Contemporary Calgary's new home in the updated centennial planetarium building is now open 6 days/week. Launch exhibitions include a huge moon sculpture by UK-based Luke Jerram and a collection of works by Calgary-based artists, inspired by the architecture and history of Contemporary Calgary's new home. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the return of regular Contemporary Calgary operations is a welcome complement to the programming at Esker Foundation.
Educational, inspirational and always free (admission, guided tours, hands-on workshops, and parking), Esker Foundation is a great starting point when planning a (half) day in Calgary's Inglewood neighbourhood. Through December 20th, there are two exhibitions in the main space: Jeffrey Gibson's "Time Carriers" and Nep Sidhu's "Divine of From, Formed in the Divine (Medicine for a Nightmare)." Ask for a copy of the printed exhibition brochure or download the Esker app to get the most out of a visit to one of Calgary's leading contemporary art galleries.
A portion of the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is open to the public and features a network of trails that provides access to a range of natural habitats plus mountain and city views. It's a quiet place to enjoy nature, just a few minutes outside Calgary's southwest city limits. Road construction in Calgary's SW quadrant make the drive a bit of an ordeal, but once the SW ring road is completed, access will be quick and easy.
Canada's 150th and two recent photo challenges got me thinking about how to show off Calgary's iconic landmarks in photographs. That, in turn, got me thinking about how I like to search images and blogs when we're going to visit other parts of the world, to get some ideas for how to come home with great images from away. Since I benefit from other bloggers' advice on how to photograph their home turf, I thought I'd return the favour... First up? The Calgary Tower.
Despite its official arrival almost four weeks ago, signs of spring remain elusive. But for careful observers, there are compelling clues that spring is creeping over the Calgary landscape: fluffy catkins, pale green leaves poking through, patches of open water on Glenmore Reservoir, and prairie crocus blossoms - the most convincing sign of spring!