June 19 – September 14, 2010
Opening Reception, June 20, noon to 4 PM
Swiss Guides Room
Bears, both black and grizzly, are some of the most sought-after wildlife for visitors to the Canadian Rockies. Many talented artists are also inspired by them, and have captured the essence of these massive creatures which can be simultaneously amusing, fascinating, and terrifying. This Art Show and Sale provides some of this area’s most talented wildlife artists with an opportunity to share their unique personal depictions of our bruin friends in a variety of media including: painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media pieces. Many different artistic approaches and interpretations of bears are reflected, in a broad range of work appealing to all museum visitors.
June 19 – October 11, 2010
Opening Reception June 20, noon to 4 PM
Main Gallery
Grizzly! features the art of contemporary artists Dale Auger, Maureen Enns, Dwayne Harty, Dan Hudson, and Cathryn and Fran Jenkins . Other artworks, artifacts, and archival materials from the Whyte Museum’s collection bring home the reality of our relationship with these beautiful and sometimes frightful creatures. From First Nations people to those of us living in the Canadian Rockies today, grizzly bears are a fact of life and symbol of the wild. The exhibition will touch upon bear-human conflict, wildlife management issues, and the impact of diminishing habitat.
This exhibition celebrates Parks Canada’s 125th Anniversary.
July 1 – October 10, 2010
Opening Reception, July 1, 2 to 4 PM
Rummel Room
In the early 1980s, Parks Canada undertook a three-year program of archaeological research and mitigation in response to the twinning development of the Trans-Canada Highway. One of several prehistoric sites that were examined was the Vermilion Lake Site. Radiocarbon dating indicated that there has been human habitation in this area for over 10,000 years. Parks Canada’s role in this very important discovery will be featured in the exhibition, Spirit of the Land and People. In addition, the exhibition will honour Peter and Catharine Whyte’s relationship with First Nations people throughout their lives here. The museum’s collection will highlight the life of their close friend Chief Walking Buffalo, who through his work as a peace activist, created important bridges between cultures.
This exhibition celebrates Parks Canada’s 125th Anniversary.
Opens November 21, 2009
Heritage Gallery
Celebrate the Luxtons – one of Banff’s most well-known and influential families. This exhibition is a tribute to the spirit, vision, commitment, and creative energy of one of the early pioneer families in Banff and the Bow Valley. It showcases many wonderful artifacts and photographs of the Luxton family, as well as several video vignettes produced by The Banff Centre which incorporate the recollections of Stoney elders and others who remember the Luxtons.
High Fashion in the Rockies – A new story has been added focusing on a surprising collection of gorgeous dresses belonging to Georgina and Eleanor – the Luxton ladies. Rediscovered in the Eleanor Luxton Historical Foundation collection were dozens of beautiful dresses from 1910 through the 1960s. A small percentage of this extraordinary assortment of apparel along with accessories including gloves, purses, smoking paraphernalia and lingerie, is now in the Heritage Gallery as part of The Stuff of Legend:
The Luxton Family in Banff and the Bow Valley.
