Drumheller visitors and residents wait no longer. The new visual arts gallery is now open in Drumheller’s downtown core. The Community ART Centre and GALLERY is located beside Novel-T’s on 3rd Avenue in Drumheller. President of the Canadian Badlands Artist Association (CBAA) Dave Wigmore said, “The gallery opened July 1 - Canada Day. Admission to the gallery is free of charge and offers a wide range of mediums.” He added, “We will also be offering many programs to the community and our youth for a nominal fee.” Wigmore said, “During the gallery’s transition, ATCO was very supportive. They supplied their building for the artists to display their work up to the time when we moved into our new location.” Wigmore said, “In our new building, Peter Rubingh owner/operator of Home Hardware generously donated materials for the renovations of our new site. That was greatly appreciated.”
The CBAA, a not-for-profit society, houses local artist’s work along with a profile of the artist and their commitment to the community. Wigmore said, “It’s not to say that it is extremely important to sell art to produce art. We do have pieces available for the public for purchase.” The gallery is manned by the artists who can provide visitors and residents information on the piece of art as well as the artist. Wigmore said, “The mandate of the CBAA and why we are here is to profile the artists in our community back to our community.”
The gallery is looking at beginning a mentorship program by becoming involved in educational programs and with interested individuals of the visual arts. Some of the active artists that will be displaying their works include; Lu Dunbar, Dave Wigmore, Ron Kenworthy, Janet Grabner, Dave Countryman, Phyllis Starling, Ellen Dick, Mike Todor, Rosalie Nimmo, Dianne Faulter, Marcel Deschenes, Stephanie Walker, Gary Cox and others. The association is supported by a base funding from the government along with the assistance of corporate sponsors and community funding events. Wigmore said, “With the gallery, we hope to promote our artists as well as making art accessible, educating and bringing arts to our youth. With increasing the value of the visual arts to the community, the gallery protects and preserves the heritage and culture of rural Alberta.”
Hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday from 3-9 p.m.