advancing the arts in Lethbridge

F a l l / W i n t e r 2 0 1 2

A publication of the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC)

LUNCHEON. . . f o r b u s i n e s s & t h e a r t s

MAYOR’S

2011 AACE AwardsAllied Arts Council

Awards of Excellence

Individual:Johnathan Lance Scout

Service Organization:Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens

Business:TD Canada Trust/TD Financial Group

Joan Waterfield Memorial Award:Robert Fenton,

Lethbridge Musical Theatre

THANK YOUTO OUR EVENT PARTNERS

SILVER

BRONZE

JOAN WATERFIELD MEMORIAL AWARD sponsored by:

GOLD

PLATINUM

ARTSBRIDGE 1

Southern Alberta has a vibrant and thriving

arts community which has developed over

a long period of time. With all the exciting

changes that have occurred in Lethbridge

recently, including the expansion of

the SAAG and the highly anticipated

Community Arts Centre, it is interesting

to look back at the history of arts and arts

facilities in our community.

Lethbridge and the surrounding area have

had the opportunity to share their work

with the community with remarkable,

historical venues such as the Bowman Arts

Centre, the Trianon Gallery and the Empress

Theatre.

Many people in Southern Alberta do not

recognize the rich and unique history

we have of producing incredible visual

and performing arts. We wanted to give

everyone a glimpse of the past so we can

see how far our community has come, and

where our community needs to grow.

What is it about a building that makes it

more than just brick and concrete? Is it the

history? Is it engrained in the walls? Or is it

something more? We sat down with John

Savill, owner of the Trianon Gallery, and

asked him a little bit about the building

downtown, as it has transitioned from a

department store to a ballroom to a gallery

(page 8).

2012 has been a big year for Southern

Alberta, it has seen the centennial of many

of our historic buildings. It is fascinating

that two of our landmark arts facilities,

the Bowman Arts Centre and the Empress

Theatre, both turned 100 years old this year.

Belinda Crowson looks into the history of

the Bowman, how it started as a school and

its eventual use as an arts facility (page 11).

Bonnie Kennedy and Mary Oordt discuss

the history of the Empress Theatre in Fort

Macleod as it turned the century mark this

past summer (page 13).

As we look forward to the opening of the

Community Arts Centre next May, we also

recognize the need for a performing arts

centre as a part of the downtown cultural

corridor. When looking into the history of

performing arts facilities in our community,

we discovered the original plans for the

Yates Centre in the 1960s were to develop

more than just a theatre; they were to

develop an entire cultural centre. Read

more on what happened to this cultural

facility on page 6!

With a forward looking vision on a Cultural

Corridor in our downtown core, we need to

recognize the importance of our past. The

history of how the arts developed in our

community is something worth holding

onto, and will forever define us as an active

and vibrant arts community.

Suzanne LintExecutive Director

director’smessage

Fall

/W

inte

r 20

12PublisherAllied Arts Council of Lethbridge318 . 7 Street SouthLethbridge, AB T1J 2G2T: 403.320.0555 F: 403.320.2450info@artslethbridge.orgwww.artslethbridge.org

Publication date September 2012

Administration

Suzanne LintExecutive Director

Jana MacKenzieFinance

Muffy McKayProjects

Derek StevensonCommunications

Vanessa Eagle BearReception

Programming

Claire HattonEducation & Facility Services

Darcy LoganGallery Services

Board of Directors

PRESIDENTGloria Torrance

VICE PRESIDENTTyler Stewart

SECRETARYTyler Gschoid

TREASURERShanna Bailey

DIRECTORSRon BrownSarah ChristensenBarb CunninghamKris HodgsonTweela HoutekamerGreg NormanDione OveresDon ReevesJennifer Schmidt RempelKim SieverElizabeth Songer

For additional copies contact the AAC office.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Pis a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history. Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a com-munity we have had a number of facilierform-ing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talent-ed musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when the first opera house was built to 1966 when the Yates was built we have been a community commit-ted to supporting the performing arts, here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history. Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talented musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when

a substantial inven-

tory of work that, for a

variety of reasons, will

likely remain so for

some time. Let’s just

refer to it as Van Gogh

Syndrome, though

few if any will ever

gain that artist’s post-

humous fame.

It can be said with-

out reservation that

most visual artists

(at least the ones I

know) certainly don’t

make art for financial

gain. Thus, it could be

said that the issue of

whether a communi-

ty supports its artists

or not is moot. That

would be approach-

ing the whole matter

from a completely

wrong perspective.

