Curators and owners often go above and beyond in the name of art, both representing talented artists and sharing experiences with the public. These champions love spreading the joy of visual arts.
Peter Robertson Gallery | 12323–104 Ave. | probertsongallery.com
Established in 2004, this exhibition space is owned and operated by Peter and Camille Robertson in the 124 Street Arts District. They host opening and closing receptions, special ladies’ nights, and artist talks to create a welcoming environment to enjoy, learn, and connect. Here’s more from our chat with Peter.
What’s a challenge you face?
There’s a bit of a stigma attached to galleries that you feel like you have to buy. It’s a good thing just to come in and look. I want people to enjoy things.
What’s been the most memorable exhibit?
The one we get the most reaction to and the one that was a lot of fun was when we did the Steve Driscoll show and actually flooded the gallery. We put six inches of water in the whole space, created this boardwalk environment including music—this whole sensory thing.
What do you love about the local arts community?
Most of the disciplines have a deeper tradition of producing high-quality work, and one fact a lot of people don’t know is Clement Greenberg, who was probably the most famous guy writing about arts in the 50s, said Edmonton and New York are the hubs of modern art. That kind of just rocked everybody’s world for a long time.
Art Gallery of Alberta | 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. | youraga.ca
First established in 1924 as the Edmonton Museum of Arts, the provincial gallery unveiled a modern redesign in 2010 by world-renowned architect Randall Stout. The AGA’s permanent collection now includes over 6000 works of art. We talked with head curator Catherine Crowston.
What do you recommend when people visit?
Our gallery attendants are there in the galleries all the time, and they’re there to engage with people… They’re there to provide value and a different experience of being able to talk about the art with somebody.
What do you wish potential visitors knew?
Our gallery attendants are there in the galleries all the time, and they’re there to engage with people… They’re there to provide value and a different experience of being able to talk about the art with somebody.
What do you wish potential visitors knew?
How often the exhibitions change and how diverse they actually are. There are things people wouldn’t be able to see unless they were travelling. As an example, a while ago we had a Rembrandt show, and it’s fantastic that someone could be able to see Rembrandt here in Edmonton.
Any sneak peeks?
In April, we will be opening a new exhibition, entitled kisikayastew ᑭᓯᑲᔭᐢᑌᐤ moonlight, that’s been curated by MJ Belcourt Moses, who’s our Adjunct of Indigenous Art. She’s looking at the concept of the 13 moons in Indigenous culture, and we will be working with two fantastic painters, Alex Janvier from Cold Lake and Lana Whiskeyjack from here in Edmonton.
Lando Gallery | 10345–124 St. | landogallery.com
Private art dealer Brent Luebke opened the gallery in 1990, and later established Lando Art Auctions in 2003 as Edmonton’s only fine art auction house with Marie Olah, an accredited auctioneer. Here’s more from Brent!
What do you love about the gallery’s location?
We are in the middle of Gallery Row on 124 Street, shoulder to shoulder with the finest art galleries in Edmonton.
What’s a common misconception of what you do?
We do not just sell paintings; we offer complete art services. We frame, appraise, install, and resell works of art. We have something for everyone— please stop in and check us out.
What’s best about working in this arts community?
It is close knit and very supportive of the entire concept of “support local.” This spring we will be offering a fine selection of our gallery artist works in a group exhibition and sale.
The More the Merrier!
Explore Edmonton’s vibrant visual arts scene at one of these galleries.
- • ACUA Gallery: Specializes in Ukrainian arts and educational programs | #100, 10554–110 St. | acuarts.ca
- • Alberta Craft Council Gallery & Shop: Traditional and contemporary fine crafts handmade by Albertan and Canadian artists | 10186-106 St. | albertacraft.ab.ca
- • Bearclaw Gallery: Specializes in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit art in Canada | 10403-124 St. | bearclawgallery.com
- • Harcourt House: Artist-run gallery with works by emerging and established artists | 10215-112 St. | harcourthouse.ab.ca
- • SNAP Gallery: Exhibitions and workshops for traditional and experimental printmaking | 10572–115 St. | snapartists.com
