Visual arts & new media

Finding Joy in a Dystopian World

The Alberta Society of Artists is pleased to present the group exhibition “Finding Joy in a Dystopian World” featuring the work of artists across Alberta. The exhibition runs October 4th – November 2nd, 2025 at the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery, 14737 20th Ave, Frank, AB. Gallery hours are: Monday - Friday 12pm - 4pm, Saturday & Sunday (or Holidays) 1pm - 4 pm. There will be an opening reception held on October 4th, 2025, from 1-3pm. ‘A dystopian world is one that often feels devoid of reason, a reflection of some of the struggles we face today.

BE Collective Connect-Hire Career Expo

On October 27, 2025, 1844 Studios and BE Collective will host the FREE Connect-Hire Career Expo at MacEwan University, bringing together over 15 exhibitors and more than a hundred participants. The event will create a vital bridge between BIPOC jobseekers and Alberta’s film and television employers, offering keynote talks, networking opportunities, and hands-on introductions to career pathways.

Beacon Original Art's Fall Art Exhibition & Sale

Beacon Original Art's Fall Art Exhibition & Sale

When: Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19, 2025 @ 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Bridgeland Riverside Community Association
917 Centre Avenue NE, Calgary, AB

Meet over 45 local artists and shop for a special occasion, add to the charm of your home or treat yourself! Showcasing: painting, jewelry, glass, photography, ceramics, sculpture and textiles. With different emerging to established artists each day and hundreds of unique handmade artworks, you are sure to find art as unique as you. Free parking and admission, draws and no GST. Get your art fix, browse comfortably and soak up the inner city vibe of Bridgeland Riverside. 

For more info: Upcoming Show 
Social media: FB Insta X

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October 18 & 19 with over 45 emerging to established artists showcasing: painting, jewelry, glass, photography, ceramics, sculpture and textiles

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Beacon Original Art's Fall Art Exhibition & Sale
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October 18 & 19 with over 45 emerging to established artists showcasing: painting, jewelry, glass, photography, ceramics, sculpture and textiles

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Beacon Original Art's Fall Art Exhibition & Sale
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October 18 & 19 with over 45 emerging to established artists showcasing: painting, jewelry, glass, photography, ceramics, sculpture and textiles

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Drop-in Sketching: Bad Taxidermy

Have you ever wished you could use the museum’s collections for sketching inspiration? Now’s your chance! We'll be showcasing rarely seen museum objects to create a still-life setup for you to practice your drawing skills.   

This month to celebrate the season, we’re bringing out some truly derpy-looking critters and spooky animals.  

This event is included with Admission.

Call to Artists: MNP Community & Sport Centre Public Art

Call to Artists: MNP Community & Sport Centre Public Art

Submission Deadline: October 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM (MDT)

MNP Community & Sport Centre is a world-class sport and fitness facility that inspires individuals and teams to be passionate about sport, people, and community. The Lindsay Park Sports Society (LPSS), overseeing the MNP Community & Sport Centre in Calgary, Alberta, invites professional local, national, and international artists or artist-led teams with public art experience to apply for Stage 1 of this two-stage public art competition as part of the Leisure Expansion Aquatics Project (LEAP). 

Adjacent to Lindsay Park and the Elbow River, the location of the MNP Community & Sport Centre provides a unique opportunity for artists to consider the role of the pool and the park in the social life of cities, as well as how the leisure and recreational activities at the Centre connect to this place known as Moh’kinstsis / Calgary. 

Public art at MNP Community & Sport Centre will:

  • Demonstrate excellence in contemporary art
  • Contribute to the identity of the project, facility, and place
  • Offer welcoming and memorable experiences for visitors to MNP Community & Sport Centre

This public art call invites artists to explore the redeveloped MNP Community & Sport Centre in Calgary to creatively engage with ideas specific to the place and space, including how the public art:

  • Connects to the project and the histories and stories of Lindsay Park and the surrounding area
  • Plays on the sport and recreation activities that occur in the building every day
  • Considers the importance of water to the project and its location on the Elbow River
  • Understands Indigenous connections to the land and the river
  • Is welcoming and fosters community interest and connectivity with neighbouring communities
  • Contributes to the creation of memorable and inclusive spaces
  • Considers the relationship between the interior life of the building and its connection to Lindsay Park and the pathways
  • Integrates with the facility and contributes to a quality experience for people who use the performance sport and public recreation facilities

Artists are invited to submit their qualifications to create work for one and/or two identified sites. Alternate sites may also be considered if artists identify other key opportunities. One artist will be commissioned and work within the total public art project budget of $405,000 CAD (exclusive of all applicable taxes). This budget includes all costs directly associated with creating the artwork at all sites.

