I admit it, I’m late. I have been meaning to post this for a couple weeks. The past couple weeks have just flown by though and I have been fully engaged on some upcoming projects. So since Chris Vroom and Catherine Wagley gave their fall previews of what’s going on through out the major cities in the United States I have been getting phone calls and emails about what’s going on in the Great White North. So much is going on straight across the country, one person could not possibly cover it all, here though are some shows and notes that caught my attention.

 One of my favorite annual events that I have not been able to attend since 2001 is Calgary’s yearly Art and Culture Month, which started with Art Walk September tenth and runs at various venues to the twenty ninth of September. Maybe it’s nostalgia from those college years, I truly believe though that Calgary’s yearly art festival is possibly one of the best art parties of the year through out Canada. It coincides with the commencement of the Alberta College of Art’s school year, which brings lots of youthful fresh energy to every event in the city. New students looking to make new friends, a name for themselves or learn at any opportunity show up bright eyed and bushy tailed beside seasoned pros to celebrate, many of the dignitaries and their work that show up yearly. The Greats show up from far and wide to exhibit work, talk to young artists and mingle.

 One of the reasons I believe this event is so huge yearly is the many connections ACAD has, Truly one of the most Reputable ART schools in Canada and is possibly one of the most beautiful undiscovered gem through out North America. Alberta College of Art and Design, has had a lot of great artists walk through their doors as both students and teachers. Not that I am into name dropping here’s a list though. ManWoman, Joni Mitchelle, Richard Halliday, Michael Markowsky, Chris Cran, Kati Ohe, Laura Vickerson, Charles Lewton Brain, Dee Fontans, Blake Senini (he did the cover for an SNFU Album which is pretty punk in my books) and Chad Van Gallen. And these are names I could easily remember or found on the current faculty list. Don’t know some of the names? Well let me tell you they got STROKE and are highly respected in their given fields because they either create really great work or taught someone their craft. Many of these artists still live and practice out of Calgary. With resources like that and its thirty six year history not only do they have a very rich pool of talented artists to show case or exhibit they also have drawing power because anyone would gladly drop in to say hello and see some old friends.

 Calgary also houses a bunch of great art spaces. It’s been almost ten years since I was back so a lot has changed, here are some I remember others I have only heard about.  ACAD houses two galleries, The Illingworth Kerr Gallery which hosts shows by established contemporary artists (Attila Lukacs is showing there shortly) and The Marion Nicoll Gallery which exhibits’ juried shows by students both are great spots. Of course one should check out the Glenbow Museum, as it is Calgary’s Contemporary Art and historical museum. The Truck Gallery is one of the best artist run spots in the city where one can see all the hip shows and all the kids are dieing to get into. Quick Draw Animation Society is another hot spot for all the art kids (shout out BATISTA), I think its cause they like to see their creations move. Another space I hear people talking about in Calgary is Art Central. I have never been there as it was built after I left, from what I have read though it is “a visual arts complex brining together over thirty artist studios (open to the public) galleries and shops” Which sounds like exactly where I wanna be for the fun and festivities.

 Here are a couple notable shows and artists I heard about. Kyle Beal an ACAD Graduate now living in Montreal is showing his work “smoking in public comms breakdown so 2 spk” is at the Olympic Plaza, The MFA Grad Show is at the Nickel Arts Museum, and Mid Century Icon: Architectural Photography from the Panda Collection is at the Triangle Gallery. Jim Laing , Brian Batista and Leslie Bell. All of these shows should be definitely worth a gander as either the spot or the artist is notable.   

 One last thought this piece was written not about this year’s specific events, more as mention though of a super cool yearly art happening. you should definitely take an extra week off work and visit. Words can not describe the energy and fun of this yearly festival. It is a definite must on your to do list if you are an art lover. Hears one last secret I’ll tell you as long as you promise not say anything to anyone else. Calgary is like the silicone valley of the art world, don’t you know and the work and artists that come out of there will truly rock your mind.