CANMORE – The halls of the Malcolm Hotel will be transformed into a vibrant display for the fifth annual Rocky Mountain Art Festival in Canmore.
The festival, hosted by Art Country Canada, kicked off Wednesday (Sept. 25) and will run to Monday (Sept. 30).
Art lovers can expect to see the works of known artists such as John Einersson, Brent Heighton, Vilem Zach, among others, who will be in attendance to talk about their craft.
“Our Canadian government has invested in Brent Heighton. His pieces graced the walls of our Senate floor,” said Anastasia Avlonitis, Art Country Canada manager. “He’s shown around the world for 40 years on behalf of Canada, again considered recognized not only in our Senate, but on the back walls of television shows, from Law and Order to CSI and Hallmark movies.”
Among impressive paintings, viewers can also expect to see sculptures made from soapstone, alabaster and marble.
The festival is free to attend, however, a plein air painting competition will take place with a paid entrance fee. For first place, the artist will win $1,000, with second getting $500 and third receiving $250.
The outdoor painting competition will take place along the pathway near the Canmore Opera House and behind the hotel from Friday (Sept. 27) to Sept. 30 and the public is encouraged to watch the artist go to work. Those looking to enter can register by calling 877-265-4555.
The competition was formally known as the Bragg Creek Plein Air Festival, but has now moved to Canmore, marking the first time it’s returned since 2019.
All entrants in the competition will also be allowed to hang and sell two paintings at Art Country Canada’s Spring Creek gallery throughout October.
The competition allows for artists to get tips and advice from pros like Einersson, in addition to trying to take home some cold hard cash.
“We want to offer an opportunity to not only paint side by side, [and] to learn from some of the finest artists, but then to have an opportunity to have their work displayed within the community,” said Avlonitis.
Heading downtown to Art Country Canada’s main street location, festival goers will find an exhibition by Fraser McGurk, who’s known for his unique work displayed around the Valley at places like artsPlace, the Banff Information Centre and the Bow Valley Parkway.
The exhibition however will be a blast from the past, showing images and sketches from his time near Lake Louise and Lake O’Hara from Sept. 28-29.
