Grounds, Banff, 403-762-2388

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NORDIC

SKIING Displaying cross country ski and biathlon memorabilia from the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, which was hosted at this facility. Also see local Olympic medallist photos and professional cross country ski gear from the 1940s and onwards. Canmore Nordic Centre, 403-678-2400

CLASSICALLY CANADIAN

Traditional and contemporary artists fill the space at Canada House Gallery (p 32). This iconic gallery has stood the test of time by building relationships with local, regional and Canadian artists who showcase the very best work within its walls. Find artists like Sheila Kernan, Floyd Elzinga and Bill Henderson with a mix of painting, sculpture and indigenous carving. Canada House also has a wide selection of Inuit sculptures, graphics and textiles. They showcase the talent and aspiring artists in the Canadian Arctic. -TAYLOR JAINE

CANMORE MUSEUM & GEOSCI-

ENCE CENTRE Presenting the heritage of Canmore at the museum and at home with virtual resources. Ongoing exhibit Virtual Reality Experience tours the Wilson Steam Mine, complete with stories from miners who worked there. Gift shop sells books, fossils, educational toys, archival reproductions and local art. Canmore Civic Centre, 902B 7 Ave, 403-678-2462

CAVE & BASIN NATIONAL HISTORIC

SITE Three railway workers stumbled upon the thermal springs that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park in 1885. Interpretive media exhibits on the protected waters’ heritage, and videos on Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. Tunnel to cave, thermal springs and emerald colour basin. 311 Cave Ave, Banff, 403-845-3524, pc.gc.ca/cave HERITAGE HALL Established 1888, the impressive castle-like construction of the Fairmont Banff Springs is an icon of Banff and a gracious representation of an earlier age. Museum within a Museum exhibit chronicles the famous hotel’s role in the development of mountain park history and culture. Mezzanine one, Fairmont Banff Springs.

NORTHWEST MOUNTED POLICE

BARRACKS One of Canmore’s oldest remaining buildings, est. 1893. One of the few NWMP Barracks on its original site. Police served the growing mining community and attempted to prevent illegal liquor transport on the railway. The barracks have been restored with historic furnishings, heritage items and a gift shop. Operated by the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre. Admission by donation. 609 Main St, Canmore, 403-678-1955

Eyarhey Tatanga Woweyahgey Wakân means “Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain”. The Nakoda were led to this spot by the Buffalo. They stayed where he lay down to sleep. -KATE BARKER

COMMUNITY LEADER

Catharine Robb Whyte was a painter, philanthropist and art collector who made her mark by painting the Banff landscapes, connecting with the First Nations communities and co-founding the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies (below) with her husband Peter Whyte. Robb Whyte received the Order of Canada in 1978 for her support of the arts, her conservation work and her connection with the First Nations peoples. She was recognized as “Princess White Shield” by the Stoney Nakoda people. Learn more about this remarkable woman at the Whyte Museum or by visiting the Banff Library in the newly named Catharine Robb building. -KB

WHYTE MUSEUM OF THE CANA-

DIAN ROCKIES Founded in 1968 by local artists and philanthropists Peter and Catharine Whyte. The museum encourages a connection to the Canadian Rockies through art, culture, history and events. Four galleries, archives, museum shop and library. Rotating art exhibits, virtual seminars, talks and interactive material. See online for current offerings. Virtual exhibits feature local artists and photographers as well as virtual tours of the museum and heritage homes. In-person guided tours and heritage home visits by appointment only and subject to current restrictions. Events listed online. 111 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-2291, whyte.org

GALLERIES

ALL IN THE WILD GALLERY Recognized as World Wildlife Photographer of the Year by the Natural History Museum in London, UK, Jason Leo Bantle’s photography showcases Canadian nature in its untouched state. Artwork of bears, Artic fox, wolves and the majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies. Visit All in the Wild to witness for yourself. 105 Banff Ave, 403-760-3141 and 712 Main St, Canmore, 403-609-3141

ART COUNTRY CANADA Original paintings, prints, hand carved wood, soapstone and bronzes. Beautiful displays in this unique gallery. Exclusive artists include Shannon Lawlor, Robert Bateman, Darren Haley and Alan Wylie. 729 Main St, Canmore, 403-678-4456

BRANDON T BROWN WILDERNESS

GALLERY Iconic Canadian Rockies wildlife photography. Brandon uses a respectful, wildlife first approach to getting his shots, resulting in natural behaviour and positive wildlife encounters. Two locations: 826 8 St Canmore and 211 Bear St, Banff, 403-953-0119

BERG GALLERY Featuring original artwork from 15 noted Canadian artists plus limited edition prints and giftware. Showcasing Canadian mountain landscapes, urbanscapes and wildlife that help define the Canadian identity. Located in the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, 1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis Village, 403-591-6200

