Fall art show in Rosebud

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The hills and coulees of Rosebud are an inspiration to artists, and now people have the chance to bring the bounty of that inspiration home.

The upcoming Rosebud Paint-out Art Show, held by the Rosebud Art Collective at the Akokiniskway Gallery, will feature works by artists inspired by the local scenery. 

A gala featuring some of the artists in attendance, sponsored by IGA Drumheller, is being held Nov. 28 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. The gallery will also be open Nov. 27, and Dec. 4 and 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m., to show the collection of works. After that, the show will move to Lineham House Galleries in Okotoks from Dec. 11 to 25.

While the artists have distinct styles, their works are all inspired by the unique landscapes around the small hamlet in Wheatland County. 

“Most people were in town and in the valley, and some people ventured a little bit into the Badlands,” said Valerie Speer, director of the Rosebud Art Collective. “It was a really different lighting and different experience for them to try and capture.”

Some of the pieces are a result of Rosebud’s Plein Air Paint Out events, where artists were invited to visit the hamlet to paint. One such artist is Sharon Lynn Williams, a Calgary-based artist who creates contemporary landscapes “with a strong emphasis on shape and colour.”

The event fostered creation, she said. 

“The town seemed to be very supportive of us, (they) gave us permission to paint in places that were private property, which was nice,” she said. “The landscape was just so interesting and varied from anything we