Where are the Best Edmonton Art Galleries?

Posted by on Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 at 1:01pm.

The Best Edmonton Art GalleriesIf you are looking to witness some stunning art in the Edmonton area, then you are in luck. There are several art galleries that will satisfy your need for art. Edmonton was actually named the cultural capital of Canada in  2007, but many feel this city should be given this title every year.

A good portion of the art galleries in Edmonton can be found on High Street, as this is close to downtown. Here are some art galleries that you should check out when your in the Edmonton area.

Lando Gallery

Started in 1990, this gallery provides the largest commercial gallery in Edmonton. Many pieces from the contemporary art scene are on display. They also provide appraisal, leasing and collection management services.

Peter Robertson Gallery

This gallery has been providing a venue for contemporary Canadian and international artists to showcase their work since 1992 and the bare white walls and high ceilings add to the overall ambience of the gallery itself. You'll also find works in both steel and wood on display here.

Art Gallery of Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta offers excellence and visual arts in Western Canada which helps connect people with art and different ideas. This gallery has a number of exhibits of contemporary and historical art from different parts of the world. There is also a wide array of educational and public programs.

This gallery was established in 1924, and proves to be an important part of the Western Canada culture. It is their belief that art can connect people and ideas. They house over 6,000 works of art, and happen to be the oldest cultural centre in Canada. The Art Gallery of Alberta offers art education and programs to the public.

More than 6,000 objects are on display at the gallery and is the oldest institution in Alberta while being the only museum that dedicates its preservation to art as well as visual culture. This gallery recently underwent a rebuild and now measures 85,000 square feet. There are now 3 floors of exhibition space and include:

  • Ledcor Theatre
  • Art Rental and Sales Gallery
  • Singhmar Centre for Art Education
  • Zinc restaurant
  • City of Edmonton Trace
  • Shop AGA

This museum’s mission is dedicated to excellence as well as innovative practice in programming, stewardship and presentation of visual arts in the Western Canadian area and across the entire nation.

Douglas Udell Gallery

This gallery provides plenty of contemporary art and has been around for over three decades. It's a well-respected choice with plenty of art from Canadians on display.

West End Gallery

This gallery specializes in painting, sculpture and glass as the primary art forms on display and you'll find that it provides a colorful and vibrant experience no matter what your level of art appreciation. As a sampling you can expect to see the works of Carol Nesbitt, John Cox and Elaine Brewer White on display at this gallery.

Scott Gallery

There is a lot to discover at Scott Gallery in Edmonton. The Scott Gallery provides a place to view a mixture of established, mid-career, and emerging artists. You will find over 30 contemporary artists displayed there. If you are a lover of art you will certainly appreciate the variety of paintings they have for your viewing pleasure. The Gallery opened in 1986 and loves welcoming new art lovers and new artists as often as possible.

This gallery was established in 1986, and focuses on contemporary Canadian fine arts. They house a collection of artwork from 30 different Canadian artists who are in the midst of their careers. Come see local talent, before their names become well known in the art industry. Some of their pieces include work from Sean Caulfield and Gerald Faulder.

There are exhibitions that run featuring themed art from some of the talented artists of Canada. An example is Gillian Willans "Another Time Another Place." Willans features painting of houses and interiors that capture her personal history. There is a lot of domestic imagery that showcases emotive colour and light. Someone viewing her paintings might see something while someone else will get something completely different out of it. Each artist has a unique vision and a way of doing things that makes checking out each exhibit an absolute treat.

The Gallery often has the artists in to talk about their work and answer any questions the public might have. They also have events like the Spring Gallery Walk which happens every year to promote the artists in the area featuring food, art, and fun. You can walk through downtown enjoying the nice spring air and the amazing artists Canada has to offer.

Tu Gallery

Tu Gallery has an array of local art talent on display. They offer creative sculptures, amazing wood carvings, furniture, blown glass, metalwork and paintings. This is a great place to find an original piece to display in your home or office.

Bear Claw Gallery

Located in the heart of the Gallery Walk district in Edmonton, Alberta stands an art gallery whose main focus is to celebrate the heritage of Canadian First Nations. Internationally known artists will be the detailed artwork you will view when visiting.

This gallery offers a unique display of Canadian First Nations artwork, which can not be seen in other galleries. The Bear Claw Gallery is filled with west coast masks, carvings, paintings and Inuit soapstone sculptures. 

Each spring Bearclaw Art Gallery hosts a series of exhibitions including new pieces. This year is no exception. If you visit one of the exhibitions you will notice a diverse selection of paintings, sculptures, and crafts which are sure to be eye-catching. It is exciting to meet a new artist and learn more about the inspiration for specific pieces.

Whether you are someone who is new to the art community or have been an art enthusiast for many years, the Bearclaw Art Gallery is truly a culturally diverse experience. Come in and browse and you are sure to find yourself traveling back in time to feel the First Nation culture as portrayed by the gentle hand of a master.

Agnes Bugera Gallery

Started in 1992, this gallery provides many works from Canadian artists. It contains three spaces with paintings, sculpture and media found throughout.

Art Beat Gallery and Frame

Those seeking a gallery with landscape and natural-themed art will love the Art Beat Gallery and Frame. They also provide framing services.

Other top art galleries found throughout Edmonton include:

  • Electrum Design Studio - 12419 Stony Plain Road
  • Front Gallery - 12312 Jasper Avenue
  • Scott Gallery - 10411 - 124 Street
  • West End Gallery - 12308 Jasper Avenue
  • Peter Robertson Gallery - 10183 - 112 Street

All of these galleries provide something unique. They all hold regular tours and events with plenty of local artist on display.

Edmonton has a far more vibrant cultural scene than most people give it credit and, as a city, it truly does work to embrace art in as many ways as possible. 

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