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Canmore Art Guild seeks volunteers while gallery closed

Administrative positions are especially in need while the Guild rebuilds.

CANMORE – The Canmore Art Guild (CAG) is in need of community volunteers to join the organization in its supporting local arts in the Bow Valley.

“We’re an artists group trying to re-establish and, COVID guidelines permitting, we're planning to reopen the gallery in June, if we can,” said Sue Hayduk, membership director with CAG.

“Our mandate is providing opportunities for local artists to show their work and to inspire and encourage those that are new to being a professional artist and offering support and mentorship.”

The intention was to open the CAG Gallery at Elevation Place to limited capacity in May, but those plans were pushed back to June. Now with increased health restrictions reaching into summer, it remains unsure whether the Gallery will be able to open at all come June. At this time there are no scheduled gallery showings.

“It didn't sound good, even for June. But maybe we'll open, if not in July,” said Dana Roman, a 23-year member and organizer with the Guild.

Administrative positions are especially in need of fulfilment while the Guild rebuilds.

“We are in need of volunteers who have a leadership or governance skill set to fill our executive positions come April 23 at our [annual general meeting],” said Hayduk in an email to RMO.

“We are looking for people to be reminded of the public service that the gallery offers and we do need some help and support from member artists, but also [who] can help at that executive level.”

In 2020, CAG celebrated its 40-year anniversary. Guild members were able to host a Christmas-themed showcase in December, but after six days they were asked to shutter their doors once again.

“Even in good times, it's not so easy to find people, but we did it for 40 years,” said Roman.

“If somebody were eager to volunteer that would be great.”

In previous years, the guild accounts for roughly 85 members and since then its numbers have dwindled to around 45.

Gallery viewings were previously at 25 per cent capacity or roughly seven people at a time. Easing restrictions on Alberta art galleries won't happen until a return to Step 3 health restrictions.

Hayduk said the possibility of showcasing artists' works online in a virtual gallery is being considered and noted the success artsPlace has experienced with providing online materials.

“I think learning to navigate how to have an online art exhibit, or just even to showcase our artists online, has definitely been something we'll move toward," she said.

“It's really different because we're very tactile people and very in-person folks. Being online isn't our best medium for connecting.”

Membership with the Guild is open to anyone interested in visual arts, is at least 15 years old, and supports the Guild’s mission and objectives. A membership fee of $50 is required annually.

CAG members can share knowledge from fellow artists through informal discussions and structured events, exhibit their art in the gallery space as part of regular shows, and receive discounts from select local arts businesses and artsPlace.

Members can have a direct role in the direction of CAG through the election of executive members and participation in monthly general meetings.

Approximately 15,000 people visit the gallery each year, per CAG’s website.

The Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild was established in 1980 to advance the interests of Bow Valley artists. The guild’s gallery changed locations multiple times; in 2012, the organization changed its name to Canmore Arts Guild, and in 2013, moved to its current space in Elevation Place.

The membership is comprised of 85 per cent from the Bow Valley, with the remaining artists coming from the Calgary area or elsewhere.

“Arts in our community are such a strong piece of fabric of the Canmore experience,” said Hayduk.

CAG Gallery is the only public gallery accessible in Canmore.

“I think the idea of an affordable art gallery is a luxury item here because everything is so expensive," she said. 

“We open the door for folks to come in and explore their talents and meet great artists and provide an affordable price point for the people who want to purchase art.”

CAG members retain 75 per cent of artwork sales. Group shows are open to submissions regardless of art style and expertise. 

In a typical year, among regular group showings, there are typically five specialized shows and one or two private shows.

“We hope as soon as we open people will come and admire the art we hang on the walls,” said Roman.

Visit canmoreartguild.org for more information.

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