The leaves might already be off the trees but there’s still plenty of stunning sights to see this October. With many exhibitions continuing and even more opening, there’s something for everyone this month.

Phantasmagoria (Painting is the Skin of a Woman?)

Until October 1, 2016
Herringer Kiss Gallery (709A 11th Ave. SW)
Free

Calgary’s own Tia Halliday is fast becoming a force to watch. And you can get to know her work at this exhibition that features a series of performed paintings—re-materialized from performance into large-scale aluminum photographic collage cut-outs, digital photographs and small-scale paper collages.
herringerkissgallery.com

Echoes

Until October 8, 2016
Ruberto Ostberg Gallery (2108 18th St. NW)
Free

Calgary-based artist Joanne MacDonald’s latest solo exhibition features sculpture inspired by revisiting past artworks, materials, shapes, scale, and repetition. In this new body of work, she attempts to find resolution around concepts that continue to resound with her. MacDonald will be in the gallery on October 6 from 7:00 to 9:00pm.
ruberto-ostberg.com

Threshold

Until October 8, 2016
Alberta Printmakers Gallery (4025 4th St. SE)
Free

Laura Widmer’s work is a quiet act of defiance in a digital age. Deliberately using a physical process, she creates works that explore the subtleties of expression.
albertaprintmakers.com

Five Estates: Ted Godwin, Bruce Head, Kenneth Lochhead, Toni Onley & David Sorensen

Until October 12, 2016
Wallace Galleries (500 5th Ave. SW)
Free

A play on the idea of the Fifth Estate—a reference to people who operate in journalism outside the normal constraints imposed on the mainstream media—this show comprises recognized artists from Five Estates operating outside the normal constraints of art.
wallacegalleries.com

Nothing is Too Empty a Place to Go

Until October 15, 2016
Stride Main Space (1006 Macleod Tr. SE)
Free

Nothing is Too Empty a Place to Go features Kate Jackson’s laboriously embroidered works on perishable material. Using embroidered paper towels, piles of leaves, flower arrangements, and insects, the work will slowly perish during the course of the exhibition.
stride.ab.ca

Mike Binzer & Carl White

Until October 15, 2016
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free

This month Christine Klassen Gallery presents works from Mike Binzer and Carl White. Binzer’s paintings explore the human figure as subject in a way that is both representational and abstracted and White’s new body of work looks at contemporary interpretation of classical subject matter.
christineklassengallery.com

Something Old, Something New: 125 Years of Wedding Fashion

Until October 16, 2016
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
With admission

As part of its 125th Anniversary celebrations, Lougheed House is showcasing unique Alberta wedding fashion from the last 125 years. The exhibition features collections from the Museum of the Highwood, the Red Deer Museum, the Royal Alberta Museum and the Lougheed House Conservation Society, as well as numerous private collections.
lougheedhouse.com

It’s Gonna Rain

Until October 22, 2016
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. SE)
Free

This month The New Gallery premieres It’s Gonna Rain, an exhibition of three new sculptural works by Canadian artist Divya Mehra. The show explores the universal relationship to the unexpected losses we all face, focusing on the artist’s own experience with the loss of her father, Kamal, just over one year ago.
thenewgalley.org

Cecil Hotel

Until October 22, 2016
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary’s Main Space (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free

Mark Clintberg’s exploration of the recently demolished Cecil Hotel is not to be missed. The hotel opened in 1912, ordered to close by Calgary’s city officials in 2008, and was purchased by The City for nearly $11 million in 2009. Considered an epicentre of prostitution, drugs, murder, and desperation by some, this project includes a large-scale modified replica of the hotel’s neon sign and an edition of custom-made pint glasses.
truck.ca

Masks of the Indigenous People

Until October 27, 2016
Bissett Art Gallery, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)
Free

Calgary artist Elizabeth Laishley’s new mixed media creations, together with the stories they are based on, make for an unusual and innovative exhibition.
masksoftheindigenouspeople.blogspot.com

Gatherer

Until October 29, 2016
Jarvis Hall Gallery (333B 36th Ave. SE)
Free

This month Jarvis Hall Gallery is presenting its first solo exhibition with Marigold Santos. Featuring drawings, paintings and ceramics from the local artist, this is one show you won’t want to miss.
jarvishallgallery.com

Zimoun

Until November 6, 2016
C (117 8th Ave. SW)
Free

Presented in partnership with Beakerhead, Zimoun uses simple components to build architecturally-minded platforms of sound. It’s a mesmerizing experience.
contemporarycalgary.com

Walking Phoenix

Until November 6, 2016
AVALANCHE! Institute of Contemporary Art  (Upper level, 343 11th Ave. SW)
Free