Indigenous, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous artists with connections to the Treaty 7 region are encouraged to apply. Where applicable, preference will be given to Canadian applicants. 

Read the full Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) at  MNP LEAP Public Art - Call to Artists.

Image Credit: Architectural Rendering of South Entrance, GEC Architecture

 

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The Lindsay Park Sports Society (LPSS), overseeing the MNP Community & Sport Centre in Calgary, Alberta, invites professional local, national, and international artists or artist-led teams with public art experience to apply for Stage 1 of this two-stage public art competition as part of the Leisure Expansion Aquatics Project (LEAP).

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Call to Artists: MNP Community & Sport Centre Public Art
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The Lindsay Park Sports Society (LPSS), overseeing the MNP Community & Sport Centre in Calgary, Alberta, invites professional local, national, and international artists or artist-led teams with public art experience to apply for Stage 1 of this two-stage public art competition as part of the Leisure Expansion Aquatics Project (LEAP).

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Call to Artists: MNP Community Centre Public Art
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The Lindsay Park Sports Society (LPSS), overseeing the MNP Community & Sport Centre in Calgary, Alberta, invites professional local, national, and international artists or artist-led teams with public art experience to apply for Stage 1 of this two-stage public art competition as part of the Leisure Expansion Aquatics Project (LEAP).

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Workshop: Intro to Stone Lithography

Dates: Tuesday and Thursdays, October 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30

Time:  6-9pm

Location: A/P Studio, #460 42 Ave SE, Calgary

Cost: $385

About the workshop:

Let us demystify stone lithography! A process that is more than 200 years old and uses an image drawn on a limestone to make hundreds of prints! In this process, an image is drawn using greasy materials. You can even use butter! The painterly marks achieved are unmatched to other techniques. Lucky for us, Alberta Printmakers is one of the few places in the province that offers lithography stones and equipment for use! 

This course is suitable for all levels with no prior experience needed. Participants will learn how to prepare, draw, etch, and print a litho stone to make a small edition. 

What you’ll learn: ​​​​
  • How to prepare a grain, level and prepare a litho stone
  • Drawing techniques for lithography
  • How to etch a litho stone
  • How to prepare paper for registration
  • How to print a lithograph  properly using the press

For more information and to register, visit our website HERE

About the instructor:

Jamie-Lee Girodat completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking at the University of Alberta. Her interest in genetic history, health, and ethics informs her practice in print media, drawing, and animation. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and has taught at the University of Alberta, Mount Allison University, University of Calgary and is currently teaching at Alberta University of the Arts.

Instagram: @piddlepress |  Website: www.jamieleegirodat.com

Workshop Fee

$385.00* prices not subject to GST

*Access to using the A/P studio equipment, including as a workshop participant, requires an A/P membership. Annual memberships are $30 and $10 for current students and current recipients of AISH. Membership fees can be applied directly to your workshop registration.

Additional Notes:
  • Class limited to 5 Participants
  • Adults 18+ Years Old
Code of Conduct:

To support an environment which promotes dignity and respect to all, no form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated. Should this type of behaviour occur, the A/P host and/or instructor reserves the right to remove any individuals from the workshop.

Accommodation & Diversity:

Please inform A/P of any accessibility barrier(s) that may prevent you from getting the full benefit of participating in this program. A/P will respond to any requests in a timely manner and will work to support you within our capacity.

A/P is committed to diversity and equality to all in employment, volunteerism and contractors irrespective of their gender, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, nationality, national origin, sexuality, religion or belief, marital status and social class.