Let’s, instead, view it

from the community

point of view. In some

ambiguous way there

is a symbiotic rela-

tionship that exists

between visual artists

(and probably other

bo

ard

blo

gWhy should we keep old buildings around? I mean, really, they’re a lot of work, they creak, and

they don’t match their new neighbors. We tend to ignore their contribution to the community

until it’s too late. But so what? If we knock them down, we’ll put up something easier to maintain.

So what significance do older structures really play in our lives?

Part of knowing who you are has a lot to do with knowing where you’ve been. It takes a while

to appreciate what history has to offer, but I like to think it’s easier to know where you are going

when you feel firmly associated with your past. To older folks yesterday is cherished, but to the

younger generation it’s all about “now.” The young aren’t into the past simply because they

have no past. They have no means of relating to it. With age comes experience, which grants

you fellowship in your community built on past events and familiar references. It helps you feel

connected and more secure as you move ahead in life.

There is a reason for the popularity of ancestry.com, even among people in their 20s; it’s all about

creating links. Say you stumble on an interesting Dutch ancestor. The next time you visit Holland,

you do so with a bond you never felt before. It’s human nature to feel substantiated by our

history, and part of that history comes from our surroundings. Just as with human connections,

the more we know about our community buildings, the more sensitive and engaged we are

with them. To a young man, the Carnegie Library may be just an old building incorporated into

a modern art gallery. But once he finds out that as a boy his dad fell in love with World War II

Spitfires and B-52s in the Carnegie’s stacks, he enters the historic portion of the Southern Alberta

Art Gallery with a new sense of wonder.

Preserving a city’s structures is like passing on a family heirloom. They are the community’s

heirlooms. But are they all gems? No one wants to keep the smelly old ball cap that Grandpa

wore to change the oil, but what about Aunt Matilda’s mysterious wedding ring when there’s no

record of her ever getting married. Or the sketches Uncle Jack drew after each harvest telling the

story of the farm’s growth. Those are keepers, aren’t they? The big question is whether to toss

them, dump them in the basement to rot, put them in archival boxes, or display them.

Communities have the same dilemma with their buildings, and like individuals, don’t always

make the right choices. They often keep but ignore less important structures, and raze those

that are of significance. Just like the family heirlooms, not all structures are worth keeping.

Characteristics to consider are quality design, solid construction, a unique building technique,

or the site of a momentous local event. Now that Alberta has passed the 100 year mark, and

some rare birds like the Empress Theatre are celebrating their centennials, we need to be better

stewards of our built heritage.

People often sigh when a new structure goes up right next to an historic one, but unless you are

trying to memorialize a specific time, like Fort Whoop-Up or Picture Butte’s Coyote Flats Pioneer

Village, it’s a healthy thing. Cities and towns are alive; not frozen in time. Layers of history tell

a story, and we would be wise to show respect for both the old and the new. Older structures

add variety; they expose us to techniques and palettes not achievable today. We can learn a lot

from the old buildings just as they learn to adapt to today’s requirements. As we deepen our

appreciation for them, we find that they enable us to build a connection to our society. When

we walk by the mix of eras and styles of our town’s history, we are reminded of the strength of

the community that we call home. AB

scroll

Elizabeth Songer, SONGER architecture inc

What’s an Old Building Done for You Lately?

2 ARTSBRIDGE

Pis a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history. Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a com-munity we have had a number of facilierform-ing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talent-ed musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when the first opera house was built to 1966 when the Yates was built we have been a community commit-ted to supporting the performing arts, here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history. Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talented musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when

ARTSBRIDGE 3

Performing Arts have been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as

a

community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talented

musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city.

From 1891 when the first opera house was built to 1966 whe

n the Yates

was built we have been a community committed to supporting the

performing arts. Here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our hi

story.

The Morris Theatre was built around

1911. The name changed to Orpheum

Theatre in 1917, then to Palace Theatre

and finally to the Capitol Theatre in

1928. It was demolished in 1973 to make

way for the Lethbridge Centre. The

Morris Theatre building was located at

414 5th Avenue South.

Photograph showing the Roxy Theatre on 328 5th Street South.

