The Leighton Art Centre debuted its latest round of exhibitions this month, with Erratic Sessions by Sean Morel and Stillness and Flow by Wanru Kemp now on view.
Located near Millarville, the breathtaking scenery of the Foothills greets guests as they make their way to the gallery, where they're then greeted by an array of artwork.
Erratic Sessions is a collection of artwork inspired by its namesake, the Okotoks Erratic. Pieces of glass collected by Morel and his daughter around the Big Rock highlight the similarities between the glass and the rock: both originally came from sand, and both travelled a long distance before winding up in the Foothills.
Visitors are also treated to a soundscape of noises inspired by the Big Rock and its creation from the perspectives of geology and Blackfoot tradition.
Wanru Kemp, former Sheep River artist in residence, continues her signature style of blending Western landscapes and Chinese traditional art, including ink painting and brush calligraphy on rice paper, with the goal of merging the ancient Chinese philosophy of highest good with the natural beauty of the Foothills.
Hailing from northeast China, Kemp is a familiar face in the Foothills, having exhibited at the Okotoks Art Gallery in 2021 before being named the second-ever Sheep River artist in residence by the Okotoks Arts Council, Town of Okotoks and Okotoks Public Library.
Both exhibits are on view until June 1 alongside Svea Ferguson's Living Curtain, an exhibit that debuted in February and will remain on view until December.
The Leighton Art Centre, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, will soon be undergoing renovations after being approved for nearly $40,000 in funding from the provincial government to undergo a facility upgrade.
The centre, located at 282027-144 St. West, is open to visitors, with admission by donation, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available on its website.
