Today we will all be going on a deep dive into art in Calgary and our opening section will fully cover the best art galleries and museums near you.
After that we will get into a variety of other topics like local art supply stores, events, festivals, dealers, appraisers, walking tours, sculptures and statues, art classes, studios for rent, and the top frame shops in your area.
If you are after any specific section you can jump straight to it using the table of contents on the left and we are also including a Calgary art map with all of the various places we mention throughout the post pinned on it.
You can read more of our posts on cities around Canada at this link.
Best Art Galleries & Museums In Calgary
If you want to check out the best art galleries and museums in Calgary then we suggest:
Glenbow Museum’s collection is viewable from 11am to 7pm Wednesday through Friday and from 10am to 6pm on weekends covering the whole human experience from the stories and cultures of Canada’s earliest peoples through the lives of newcomers to the country to the present age of fast change and contemporary artists’ perspectives in the twenty-first century.
The Paul Kuhn Gallery is open from 1pm to 5pm Wednesday through Saturday after initially starting out in 1983 as Calgary’s first contemporary art gallery and the only forum for experimental work and young artists for several years. The gallery is housed in a turn-of-the-century concrete warehouse just south of downtown with 3,000 square feet of exhibition space spread out over two levels where you can see paintings, sculptures, drawings, photography, videos, and printing at the exhibition.
Founded in 1992 Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art is a major contemporary art gallery showcasing notable Albertan, Canadian, and worldwide artists from 10:30am to 5pm Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4pm on Saturday. Through painting, photography, and sculpture Newzones’ curriculum focuses on process-oriented art challenging both standard materials and formal aesthetics.
For 40 years Webster Galleries has been a locally owned business specializing in original work which is shown across a freshly refurbished facility in oils, acrylics, watercolors, bronzes, sculptures, and hand-pulled prints. Head over from 10am to 5pm every day but Sunday when they are closed to see all that they have to offer.
The New Gallery (TNG) is open from noon to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday as an artist-run center in Mohkinstsis on the Treaty 7 region’s ancient and traditional lands.
The Clouds & Water Gallery and Visual Production Society is a non-profit contemporary art center that was founded in 1975.
Original fine art by over 70 renowned Canadian local artists is available at Stephen Lowe Gallery from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday including paintings in oil, acrylic, mixed media, encaustic, watercolour, glass, ceramics, sculpture, solo and group art exhibitions, and artist demonstrations.
Fpr a contemporary and modern fine art gallery in your area that is committed to presenting new and renowned artists working in a variety of mediums and that was founded in 1970 visit Gibson Fine Art. Over half of their collection is made up of works by Alberta regional artists which helps to re-energize and revitalize the local arts community. The gallery is open from 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday and constantly exhibits a remarkable assortment of brilliant artists at public exhibitions and private events.
The Herringer Kiss Gallery originally opened in 2002 and is a member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada (ADAC) and is a renowned Canadian contemporary art gallery. They keep regular hours from 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Representing a diverse group of painters, sculptors, and printmakers whose work is both high-quality and affordable is the goal of Wallace Galleries whose artists are sometimes well-known while others are mid-career or up-and-comers. Check them out from 10am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Friday and 11am to 4pm on Saturday.
Truck Contemporary Art is open from 1pm to 6pm Wednesday through Saturday located in the traditional lands of the Niitsitapi, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Iyarhe Nakoda people of the Treaty 7 area in Southern Alberta.
Materials & Supplies Near You
These art stores are good places to buy new supplies or materials:
The Grasby Art Studio is a painting studio and art supply business located in the Northwest part of town that educates children, teenagers, and adults in the foundations of painting and sketching while offering guided classes, paint-along demonstrations, and specialty workshops.
If you want to visit one of the largest fine art supply stores in Western Canada head to Mona Lisa Artists Materials where for nearly 60 years they have become a fourth-generation family-run enterprise.
Pro Graphic Caldraft Art & Drafting Materials carries a comprehensive range of high-quality art supplies suitable for all levels from hobbyists to professionals. Along with the materials they provide low-cost frame services to let you proudly exhibit your work as they have experienced framers on staff who will work with you to ensure that your work is framed in the best possible way.