V I S U A L E S S A Y

Pis a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history. Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilier-forming Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talented musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when the first opera house was built to 1966 when the Yates was built we have been a community committed to supporting the performing arts, here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history. Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facili-ties built to house the talented musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when the first opera house was built to 1966 when the Yates was built we have been a community committed to supporting the performing arts, here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history.Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talent-ed musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when the first opera house was built to 1966 when the Yates was built we have been a community commit-ted to supporting the performing arts, here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history.Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a commu-nity we have had a number of facilities built to house the talented musicians, actors, and

4 ARTSBRIDGE

Photograph of the exterior of the Majestic Theatre at 512 5 Avenue

South in Lethbridge.

Built in 1891 as an opera and entertainment house, this theatre was

located where the new Community Arts Centre is currently being built. It was taken over by the Alberta Railway and Irrigation Company circa 1899. From 1946-1966 it was headquarters of the

St. Mary and Milk Rivers Development Administration. It was purchased by the

city in 1966 and demolished.

Photograph of the interior of the Majestic Theatre, looking from the back of the theatre towards the stage. The building was built in 1908 as the Griffiths Theatre. It became the Majestic in 1910 and Palm Dairy in 1938. It remained Palm Dairy until 1978 when it was destroyed by a fire.

Pis a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history. Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilier-forming Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talented musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when the first opera house was built to 1966 when the Yates was built we have been a community committed to supporting the performing arts, here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history. Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facili-ties built to house the talented musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when the first opera house was built to 1966 when the Yates was built we have been a community committed to supporting the performing arts, here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history.Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a community we have had a number of facilities built to house the talent-ed musicians, actors, and dancers that come through our city. From 1896 when the first opera house was built to 1966 when the Yates was built we have been a community commit-ted to supporting the performing arts, here is a sneak peak at some of the stages in our history.Performing Arts has been a staple in Lethbridge’s history, and as a commu-nity we have had a number of facilities built to house the talented musicians, actors, and

ARTSBRIDGE 5

Photograph of the front of the Capitol Theatre. The theatre was located on 5th street between 4th and 5th Avenues South. It was demolished in

1973 to make way for the Lethbridge Centre.

Photograph of the inside

of the Capitol Theatre

looking up to the ceiling

and onto the stage.

The completion of the Genevieve E. Yates Memorial Centre at 1002 4 Avenue South in 1966..

*All photos and decriptions obtained from the Galt Museum & Archives

6 ARTSBRIDGE

After researching some of the old theatres and arts facilities in our community, I stum-

bled upon a picture of a model created in 1961 by Lurie and Neufeld Architects for a cultural centre

in downtown Lethbridge.

I was fascinated by this plan, originally because of the similarities in shape and design that the building

had when compared to the new community arts centre, but secondly because I recognized that the idea

for a cultural hub in our community has been in the works since the early 1960s.

The building that was eventually built in place of this proposed cultural centre was the Yates Memorial

Centre. The City of Lethbridge, a steering committee, and interested parties at the time, such as the Allied

Arts Council, The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Association and Lethbridge Playgoers, all recognized

the need to build a city-owned facility to accommodate Lethbridge’s vibrant culture.

Part of the initial planning for this building came about when the will of Dean Roscoe Yates left a large

sum of money to the City of Lethbridge, to build an arts facility /cultural centre in the name of his late

wife, Genevieve. There was also a push by the community to expand the arts facilities, build an art gallery,

a museum, and a large theatre for community and touring groups to use.

The building of this facility was up for debate back in the ‘60s, especially the location of it and what par-

ticular facilities would get to be a part of it. At one point, the city discussed connecting this new cultural

centre with the Civic Centre in order to have an entire building dedicated to both culture and recreation.

At another point, it was proposed that the City of Lethbridge purchase the old Capitol Theatre (page 5)

and renovate it to accommodate the performing arts organizations. The Allied Arts Council at the time

suggested building the facility in Galt Gardens and connecting it with the old Carnegie library, which is

now currently the SAAG.

The building, as it was proposed, was to have a theatre for 800-1200 people, a studio for the sketch club,

a large green room for Lethbridge Playgoers, a meeting room for the camera club, an exhibition space, a

museum, a library, and an art gallery. Eventually, many of these proposed facilities were changed, partly

because the Galt hospital was purchased as a space for the museum, and partially because the funding

that was originally going to go towards this building was given to the Henderson Lake Pool Project. At

that time, the entire estimated cost of creating the proposed facility was $660,000.00.

Cultu

ral C

entre

to Cu

ltura

l Cor

ridor

by Derek Stevenson

The idea for a cultural hub in our community has been in the works since the early 1960s.

a jo

urn

ey fo

r Art

s fa

cilit

ies

ARTSBRIDGE 7

The Carnegie Library was built in 1922 in Galt Gardens at 6th street. The library was first established in 1918 and received funding in the early 1920s from the Carnegie foundation to create an adequate sized building to house the library. The Public Library became the focus of local culture, and served as a library for over fifty years. The building now continues to operate as a cultural centre for our community, as it is home to the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.