After four and a half years of operating a gallery, shop, and studio, AVALANCHE! Institute of Contemporary Art is shifting focus and hosting its final show in its gallery space.
avalancheavalanche.com

Performing the Landscape

Until November 12, 2016
Multiple locations
Free

This is a big one people. Five local galleries have joined together to revisit the landscape tradition through the lens of the moving image. Performing the Landscape is an exhibition of video and film works exploring the picturesque, wilderness and the sublime.
acad.ca

Staring at the sun with your eyes closed

Until November 26, 2016
Untitled Contemporary Art (343 11th Ave. SW)
Free

This show might be one you just want to check out without knowing too much. Featuring works from Lauren Chipeur and April Martin and curated by Zoë Wonfor, the exhibition looks to be sculptural but not much more can be gleaned. Mark your calendars for the publication launch November 4 at 8:00pm.
uascalgary.org

Searching For Bruce Willis

Until November 26, 2016
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary’s Main Space (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free

Julie Tremble has been greatly influenced by cinema, literature, and philosophy. Her practice considers the role that narrative plays in our experience of the world. Using video and digital animation, she constructs experimental fiction and contemplative animation loops to explore emotion, nature, mental state, and social interaction.
truck.ca

Generations: 50 Years of Art at the University and Beyond

Until December 10, 2016
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free

Examining 50 years of outstanding faculty and students from the University of Calgary’s Department of Art, this show highlights both the artwork and the impact of five decades of imaginative, inspiring and innovative creation. For a special insight into the exhibition, check out the Curator’s Tour from 12:00 to 1:00pm on October 20.
nickle.ucalgary.ca

Fall 2016 Exhibitions

Until December 18, 2016
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free

A new season means new shows at the Esker Foundation. See works from Cedric & Jim Bomford, Jasmine Cibic and Larissa Fassler.
eskerfoundation.com

PARKLUXE 2016

October 1, 2016, 7:00 – 11:00pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE)
$40 – $190, 18+

Merging luxury art and fashion in one spectacular show, PARKLUXE features some of Canada’s premiere high end fashion designers and artists. Shop featured designers, learn about local Canadian talent and network with the city’s fashion elite at this unique evening.
ourparkonline.ticketleap.com

Glenbow at 50

October 1 – 5, 2016
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
$0.50

Calgary’s own Glenbow has spent the last 50 years making remarkable connections between art, culture and the world around us. Now, see that history in this special pop-up exhibition where admission is only $0.50.
glenbow.org

Connections: Calgary Arts Community Builders

October 4, 2016 – February 5, 2017
Gallery 505 (505 8th Ave. SW)
Free

This year has been retrospective year for Calgary Allied Arts Foundation and to celebrate they have highlighted a small selection of its artists that have become internationally recognized artists and influential community builders. And opening reception is slated for 5:00 to 7:00pm on October 13.
calgaryalliedartsfoundation.ca

Free First Thursday Nights

October 6, 2016, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free

It’s an in between time at the museum with a bunch of new exhibits set to open later this month but that just means you have an excellent opportunity to explore the permanent ones for free.
glenbow.org

You May Find Yourself Living in Another Part of the World

October 6 – November 5, 2016
Herringer Kiss Gallery (709A 11th Ave. SW)
Free

Marjan Eggermont’s innovative work has gained her lots of recognition including being named one of the 20 most influential artists in Calgary. Now see this show featuring new work focused on native Albertan fauna. Check out the Opening Reception on October 6 from 5:00 to 8:00pm where Eggermont will be in attendance or join local curator and writer Katherine Ylitalo at 2:00pm on October 22 for a special tour.
herringerkissgallery.com

Curios – Constructed & Found

October 14 – November 5, 2016
Ruberto Ostberg Gallery (2108 18th St. NW)
Free

Albertan father and daughter visual artists Ken and Kenzie Housego debut new artworks in this dual exhibition. Although both have separate art practices, the two are undoubtedly influenced by each other. Their work focus on the tactile and land somewhere between contemporary art and kitsch. Celebrate the show at one of the two opening receptions—October 14 from 5:00 to 9:00pm and October 15 from 2:00 to 5:00pm.
ruberto-ostberg.com

New Craft Coalition Fall Show + Sale

October 14 – 15 & 21 – 22, 2016
Festival Hall (1215 10th Ave. SE)
$2

This carefully curated collection of art, craft, and design is back this fall for two weekends. Check out the whole artist lineup beforehand or just go and be surprised. The show runs two weekends with different artists on both weekends and features one of a kind, high quality, unique hand crafted works.
newcraftcoalition.com

Beacon Original Art Fall Art Exhibition & Sale

October 15 & 16, 2016, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Bridgeland-Riverside Community Centre (917 Centre Ave. NE)
Free