The newest addition to the Calgary art supply sector is Destination Art which opened in February 2017. It is a gathering place for hobbyists, amateurs, and professionals to interact, exchange ideas, and discuss the newest trends in the art supply industry.
Inglewood Art Supplies is a locally owned and operated supply shop that offers helpful assistance from working artists where classes and workshops also take place on site.
One of the biggest ranges of fine art supplies in Calgary can be found at Kensington Art Supply who also provides seminars and workshops.
Swinton’s Art Supply, Teaching & Frame is the province’s biggest privately held art establishment offering materials, instruction, and framing.
You probably already know what chain stores like the Michaels near you have to offer.
Shows & Events
You would probably love these art shows, events, and festivals in your area:
The Calgary Performing Arts Festival (CPAF) is a non-profit organization that has been operating for 90 years. CPAF, formerly the Kiwanis Festival, is an important component of the city’s arts, music, and cultural scene and is dedicated to recognizing and applauding amateur performers of all ages and abilities.
The Folk Festival Society is a not-for-profit registered charitable organization that produces music and cultural events throughout the year. They host the summer Calgary Folk Music Festival; a winter festival, Block Heater; educational programming like their annual Boot Camp; and concerts at Festival Hall in Inglewood which is their own venue.
Since 2007 Sled Island has delivered a one-of-a-kind festival experience thanks to its intelligent varied programming and autonomous attitude. The five-day music and arts festival is held every June and brings together a community of musicians, comedians, filmmakers, and artists as well as over 40,000 spectators in 30 venues receiving wonderful reviews from attendees and media from all over the world.
For a free annual festival designed to expose everyone to the diverse range of visual art available in the city that has been running for nearly 40 years check out ArtWalk. Walk, ride, or hop to dozens of venues across the city to take in artist talks and tours, exhibitions, workshops, and more whether you’re familiar with or new to the local art scene.
Art Dealers & Appraisers
Art dealers and appraisers near you are places to find new unique pieces or learn the value of something you already own:
Hodgins Art Auctions has been selling Canadian and foreign art and is one of Alberta’s oldest and most reputable art auction houses since the mid 1980’s.
Founded in 1992 Levis Fine Art Auctions & Appraisals holds two live art auctions each year, four online art auctions, as well as customized auctions for estates, companies, and galleries that are held on a regular basis. Art storage, appraisals, consultations, and a variety of other services are also available.
Loch Gallery focuses solely on significant historical works from Canada and Europe as well as renowned contemporary artists with a focus on paintings and sculptures. The gallery which opened in 1972 in Winnipeg has grown into an institution representing many of the country’s most significant living artists while still specializing on 19th and 20th century fine art.
VivianeArt exhibits well-known Canadian and international artists while donating the proceeds to the support and development of new talent.
Walking Tours
When the weather is nice walk around outside and see unique art in your area on one of these tours:
Since 2017 the Beltline Urban Murals Project has been converting the heart of the downtown area into an enormous open-air art exhibition.
The Stephen Avenue Walk will take you past some great sites around the city.
Sculptures & Statues
These sculptures and statues in your area are definitely worth checking out:
Wonderland Sculpture at 110 6 Ave SE
Conversation at 200-216 8 Ave SW
Brotherhood of Mankind at 515-577 1 St SE
Famous Five Statue at 8 Ave SE
Ever Evolving Human at 311 6 Ave SW
Wonderland was created by Jaume Plensa and has been downtown since 2012 and most people refer to his work as the huge head downtown although the sculpture’s official name is Wonderland.
Located on Stephen Avenue The Conversation can be seen where two guys are in discussion in the bronze statue and Norcen Energy Resources gave the sculpture to the city in 1981.
Brotherhood of Mankind is a collection of ten massive nude sculptures created by Mario Armengol for the British pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal.