The City of Lethbridge eventually decided that the

building should be built to accommodate the per-

forming arts. The location selected was next to the

1952 Courthouse on 4th Avenue South where a

sports field was previously located. The Yates build-

ing was completed in 1966, with the addition of the

Sterndale Bennett Theatre in the 1990s.

One of the most fascinating things about this pro-

posed project from the sixties is the fact that the

Lethbridge Arts Community has been asking for a

centralized cultural centre in our downtown for over

50 years. With the completion of the Community Arts

Centre in the spring of 2013, and the proposed per-

forming arts centre, it is very possible that the origi-

nal plans for a centralized cultural centre, or the cur-

rent vision for the Lethbridge Cultural Corridor, will

become a reality for our community.

Did you

It is very possible that the original plans for a centralized cultural centre, or the current vision for the Lethbridge Cultural Corridor will become a reality for our community.

know?

L e t h b r i d g e ’ s N e w C o m m u n i t y A r t s C e n t r e :

A Place to

Learn, Live L ve the artsand

An Information Session on Booking & Programing opportunites for future users:

October 11, 2012 7pm Bowman Arts Centre

8 ARTSBRIDGE

Can you tell us a little bit about the history behind the

Trianon name?

At Versailles, the Trianon ballroom was a main social venue in France. There were Trianon ballrooms

all over the world, including the one in Lethbridge; so naturally when naming the space, we decided

to go with the Trianon. Marie Antoinette built the Petit Trianon as a summer retreat, and that is what

the downstairs gallery is named after.

How long has this building been around?

The building turned 100 years old in 2007. Originally it was the Hudson’s Bay building. During the

Great Depression, the Bay was forced to leave Lethbridge and the building was sold to John Jardine

( Lethbridge’s 16th Mayor :1947-1949) and his partners. They opened the Trianon Ballroom on the

second floor, which lasted until the ‘60s.

from Ballroom to Gallery

Engrained in the Walls:

by Derek Stevenson, AAC Communications Coordinator

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with John Savill, of Savill Group Architecture LTD, to discuss the history of the Trianon Building.

ARTSBRIDGE 9

What was it about this space that was

appealing to you?

In 1989 I was looking for an office space downtown with some

other architects. The old dance hall space was above the Chinook

Trading Centre and had been abandoned for about five years

when I first saw it. It was one of the most beautiful rooms I had

ever seen and I rented it on the spot. Although in rough shape, the

proportions and natural light couldn’t have been better.

Can you tell us a little bit about the

opening, when you first moved into the

building?

We didn’t know anything about the building’s history when we

started. But once we fixed the building up, we decided to have a

dance to celebrate our opening. We re-created an imaginary night

from the past, and made it a fundraiser for the Southern Alberta

Art Gallery. In the process of re-creating the dance, we discovered

that many people had great memories of the old dance hall. There

was a big turnout, including lots of seniors and people dressed in

period costume.

Can you talk a little bit about the band

that you brought in for this fundraiser?

Pat Horrocks was working with me when she discovered this band

called the Alberta Ranch Boys, who first played at the Trianon Ball-

room in 1942. They were the house band for 15 years at the Ball-

room and had been broadcasted nationally. When the band mem-

bers were introduced at the first dance they acknowledged both

living and dead members of the band.

Tell us a little bit about your gallery

practice?

My initial idea was to work in the open space, but eventually we

separated our workspace from the art gallery. I have always found

that we exist in a middle ground between a studio and a museum.

Lethbridge has been in the process of developing into a fine arts

city and we have been fortunate to share in the development. We

have exhibited artists at all levels of their careers from students to

internationally recognized artists. It’s exciting to see some artists

who first exhibited when they were students, are now teaching

and exhibiting both locally, nationally and internationally.

How does the Trianon differentiate

itself from the other galleries in the

community?

Partially because the main business here is the architectural busi-

ness, I haven’t been competing with the other galleries for funding

or sponsorship. We generally try to be supportive of the local art

community and have done things jointly with the SAAG, the Uni-

versity, Trap/Door and the Potemkin collective.The gallery has also

helped to inform our architectural practice, constantly reminding

us of the value of experimentation and ongoing learning. With art

and architecture it’s not always about money but more about in-

tent and the sincerity of effort.

