History of Centennial Art Gallery

Centennial Art Gallery original Press Release in 1975:

The Centennial Art Gallery was conceived in Calgary’s Centennial year, 1975, with the aim of providing an outlet for the work of local emerging artists at a time when exposure was otherwise unavailable to them. It is organized on a co-operative basis in that over half of its contributing artists provide their services on a voluntary basis towards the operation of the Gallery.  Although it is a limited liability company, it is essentially a non-profit organization using all of its revenues towards its upkeep and the support of its members through commissions.  Such aims have resulted in an enthusiastic membership who have contributed to the Gallery’s continuing success without the need for private or governmental funding.  The membership consists of approximately 40 contributing artists at one time, many of whom have subsequently, as a result of the Gallery’s encouragement and promotion, had one-person shows and received national or inter-national recognition. 

The above item was a press release used when the gallery started in 1975.The Board of Directors in 1975:  Betty Cox, Patricia Jones, Lois Washington, Rosemarie Gall,In 1983, a fifth director was appointed:  Dee de Wit.  
The gallery’s first location was in Mayfair Place and due to space restrictions was moved and expanded to Palliser Square East in 1977.   133 – 125 Ninth Ave. SE. 

In 2008,  Centennial Gallery moved from there to a new location, still in the mall, 153, 115 9th Ave SE.

Centennial Art Gallery is now looking for a new physical space, and will keep you posted on any new locations or pop-up shows.