The Famous Five Monument is a collection of polished bronze statues placed on the south-west corner of Canada Olympic Plaza downtown. It honors Emily Murphy, Henrietta Edwards, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Nellie McClung who were collectively known as The Famous Five for their achievements in the 1929 ‘Persons’ Case.
Ever Evolving Human was co-sponsored by the CDA, Parks and Recreation and The Stone Sculptures Guild of North America.
Calgary Art Classes
Whether you are trying to find private lessons or group classes for kids, teens, or adults some of the best art schools in Calgary are:
Since 1991 Aliki’s Art House has been educating people all around the world to draw as they create chances for everyone to learn new talents, build confidence in their own abilities, and find, experience, and take away new capabilities.
You can hone your observation abilities and build your creative muscles as well as your eyes and hands at Ateleir Artista who knows that to be a skilled artist, you must continue to acquire discipline, concentration, and patience in addition to technique and talent.
For kids and teens La Palette Art Studio offers some of the greatest art lessons, workshops, and camps near you. Through the study of beauty in their environment and the finest examples of great painters throughout history their painting courses will reveal your child’s ability.
Vin Gogh Paint Sip Studio was the city’s first professional wine and painting studio and they supply everything you’ll need including all project materials, creative guidance, step-by-step instructions, and your first drink. It is fair to say the lessons here might be a little more casual than some of the others on the list but that doesn’t mean you won’t learn something and have a great time doing it.
For more than 30 years the North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre has provided great experiences to people of all ages, skills, and aspirations.
Art classes in your area are also available at other places that we have mentioned like Inglewood Art Supplies, Kensington Art Supply, and Neon Milkshake Art Studio.
Studios For Rent Near You
If you are ready to start your next project consider renting studio space at:
Workshop Studios was created in 2017 with the goal of creating a welcoming environment that encourages cooperation and enriches the city’s culture. They have had a lease in Inglewood’s historic Brass Foundry building since 2017 and have turned a run-down industrial bay into the plant-filled studio space of their dreams.
For a place where people may come up with new ideas head to Blank Page Studio which began in 2014 by repurposing an underutilized commercial property in the Kensington business area. Since then the space has been thoughtfully transformed into a versatile workspace that caters to the professional needs of a growing number of forward-thinking local businesses and individuals.
cSPACE King Edward is a place where people can express themselves through art, community, and collaboration. cSPACE is a social enterprise dedicated to assisting communities of artists, non-profits, and entrepreneurs who are working on the cutting edge of innovation.
Kids, teens, and adults can take art classes at Neon Milkshake Art Studio where workshops and events also take place.
Framing
When you need local art framing services you can try:
Jarvis Hall and Shannon Norberg are pleased to announce that Jarvis Hall Gallery has been renamed Norberg Hall. This name merging was a logical development for the gallery’s identity and shared creative vision as partners in business and in life.
The Christine Klassen Gallery (CKG) comprises a vibrant collection of artists that are linked by their attention to detail in their work. CKG promotes people at various stages of their careers from emerging to established and exhibits a diverse variety of works in painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, photography, and other media.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Webster Galleries-Avenida Framing partnership is that Avenida Framing has been in the custom framing business since 1989. All of their work is done in-house to the highest standards making them one of the best custom framing companies in the province.
Pro Graphic Caldraft Art & Drafting Supplies and Swinton’s Art Supply also do framing.
In case you might be interested we have also written posts on:
We listed the best galleries, museums, events, shows, supply stores, dealers, appraisers, walking tours, sculptures, classes, studios, and framers in your area that you may want to check out.
If you are still here you probably are a really big fan of the local art scene. Feel free to share your own tips, or to let us know if you noticed anything incorrect in the comments.
We hope you enjoy your time at the best Calgary art galleries, museums, supply stores, or doing whatever else you plan to do with the info.
This post and all of the posts on our site are edited by Dan Soloman who has been a huge fan of art since he was a little kid. His mother was a good local artist, and she taught him the trade from a very early age. He studied art and its history in both high school and college, has worked at multiple galleries, and recently has begun creating and editing online content for this site and some other online media platforms.