What was your motivation to create the

gallery space in the Trianon?

We had much more space than we needed and I thought it would

be a complementary use of the space. In the early days people like

Carl Granzow and Billy McCarroll were very influential in bringing

in exhibits and guiding the direction. From there, the gallery has

almost had a life of its own. I have gotten tremendous support

from the art community for sustaining it. The artists that show

here have to do a lot more than in other places, and have to fend

for themselves in the space when we are too busy to help out.

What makes this space so special?

It’s a great room with a great history, and I think people always

feel welcome and comfortable in the space. One fellow was watch-

ing us work when we were fixing it up. His parting comment was

“ best damm dance hall there ever was.” Since then I have always

felt like the caretaker of a public space. I don’t think any art collec-

tion could match the joy of having a gallery. Not only do we get to

work in a creative, constantly changing environment, we also meet

a great number of talented people and are able to take pleasure in

knowing them and following their careers. AB

10010 ARTSBRIDGE

100ARTSBRIDGE 11

by Belinda Crowson

Like people, buildings mature and change. The Bowman, turning 100 this year, has certainly served

the people of Lethbridge and southern Alberta in a varied and impressive manner.

Architects H.M. and W.A. Whiddington used a combination of architectural styles, primarily Colle-

giate Gothic, popular for educational facilities in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Bowman’s

construction highlighted the development of Lethbridge as a modern city, ready to take its place in

a growing nation. On 21 August 1912 the Alberta Minister of Education, the Honorable John R. Boyle,

laid the cornerstone for the building. A greater honour was to come when on 10 October 1912 the

Duke of Connaught, Governor General of Canada, officially opened the building.

The building served as a Manual Training School, the first such school in Alberta. As a manual training

school, it was essentially a vocational school where boys learned metalwork, woodwork and ma-

chine shop while girls were taught household sciences/home economics. Adult classes were offered

in the evening. The building also accommodated the school board offices and board room.

However, the Bowman would serve in this capacity for only a few short years (1912-1915). The finan-

cial and staffing realities of the First World War resulted in the closure of the manual training school.

In 1915 the building matured into its second job as the Lethbridge High School. One famous alumni

who attended school in the Bowman was Forrest Mars of Mars Bar, M&M and Uncle Ben’s Rice fame.

When Forrest Mars’ parents divorced, he was raised by his maternal grandparents. In January 1920,

Forrest moved with them to Lethbridge and started school. Forrest had Flora Rothney as his 10th

grade teacher and S.R. Tompkins as his teacher in grade 11. No record of his grade 12 year has been

found, though the Mars Company history book reports that he graduated from Lethbridge in 1922.

In 1928, with the completion of LCI (now the Lethbridge Public School Board Office and Victoria Park

High School), the Bowman went through another change from high school to Bowman Elementary

School. It was at this time the building acquired the Bowman name. C.B Bowman, its namesake, was

an early Lethbridge businessman who served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of Leth-

bridge School District 51 from 1905 to 1912. C.B. Bowman also served as a Lethbridge alderman and

acting mayor. Charles Bowman’s wife, Florence, was one of the first nurses at the Galt Hospital; their

son, Paddy Bowman, earned an Order of the British Empire for service in the Second World War.

A CENTURY OF SHAPING

Some people shared a few thoughts on the building:

“The scent of the Bowman is some-thing I will never forget. Old wood. And the creak of the stairs, up or down, remain a constant sound in my memory.” Candace L.

“I must say the energy in the centre is magic! I met some of the most won-derful people on earth.” Linda Mae S.

“I feel the positive energies of all the lovely, gifted artists who have shared their blessings with others throughout the years.” Christine S.A.

“Some buildings make a statement and are invaluable to the landscape of our city....I am willing to lay down in front of the bulldozer for the Bowman.” Jean J.

The Bowman Arts Centre:

Joan Waterfield and Mary Gazettas at the Bowman in 1970.

12 ARTSBRIDGE

811 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge

w w w . c o m m u n i t y a r t s c e n t r e . o r g

In 1963, after Bowman Elementary closed, the building was purchased by the City of Lethbridge. The first

plan was to use the building as a museum and the Civic Museum was organized. The exhibits were open

to view in February 1964. However, the museum soon moved out, relocating into the Galt Hospital. The

Bowman was once again looking for a purpose.