Cancellation Policy:

If you have registered for an in-studio class or workshop at A/P but are unable to attend, we require that you notify us as soon as possible, and no later than 7 days before the class or workshop to receive a full refund. Registrants who cancel with 6 days or less notice will receive 50% of their registration fee. Once the class or workshop has begun, A/P is unable to issue a refund as we are subject to a minimum enrolment in order to run.

If A/P cancels a course due to low enrolment, notice will be given at least 72 hours in advance with a full refund issued. For classes cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, registrants will receive a full refund.

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This is the first time we have listed this workshop in almost 2 years and it is back! Learn Stone Lithography! No experience required.

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Workshop: Intro to Stone Lithography
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This is the first time we have listed this workshop in almost 2 years and it is back! Learn Stone Lithography! No experience required.

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Workshop: Intro to Stone Lithography
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This is the first time we have listed this workshop in almost 2 years and it is back! Learn Stone Lithography! No experience required.

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Parfleche Painting workshop with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild

Parfleche Painting workshop with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild 
When: Saturday, Oct 11 from 1:00pm-3:30pm
Where: Gallery@501 Art Studio
501 Festival Ave, Sherwood Park, AB 
Cost: $75.00
Registration link: Parfleche Painting with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild - Recreation Online1

Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting. Open to all skill levels, this hands-on experience invites you to connect with tradition, learn cultural stories behind the designs, and discover Alaynee’s artistic journey. Practice traditional techniques as you create your own unique painted Parfleche piece to take home.

About the Artist

Tansi & Hau Mitakoyapi, 
My name is Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild. I am the youngest daughter of Marvin and Patricia Littlechild, deeply connected to my Lakota-nêhiyaw roots. As a visual artist, I draw inspiration from the traditional materials and techniques passed down through my family. I take great care in honoring the integrity of Dakota/Lakota artistic practices. My work celebrates my culture, pays tribute to my family, and reflects my lived experience. Visit www.goodwillcollection.ca to explore more of my work!

 

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Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting.

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Parfleche Painting workshop with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild
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Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting.

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Join Lakota-nêhiyaw artist Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild for an immersive workshop exploring the ancient art of Parfleche Painting.

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Message from Board Chair Cynthia P. Moore on the opening of AFA art house

On September 10, I was pleased to be joined by the Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, members of the AFA Board of Directors and the arts community to officially open AFA art house – a new home for Alberta artists. 

Located in the heart of Downtown Calgary in The Edison building, AFA art house is dedicated to exhibiting Alberta artists and displaying works from the AFA Art Collection, the world’s largest collection of Alberta art. The first exhibition, New Views, is now open to the public. It features a diverse selection of 50 AFA artworks in the AFA Art Collection, including the first piece that started the Collection in 1972, and some of which have never been publicly exhibited before. Today, the AFA Art Collection features some of Alberta’s most prominent artists. You can learn more about the collection and the amazing Alberta artists at affta.ab.ca.

I was proud to announce the first solo exhibition in AFA art house will feature Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, the 2024-25 Alberta Artist in Residence and selected works from her “Sky, Stone, and Prairie: Plein Air Perspectives of Alberta” project. This exhibition will open later this fall. 

The AFA thanks the City of Calgary and Aspen Properties for being our partners in bringing AFA art house to fruition. We thank Alberta’s government for their ongoing support allowing the AFA to deliver on our mandate to support and celebrate Alberta art. We are proud to contribute to the revitalization of Calgary’s downtown core through the creation of art house. 

I encourage everyone to come visit AFA art house and discover the incredible talent and diversity of Alberta’s visual artists. Admission is free and we are open Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 4 p.m., or by special appointment. Learn more at affta.ab.ca/art-house.

Sincerely,

Cynthia P. Moore, Chair of the Board of Directors 
Alberta Foundation for the Arts

Watch the AFA art house reel

Watch the AFA art house recap video

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AFA art house opening September 10, 2025 - interior view of the art house gallery. Photo credit David Kotsibie
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On September 10, I was pleased to be joined by the Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, members of the AFA Board of Directors and the arts community to officially open AFA art house – a new home for Alberta artists.

