Lobby Art Gallery

Current Exhibit: All Our Relations, Portraits from the Elder’s Gatherings by Craig Richards

October 26th from 1-3 pm

ARTIST TALK & WALK: Join Craig for an artist talk and walk through the gallery and learn about this incredible show. 

Every year, for the past 19 years, Indigenous Elders have gathered in the shadow of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain, near the banks of the Bow River, in Banff National Park.  Elders, from First Nations and Métis communities on both sides of the Rocky Mountains, come from seven major language groups, from families with stories told through the generations of using and sharing this valley, the rivers, mountains, buffalo, and salmon. The Elders meet; family stories are shared; traditional medicines are exchanged. They discuss a range of issues from problems facing youth, the effects of residential schools, and how to bring back the Buffalo and Salmon to the prairies and rivers.  The gatherings provide hope and direction for restoring culture, language, and community health, now and into the future.

Over the years youth have been invited to participate and have brought additional perspectives to the conversations. This has also been an opportunity for the Elders to pass on their knowledge. An annual three-day event, these gatherings are led by the Elders and hosted by the Juniper Hotel in Banff, which is located on a historically significant site for First Nations peoples. These gatherings have become a spiritual experience that bonds participants and unifies their voice as brothers and sisters.

Edmonton-born photographer Craig Richards lived in Canmore for 40 years and currently resides in Mill Bay, Vancouver Island. His solo exhibition brings together images of Indigenous Elders gathered in the shadow of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain, near the banks of the Bow River, in Banff National Park and the natural landscape. His work on the Canadian Rockies has been the subject of 60 solo exhibitions, and over 70 group exhibitions at public and commercial art galleries and museums throughout the world.

Upcoming Exhibits

Nov 14 to Dec 22, 2024

Gloria S. Daly & Lesley Comassar: Elemental

Textile Artists Lesley Comassar and Gloria S. Daly show their individual interpretations of the Five Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, & Ether (Spirit) to explore how climate change affects the world we live in. Lesley uses mixed media and machine stitching, whereas Gloria works only with hand stitching in a contemporary manner.

Jan 10 to Feb 24, 2025

Adin Teufel: Animus

Inspired by Jung, Joseph Campbell & Stéphane Blanquette, art has always given Adin something to focus on. His truth is that everything has a consciousness, and what seems material is actually mental. Adin tells stories in a single image, juxtaposing organic patterns while incorporating mixed feelings and emotions. Each idea is a spirit child, caringly worked until they say they’re big enough to out in the world on their own.

About the Lobby Art Gallery

The Lobby Art Gallery is located on the 3rd floor in the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre lobby and is open for public viewing one hour prior to show times without a ticket. Private viewings can be arranged by emailing [email protected].