By a stroke of good fortune, in the 1960s, the Allied Arts Council was looking for a home. Several build-

ings around Lethbridge were considered and rejected – the former nurses’ residence at the Galt Hospital,

the old Lealta Theatre and others. When the museum moved out of the Bowman, the Allied Arts Council

saw an opportunity to develop the building as an arts centre. The Council and City of Lethbridge worked

out an operating agreement and the Bowman Art Gallery was officially opened on 9 January 1965. First

tenants were listed as the Joliffe Academy of Dancing, the Lethbridge Sketch Club, Oldman River Potters’

Guild, Lethbridge Camera Club, Lethbridge Handicraft Guild and Playgoers of Lethbridge.

Since its conversion into the Bowman Arts Centre, the building has been one of Lethbridge’s most promi-

nent and beloved venues, a showcase for arts and other cultural activities. The building provided homes

to dozens of visual and performing arts groups with studio and exhibit space.

October 13, 2012 1pm - 4pm

100� Anniversary

Cele�ation!

Now, at 100 years of age, the Bow-

man faces another change. In the

next year, a new building will take

on the role of Community Arts Cen-

tre. What does this change mean for

the Bowman?

The Bowman is much more than just

a sum of its history. Its importance

and role were recognized when it

was declared a Provincial Historic

Resource in March 1982. It has be-

come a favourite for many people.

The Bowman provides a tangible

link to our past, providing us with

a sense of time and place, and is an

irreplaceable part of our collective

history and community identity.

The Bowman has also been flex-

ible, taking on new identities and

purposes as Lethbridge has grown

and changed. Who knows what the

next century holds for the graceful,

proud building as it continues to

serve the community. AB

C.B. Bowman

Staff and students at the manual training school in 1915.

ARTSBRIDGE 13

FROM ITS BEGINNINGS IN 1912, THE EMPRESS THEATRE ON FORT MACLEODʼS MAIN STREET COMMITTED TO PRESENTING BOTH

LIVE PERFORMANCE AND FILM – AN AIM IT REMAINS FAITHFUL TO A CENTURY LATER.

AnEMPRESSIVE

EMPRESSby Bonnie Kennedy & Mary Oordt - Members of the 2012 Empress Centennial Committee

14 ARTSBRIDGE

Before a structure dedicated to cultural endeavours ever appeared, artistic ac-

tivities were part of life in the area. First Nations people set the example – sing-

ing, drumming and dancing in their encampments near the banks of Oldman

River. By 1874, the Mounties arrived adding their mix of song, dance, satires

and sendups, staged in barracks and mess halls as soon as the walls went up.

Appearing shortly after, settlers constructed town and church halls where oth-

er views of life found expression through song, performances and silent films.

In the early 1900s, lawyer Thomas B. Martin bought the lot at the heart of Main Street.

The lot had obvious potential, located as it was on the sunny side of the street. Still,

the entrepreneur delayed a few years before making his move, perhaps pausing to

weigh the risks involved in choosing either an artistic or more strictly commercial

venture. Married and with children, Martin ultimately must have understood that a

civil healthy society finds a way to have both. Then, as now, families wanted to stay

in communities rich with opportunities for personal development through music,

dance, drama and visual arts. Late in 1911, Martin had made up his mind, engaging

Medicine Hat architect William T. Williams to, as a newspaper of the time stated, draw

plans for “a fine new opera house.” A few months later, former Mountie James S.

Lambert was awarded the contract to construct the building and, come summertime

1912, the doors opened and the show was on!

The only original vaudeville theatre still in operation in Alberta, the Empress

has since those early days hosted the silent film era with its live house orches-

tras, talkies, great films throughout the years, live touring and local shows,

dance and music recitals, political debates, and more. It has, as author Peter

Scott states in Reign of the Empress – 1912-2012: A History of the Empress Theatre

in Fort Macleod, Alberta, offered “a rich Empress playbill through its first 100

years.” And, despite “...economic trials and political skirmishes” as well as pe-

riods of restoration and renovation the Empress has, throughout its existence,

remained accessible to a faithful audience in southern Alberta.

THE ONLY ORIGINAL VAUDEVILLE THEATRE STILL IN OPERATION IN ALBERTA, THE EMPRESS HAS SINCE THOSE EARLY DAYS HOSTED THE SILENT FILM ERA WITH ITS LIVE HOUSE ORCHES-TRAS, TALKIES, GREAT FILMS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, LIVE TOURING AND LOCAL SHOWS, DANCE AND MUSIC RECITALS, POLITICAL DEBATES, AND MORE.