Join Beacon Original Art for its annual fall sale featuring 50 artists selling their works including painting, jewelry, glass, photography, ceramics, sculpture and textiles. Different artists, local and from throughout our great province, will be in attendance each day.
beaconoriginalart.com

Ronald Bloore: Untitled

October 22 – November 9, 2016
Wallace Galleries (500 5th Ave. SW)
Free

From 1958 to 2007, Ron Bloore dedicated his life to painting. In his secondary career as a gallery director, educator, and commentator he fought for the understanding of artists as integral to civilized communities. See his work at this special show that kicks off with an opening reception from 2:00 to 5:00pm on October 22.
wallacegalleries.com

Performagraphic

October 22 – November 26, 2016
TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary’s Main Space (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free

Performagraphic presents a powerful collection of James Luna’s photographic and video works referencing his artistic career of over 30 years. An internationally renowned artist, Luna (Puyukitchum/Luiseno) resides on the La Jolla Indian Reservation in North County San Diego, California. With over 41 solo exhibitions, 85 group exhibitions and performances worldwide, he has given voice to Native American cultural issues in some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. And coinciding with the opening of Performagraphic, M:ST, The University of Calgary and TRUCK Contemporary Art are presenting ISHI: The Archive Performance with James Luna and Sheila Skinner. The performance will be held at West Village Theatre (2007 10th Ave. SW) at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15.
truck.ca

Commanding Heights

October 20 – November 26, 2016
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free

Themes of idolatry, reverence, power and wealth are explored in Lee Nielsen’s Commanding Heights. This series of contemporary painted portraits and completed in the style of religious iconography—figures are set against gold leaf halos, but are representations of an iconic business class that is revered in contemporary culture. Join Nielsen for an opening reception on October 22 from 1:00 to 4:00pm with an artist talk slated for 2:00pm.
christineklassengallery.com

Revenant Portraits

October 20 – November 26, 2016
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free

The second show at Christine Klassen Gallery examines the personal stories of 19th century North American settlers and prairie dwellers. Karrie Arthurs uses original 19th century charcoal portraits to create narratives for these lives that existed at one point in the past, and the ghosts that now exist in their place. She joins Nielsen for an opening reception on October 22 from 1:00 to 4:00pm with an artist talk slated for 2:00pm.
christineklassengallery.com

1920s Modernism in Montreal: The Beaver Hall Group

October 22, 2016 – January 29, 2017
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission

October brings a new season of shows to the Glenbow including this presentation of works by Beaver Hall Group members as well as by artists associated, demonstrating the group’s diversity-fuelled exchanges.
glenbow.org

Rough Country: The Strangely Familiar in mid-20th Century Alberta Art

October 22, 2016 – February 5, 2017
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission

With the postwar social climate, the perspective of Maxwell Bates, Laura Evans Reid, John Snow, W.L. Stevenson and Dorothy Henzell Willis is at times uncanny and disturbing. The myth of Alberta being a land of prosperity and simple beauty is challenged by the works featured in this show.
glenbow.org

M.N. Hutchinson: The Last Longest Day

October 22, 2016 – February 26, 2017
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
With admission

Glenbow’s One New Work series completes with this, the third and final instalment. It focuses on Calgary artist M.N. Hutchinson’s project that saw Hutchinson take one photo every minute on the longest day of the millennium. Selecting from more than 900 photos, the exhibition draws on film negatives, contact sheets and new photographic prints made with traditional darkroom methods.
glenbow.org

Gallery HOP

October 22, 2016, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Multiple locations
Free

Join the Art Dealers Association of Canada: Calgary Section (ADAC) for this special event to promote and connect Calgary’s “Trusted Experts” in art with the public. Swing by each ADAC member gallery for a special talk or presentation.
facebook.com

Foothills Art Club’s Fall Art Show & Sale

October 29, 2016, 10:00am – 4:00pm
St. Andrews United Church (128 1st St. East, Cochrane)
Free admission, refreshments, parking

Go for a little drive and check out some artwork at the Foothills Art Club’s upcoming sale where all club members are eligible to take part. There’s even a chance to win a framed piece as a door prize.
foothillsartclub.com

Caprices Fine Arts’ Dance Macabre Event

October 29, 2016, 11:00am – 4:00pm
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 14th Ave. SW)
$3

Join Caprices Fine Arts and see local artists explore the theme of dance and its influence and inspiration on their work. The day also includes live music, fashion, astrology, card readings and more.
facebook.com

35th Anniversary Exhibition & Sale

October 29 & 30, 2016, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Earl Grey Golf Course (6540 20th St. SW)
Free

The Calgary Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists is celebrating its 35th anniversary with this exhibition and sale. Enter your name to win an original painting. Artists will be in attendance and parking is free.
fcacalgary.ca