CANADA HOUSE GALLERY Spacious and iconic Banff venue boasting friendly and informed staff. Moving forward under new ownership, the gallery is dedicated to showcasing contemporary Canadian artists and their original paintings, sculptures and jewellery. Hosting regular exhibitions with renowned artists. All works, exhibits and event details posted online. Secure worldwide shipping available. Proud member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada. Virtual exhibitions and gallery tours available online. 201 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-3757, canadahouse.com

CANMORE ART GUILD GALLERY

Volunteer run public art gallery showcasing various mediums of local artwork from members of the Canmore Art Guild. Located in Elevation Place, one of Canmore's public buildings, the gallery is an affordable gateway to experience the arts. Accessible space that everyone can enjoy. 700 Railway Ave

CARTER-RYAN GALLERY Showcasing Cree artist Jason Carter’s bold, colourful paintings and soapstone sculptures. Home to bestselling Who is Boo and The Curious Bear in the Red Canoe books, written by Bridget Ryan and illustrated by Jason Carter. 229 Bear St, Banff, 403-985-5556 and 705 Main St, Canmore, 403-621-1000

Makhabn The Bow River, which runs through Banff and Canmore, is called Makhabn in the Blackfoot language, which means, “river where the bow reeds grow.” -TAYLOR JAINE

FIREWEED GLASS STUDIO Home to four local glass blowers, this working studio and gallery showcases artistry of glassblowing and the talent of local art. See glassblowers working their craft and shop in store and online for your next piece. Custom unique ashes to art memorials available. Open by appointment only. 8, 111 Bow Meadows Cres, Canmore, 403-609-9333, fireweedglassstudio.ca

JEFF WALKER GALLERY Beautiful and surreal images of nature taken from passionate outdoor enthusiast Jeff Walker are displayed at his downtown gallery. Iconic landscapes, underwater photography and unique wildlife. 721 Main St, Canmore 403-675-8777

KEN HOEHN GALLERY Wilderness artist Ken Hoehn presents his photographic journey through life. Not just a photographer, Hoehn captures the stories and concepts behind his stunning images of wildlife and landscapes. He presents his striking interpretations of nature in his art, as well as in his books, which are for sale in the gallery. 104, 729 Main St, Canmore, 403-948-4776,

MOUNTAIN GALLERIES at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Canadian fine art since 1992 in a spacious and modern gallery. Director Wendy Wacko and her passionate team of educated art professionals convey a unique perspective through their collection of paintings from abstract impressionism to magic realism with a focus on wilderness landscapes. Museum quality glass, clay, stone and bronze sculptures as well as Inuit prints and carvings. Ongoing theme: Wild & Sacred Places. Artist in Residence discussions and guaranteed worldwide shipping. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-760-2382, mountaingalleries.com

OF CABBAGES & KINGS Studio where Katie Borrowman and her father John hand make beautiful and functional pottery such as mugs, teapots, dinner sets, sinks and tiles, as well as sculptural pieces. Commissions welcome. New location with expanded retail area. Online shop. 711 Spring Creek Dr, Canmore, 403-678-1922

THE HIVE & ELEVATION GALLERY

An accessible and welcoming gallery showcasing a collection of fine art by emerging and mid-career artists with the mission of remaining regional, relevant and modern. 200, 729 Main St, Canmore, 403-609-3324

WALTER PHILLIPS GALLERY Exploring contemporary art though Canadian and international artists. Established in 1976 as part of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Glyde Hall, 403-762-6281

WILLOCK & SAX GALLERY Historic and contemporary western Canadian painters, sculptors, print makers, photographers and ceramic artists. 210 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-2214

ARTISTS OF ELK RUN

The “Creative edge of Canmore”. A collective of professional artists with working studios in the Elk Run District of Canmore. Featuring painting, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, photography, glass art and more. At 129 Bow Meadows Cres: Tony Bloom, Stonecrop Studios Metal sculptures, 403-609-7087

At 102 Bow Meadows Cres: Peig Abbott Sculpture Stone carvings, 403-830-2820; Rudi Peet Goldsmith Quality custom jewellery, 403-678-6131

At 105 Bow Meadows Cres: Alexis McKeown Portrait Women’s portraiture, 403-760-5624; Barb Fyvie Studio Oil paint and cold wax, 403-688-0662; Blue Eyes Studio Kathryn Cooke colourful mixed media, 403-762-3133; Kari Woo Contemporary Art Modern jewellery, 403-890-2011

At 111 Bow Meadows Cres: Fireweed Glass Studio Four unique glassblowers, 403-609-9333

At 102 Boulder Cres: Dawn Saunders Dahl Paintings and photos on canvas, wood and clay, 403-479-4084; Jennifer D'Entremont Mixed media; Wanda Ellerbeck Paintings