In recent years under Town of Fort Macleod owner-

ship and support, the Empress’s board of directors

and executive directors have broadened the the-

atre’s vision offering a growing menu of cultural

opportunities. In 2005, directors of the day looked

beyond stage presentations to consider how the

visual arts might also be celebrated within the

theatre. The Alberta Centennial Legacy Program

allowed the Empress to commission prominent

illustrator/fine artist, art instructor and born-and-

raised southern Albertan Neil Boyle to produce

artwork for the theatre. Boyle’s six grand paintings,

depicting subjects encompassing stars from film

history to local figures from the community’s past,

now grace the walls of the Empress auditorium.

The following year, the Fort Macleod Interna-

tional Music Festival, with the assistance of

a grant from the Alberta Rural Development

Fund, found a home at the Empress, drawing

chamber music patrons from southern Alberta

to hear performances by classical musicians

from across Canada, USA, England, Israel, and

Hungary. During the festival’s term at the

Empress, world-renowned violist and festival

co-founder Rivka Golani commissioned three

pieces of music inspired by southern Alberta

landscape and history. The first of these, Bear

Child, was commissioned to Canadian compos-

er Alan Bell and writer Fred Stenson. In 2010,

British composer Benjamin Ellin composed

Siksika and, in 2011, Nahdoosi. All three works

premiered at the festival and both Bear Child

and Siksika have since been performed in Lon-

don, England.

Erin Henderson-Bourke and Robert Allan Hughes in a scene from The Stage That Made Us by playwright Ron Chambers.

As author Peter Scott notes in Reign of the Empress,

the theatre “... has added a new role to its repertoire,

providing educational opportunities to learn about

theatrical endeavours and music of all genres.” In

summer drama camps, the Empress offers children

and teens occasions to become part of a team

working together to create a unique performance,

under the guidance of skilled instructors. Similarly

Project Muse, an Empress program sponsoring

school visitations by young, accomplished classi-

cal musicians offers alternative routes for schools

to access classical music education in Southern

Alberta. This year Project Muse took the program

to 14 schools in the area. At the close of the two

week project, the Empress presented “Music Un-

wrapped,” a family-oriented concert designed to

introduce parents, children and others to the rich

heritage of classical music. Throughout the year,

many opportunities are given to students to un-

derstand and enjoy a variety of musical genres in

the outreach programmes.

Always there is a need to maintain older buildings and the Empress Centennial

Fund has met one half of its goal of $500,000. The money will repair the roof,

the heating and air conditioning, reupholster the ruby red seats and install digi-

tal equipment to keep the Theatre up with the times.

In what they hoped was a particularly meaningful way to recognize the Empress The-

atre on its 100th birthday, the present board of directors commissioned three artistic

enterprises which were launched on the Gala Celebration on June 29, 2012. John

Wort Hannam composed and performed a song about the Empress that had every-

one singing; Peter Scott read from and launched his history book; and Ron Chamber’s

play, “The Stage That Made Us,” was premiered to rave reviews. People came from

near and far to honour the theatre, to recall memories and to wish her well in the

years to come. That night at the Empress it was clear arts and culture are as critical

for a small prairie town as they are for bigger centres; they satisfy an infinite human

need to make sense of our existence. Put more simply, they bring a town to life and

life to a town. Long live the Empress! AB

John Wort Hannam performs “They Brought the House Down .”

Peter

Sco

tt re

ads f

rom

his b

ook “

Reig

n of

the E

mpr

ess 1

912

- 201

2.”

EMPRESSARTSBRIDGE 15

THAT NIGHT AT THE EMPRESS IT WAS CLEAR ARTS AND CULTURE ARE AS CRITICAL FOR A SMALL PRAIRIE TOWN AS THEY ARE FOR BIGGER CENTRES; THEY SATISFY AN INFINITE HUMAN NEED TO MAKE SENSE OF OUR EXISTENCE.

16 ARTSBRIDGE

In Memoriam:

Nov 13 1932 - Oct 28 2011Ralph Thrall Jr.by Jeffery Spalding

Ralph Thrall Jr. was a mountain of a man, larger than life: patriarch of the legendary McIntyre Ranch,

inheritor of the role of protector of its natural splendours and respected supporter of the arts. Handsome,

dignified, erudite, when he spoke with you his eyes locked you in; you were the only one who mattered,

the sole focus of his attention. You were swept away into his world to investigate wide-ranging

interspersed topics: politics, ecology the arts. Earnest and thought-filled he was a prairie philosopher

par excellence. Then amidst earnest discussion something would strike him amusing and he erupted

with the most uproarious laughter: leaves rustled, the grasses waved. He had his finger on the pulse of

nature, he and his family have been its noble champions, she responded in kind.

