Museums & Galleries

THIRTY & THRIVING

Mountain Galleries (p 39) is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, which means they have been working to promote Canadian art and share mountain culture for three decades.

The captivating art displayed in their galleries includes mountain landscapes, animals, people, and everything in between. Mountain Galleries houses the work of over 60 artists, including an entire collection dedicated to the work of Inuit artists. They are not just a regular gallery, as they do more than simply display this beautiful artwork. All three Mountain Galleries locations have Artist-in-Residence programs, allowing the artists they represent to grow their craft while interacting with the public. The galleries also provide workshops and demonstrations for emerging artists. These programs and experiences promote Canadian artists, which always has been their main focus. Mountain Galleries also showcases exhibitions of new work almost every month, highlighting the work of different Canadian artists.

One such recent exhibition displays the work of artist Karel Doruyter, whose paintings focus on the beauty of Canada’s nature. The vibrant greens and complex textures Doruyter applies to his British Colombian forest paintings makes them seem so real that, as the owner and director of Mountain Galleries, Wendy Wacko, says, “You can almost smell it.”

The passion expressed through the work created by these unique artists is what makes Mountain Galleries so special. After 30 years, the work done by Wacko and the other artists is more impactful than ever.

MUSEUMS & CULTURE VENUES

ARTSPLACE Community arts space to explore, discover, and celebrate the adventure of art and creativity through classes, workshops, camps, performances, films, and exhibits. Studios, black box theatre, and The Hub Gallery. Event schedule, workshop, and performance tickets online. 950 8 Ave, Canmore, 403-609-2623, artsplacecanmore.com

BANFF PARK MUSEUM National Historic Site Western Canada’s oldest natural history museum. 1903 railway pagoda style 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, pc.gc.ca/banffparkmuseum

BUFFALO NATIONS MUSEUM

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. 1 Birch Ave by the Recreation Grounds, Banff, 403-762-2388

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NORDIC

SKIING 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

CANMORE MUSEUM & GEOSCI-

ENCE CENTRE New focus on bringing people together around local art, culture, heritage, and places to build a stronger, more connected community while celebrating the culture, language, and traditions of those that have called this place home for over 10,000 years. 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. Exhibits on the park's 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 castle-like construction of the Fairmont Banff Springs is a mountain icon. 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. fairmont.com/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. Restored with historic furnishings, heritage items, and a gift shop. Operated by the Canmore Museum. 609 Main St, Canmore, 403-678-1955

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. 111 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-2291, whyte.org

THE IMPORTANCE OF INDIGENOUS ART

Carter-Ryan Gallery (p 39) was created by Indigenous artist, Jason Carter. His paintings are inspired by his sculptures, and they depict clean lines and striking colours. Canada House Gallery (p 38) has a wonderful collection including the work of over 40 Inuit artists. The culture expressed through each piece is tangible. The Whyte Museum's (below) Gateway to the Rockies exhibition displays Indigenous artifacts and has plenty of information about the history of the land. -PARIS HOFER

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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. Bears, Artic fox, wolves, and the majestic Canadian Rockies. 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. Exclusive artists. 729 Main St, Canmore, 403-678-4456

BEARHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

GALLERY Wildlife and nature photography gallery by Award-Winning National Geographic photographer Barrett Hedges. Choose from metal, canvas, and archival prints, kids books, and calendars. Capturing nature's wildest moments of bears, polar bears, bison, elk, moose, wolves, lynx, landscapes, northern lights, and more. Worldwide shipping available. Opening early June in the Banff Park Lodge, 222 Lynx St. bearheadphoto.com

BRANDON T BROWN WILDERNESS GALLERY Iconic Canadian Rockies wildlife photography using a respectful, wildlife first approach, resulting in natural behaviour and positive wildlife encounters. Two locations: 826 8 St Canmore and 211 Bear St, Banff, 403-953-0119

CANADA HOUSE GALLERY Iconic Banff venue 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. 201 Bear St, Banff, 403-762-3757, canadahouse.com

CANMORE ART GUILD GALLERY

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

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CARTER-RYAN GALLERY Cree artist Jason Carter showcases 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

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 Surreal images of nature taken from passionate outdoor enthusiast Jeff Walker. 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 by capturing the stories and concepts behind wildlife and landscape images. Selling artwork and books. 104, 729 Main St, Canmore, 403-948-4776,

MOUNTAIN GALLERIES at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Canadian fine art since 1992. Director Wendy Wacko and her passionate team convey a unique perspective through their collection of artwork from abstract impressionism to magic realism. 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 whyte.org

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OF CABBAGES & KINGS Katie Borrowman and her father John hand make beautiful and functional pottery. Commissions welcome. 711 Spring Creek Dr, Canmore, 403-678-1922

THE HIVE & ELEVATION GALLERY

An accessible gallery showcasing fine art by emerging and mid-career artists while remaining regional, relevant, and modern. 200, 729 Main St, Canmore, 403-609-3324

WALTER PHILLIPS GALLERY Small but dynamic gallery known for a contemporary art program that champions curatorial innovation with a commitment to emerging forms of art. Established in 1976 as part of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Glyde Hall, 403-762-6281, banffcentre.ca/walter-phillips-gallery

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