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Message from Board Chair Cynthia P. Moore on the opening of AFA art house
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On September 10, I was pleased to be joined by the Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, members of the AFA Board of Directors and the arts community to officially open AFA art house – a new home for Alberta artists.

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Message from Board Chair Cynthia P. Moore
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On September 10, I was pleased to be joined by the Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, members of the AFA Board of Directors and the arts community to officially open AFA art house – a new home for Alberta artists.

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AFA art house opening September 10, 2025 - interior view of the art house gallery. Photo credit David Kotsibie
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Alberta artists celebrated with launch of free art gallery in Calgary

On September 10, 2025, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) launched the AFA art house, a new visual arts gallery located in Calgary dedicated to exhibiting Alberta artists. The gallery features works by Alberta artists including artworks from the AFA Art Collection, the largest collection in the world of visual arts by Albertan artists. 

The AFA art house is located on the second floor in The Edison building (150 9 Ave SW) in Downtown Calgary. The inaugural exhibition, New Views, opened to the public on September 11, 2025 and features a diverse selection of 50 AFA artworks acquired by the Collection. The exhibition features Portrait of Don Getty, a print featuring former Alberta Premier Don Getty’s Edmonton Elks (formerly "Eskimos") player card. The exhibition also features artworks that have never been publicly exhibited before. 

“The AFA art house celebrates the creativity, history and talent that define Alberta’s arts community. The AFA art house is another way we are supporting artists and providing opportunities for Albertans to view and experience Alberta art, including pieces from the AFA’s own collection. We are pleased to be partnering with the City of Calgary and Aspen Properties to bring this space to life and contribute to Calgary’s downtown revitalization.” 

Cynthia P. Moore, AFA Chair

"The AFA art house is an inspired new addition to downtown Calgary. A space that celebrates and showcases the incredible talent of Alberta artists, expanding public access to the largest collection of visual artworks by Alberta artists in the world. Alberta's government is proud to invest over $40 million to the arts through Budget 2025, fueling creativity, economic growth and vibrant communities."

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

In addition to New Views, the AFA is pleased to announce the first solo exhibition in the AFA art house will feature Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, the 2024-25 Alberta Artist in Residence/Arts Ambassador, and selected works from her “Sky, Stone, and Prairie: Plein Air Perspectives of Alberta” project. This exhibition will open in October 2025. 

The AFA art house strengthens the AFA’s commitment to celebrating local art while contributing to Calgary’s downtown revitalization.

The AFA welcomes the public to visit art house. Admission is free and the gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m. 

Quick facts

  • The AFA Art Collection was established more than 50 years ago in 1972, initially proposed as “an opportunity to support and encourage Alberta artists by purchasing original works, as well as creating a legacy collection for the people of Alberta.”
  • The AFA Art Collection includes 9,565 artworks by more than 1,700 Alberta artists.
  • In 2023, the visual and applied arts and live performance industries contributed approximately $1.3 billion in GDP and sustained over 18,000 jobs in Alberta.

Multimedia

Download photos from the event

  • Photo 1: AFA art house opening September 10, 2025 - main floor lobby of The Edison building. Photo credit David Kotsibie.
  • Photo 2: AFA Chair Cynthia P. Moore is joined by Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women to open AFA art house on September 10, 2025. Photo credit David Kotsibie.
  • Photo 3: AFA art house opening September 10, 2025 - interior view of the art house gallery. Photo credit David Kotsibie.
  • Photo 4: The Board of Directors of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) and the Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women at the AFA art house opening September 10, 2025. Pictured left to right: Shana Yang, Le Bo, Cynthia P. Moore, Honourable Tanya Fir, Yasmin Jivraj, Melody McKnight, Robert Fernandez. Photo credit David Kotsibie
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AFA art house opening September 10, 2025 - main floor lobby of The Edison building. Photo credit David Kotsibie.
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The AFA art house is now open in The Edison building in the heart of Downtown Calgary.

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Alberta artists celebrated with launch of free art gallery in Calgary
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The AFA art house is now open in The Edison building in the heart of Downtown Calgary.

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Alberta artists celebrated with art gallery launch
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The AFA art house is now open in The Edison building in the heart of Downtown Calgary.

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