ART GALLERIES + MUSEUMS
Curator
Spotlight
NAOMI POTTER
In 2012, Naomi Potter wore a hard
hat and steel-toe boots to her interview
with Jim Hill for the position of director
and curator at Esker Foundation.
Potter says they feature experimental art that pushes boundaries,
while staying relevant to Calgarians.
That’s because the building was still under construction. “It’s important for us to feed the local art community and conversations
around culture, politics and inclusion. We want the public to walk away
feeling they are connected to the work.”
“I spent a good part of the morning with Jim just wandering through
the space and imagining what it could be,” Potter says. “I felt so
much excitement of what could happen here.” Their public programming gives different access points to their exhibits,
which include tours, artist talks, workshops, kid’s classes and a “bring
the baby” art tour.
The Esker Foundation is unique in Canada as it’s funded by
philanthropists and art patrons Jim and Susan Hill. Since opening
in 2012, the gallery has developed a reputation for showcasing
innovative and challenging contemporary art. Potter has been a key
part of positioning Esker as a cultural force in Calgary and Canada
over the past five years. “We start them really young,” she laughs.
If you haven’t been to Esker Foundation before, Potter encourages
you to drop by: “Give it a chance. We’re quite friendly here.”
—Silvia Pikal
“I’m proud of being part of the founding staff of Esker Foundation.
I think about how I’m shaping the future of this place. It’s a heavy
responsibility but it’s also quite exciting. The reputation we’re
building is important to longevity—that motivates me.”
Potter grew up on Salt Spring Island with parents who loved travelling
and took her on trips to Europe, where she spent a lot of time touring
museums.
After completing a Master of Visual Arts at Concordia University, she
lived in various cities in Europe and Canada. Through participating
and working in the visual arts community, she made connections
with artists all over the world.
She says her job at Esker Foundation looks different everyday. She
could be finding artists through research, studio visits or viewing
other exhibitions. She also oversees the installation of art, and
develops Esker’s public programming.
“One of the things I love most about what I do is our installation
period. We close for three weeks and special trucks with huge crates
arrive. It’s kind of like Christmas when we get to open the crates and
see the artwork.”
The following listings include museums, antiques
dealers, and art galleries that the editors judge worthy
of your attention, including advertisers in Where
Calgary. The map coordinates at the end of each listing
(E4, E8 etc.) refer to the city maps on pages 51 to 52. If
you have an observation regarding any of our listings,
please email [email protected].
FOR FULL LISTINGS, PLEASE VISIT
where.ca/calgary
ANTIQUES
ANTIQUE AND COLLECTIBLES SHOP Located in
Heritage Park’s Haskayne Mercantile Block, this store
carries antique collectibles, furniture, china, and silver
donated to the park through their Heritage Heirloom
Program. 1900 Heritage Dr SW, 403-268-8500. Map 1, K5
www.heritagepark.com
CIRCA VINTAGE ART GLASS A one-of-a-kind shop
specializing in glasswork, including vintage, mid-century
modern and contemporary art glass. A must visit for
collectors or those seeking a unique piece of hand-blown
glass art. 1226A - 9 Ave SE, 1-877-290-0145. Map 1, H7
www.circa5060.ca
ART SHOWS & EXHIBITS
A WALL IS JUST A WALL (AND NOTHING MORE)
Until May 6 This exhibit features the work of artist
Kapwani Kiwanga. Don’t miss colour and light installation
pink-blue, where the colours pink and blue come together
in a hallway, providing a unique and memorable way to get
between the different pieces of artwork. Kiwanga’s work
delves into disciplinary architecture and deconstructs
the physical and psychological qualities of different built
environments including schools, prisons, hospitals and
mental health facilities. Esker Foundation, 1011 - 9 Ave SE,
403-930-2490. Map 1, G6 Eskerfoundation.com
FRIDA KAHLO: HER PHOTOS Until May 21 See a side of
iconic painter Frida Kahlo you’ve never seen before in this
TIP
exhibit that showcases more than 250 never-before-seen
photos of Frida and moments from her life, including her
snaps of culture, politics and daily life in Mexico. Glenbow,
130 - 9 Ave SE, 403-268-4100. www.glenbow.org
GROUP ART SOCIETY OF CALGARY ANNIVERSARY
SHOW Mar 10 The Group Art Society of Calgary is
made up of energetic and engaged artists working
in many mediums and sizes. Come to their 50th
anniversary show to browse art, chat with the makers
and take home a beautiful p iece of artwork from
a local artist. This show is free but donations for
the Calgary Food Bank will be accepted. Haysboro
Community Hall, 1204 - 89 Ave SW, 403-253-1563.
www.facebook.com/TheGroupArtistsSocietyOfCalgary
HORSES IN SPORT Learn more about the history of
horses in sport in Canada in this exhibit, which features
events in which horses play an integral role including the
Abstract art and colour lovers, check out Line & Colour at Newzones, a two-person
exhibition featuring the work of Michael Batty and Kristofir Dean. newzones.com
MARCH/APRIL 2018
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