Ralph was a passionate arts supporter. His Mother, Minnie Hazelton Thrall was an accomplished soprano

and art patriot. In early life, Ralph Jr. was a member of the Effie Reid Boys Choir and Kiwanis Music

Festival participant. He was a long standing member of the bass section of the first Baptist church

choir, performed with a men’s barber shop group, helped direct church singing groups and was an avid

enthusiast of the Lethbridge Community Gold Band.

Some will particularly want to recall and expound about his gracious benevolence, symphony fund

raising concerts and the like. I was the beneficiary of his kindness as he and family twice welcomed to

their home at the McIntyre Ranch a dozen or so artists and their entourage from across Canada. Ralph

was the principal ‘guide’ leading us through the history of the place, and schooled us on the family

tradition of respect for the natural prairie grasses. As consequence, he enabled the creation of numbers

of outstanding memorable artworks that are sure to endure as significant contributions to western

Canadian art. This is accomplishment enough indeed.

However, it is not through benevolence alone that we should celebrate and remark about the impact

of Ralph Thrall Jr. He was an exemplary, admirable role model. By day, he took care of business, tended

cattle on horseback, helped feed us all. By night, this rancher, cowpoke, gathered his family around the

piano for a singsong. Not hurtin’ western campfire laments, he encouraged his daughter to perform

contemporary approaches to classical music. This was no cartoon cowboy. Neither was he an effete arts-

type. Ralph embodied the best of both. Grounded in the immense love for living connected to nature at

its most elemental, he never lost sight of the trail ahead, yet he also contemplated the stars.

Southern Alberta is undergoing immense transformation. How will it work out? Are our only options

the polarities of Mississauga box-store planned living or else the rural rough and tumble of Lubbock,

Texas? Ralph’s example insists that Alberta is a cultured, civil place. While he championed the virtues of

an agrarian, rural life working the ranch, his heart had room for the values of the aspirations of culture

on the highest plain. He was an inspiration.

Grounded in the immense love for living connected to

nature at its most elemental, he never lost sight of the

trail ahead, yet he also contemplated the stars.

ARTSBRIDGE 17

Carolla Christie

Carolla Lee Postlethwaite was born on September 28,

1946 to Robert (Posty) and Betty in Los Angeles. While

she was born in LA, she spent most of her childhood

in Littleton, Colorado, just outside of Denver. Despite

the asthma that frequently kept her at home, Carolla

was an eager student, fired by the curiosity and love

of discovery that would characterize her life. As a child

she developed a love of both literature and science.

In 1964, her high school English teacher wrote of

Carolla’s “unusual imagination” and attributed her

“dedication to accuracy” in her writing to “her interest

and background in science.”

Carolla came to Canada with her parents after high

school and began her studies at the University of

Alberta. She met her husband and took great delight

in her two children. After the birth of her second child,

Carolla began a career that combined her love of

writing and technology, becoming first the Executive

Editor and then the Head of the Computing Science

Department for Athabasca University. In 1980 she

began Christie Communications with her husband.

The company stands as a legacy to their hard work

and their commitment to making the world a better

place. In the meantime, Carolla continued to live life

fully. She learned to fly an airplane, partnered in the

ownership of a racehorse, polished gemstones, wrote

a guide to edible plants, gardened, conducted a choir,

and served in her church.

In 2005, Carolla fell gravely ill and only gradually, but

never completely recovered. Determined to regain

her dexterity, Carolla took up carving. She quickly

became proficient, and many people now treasure

the soapstone and wood carvings she made for them.

She quickly integrated herself into the local arts

community, serving on the board of the Allied Arts

Council and volunteering at the Galt Museum. She

was a feature at museum events, both as participant

and photographer, and her carving demonstrations

for children were extremely popular.

Carolla was an amazing woman: she was kind, generous,

creative, intelligent and gentle. She was also stubborn

and determined, overcoming any obstacles between

her and her desires. She was a mother to so many,

and she lead by example, never letting conventions or

other people’s expectations limit her. She used to joke

that she got a science degree as opposed to one in

arts by virtue of one course; but she was nonetheless

remarkable for being a woman in the sciences, a

woman with a passion for technology. She loved art,

history, science, and nature, but most of all, she loved

and nurtured people, her family, her colleagues, and

her friends. She will be missed, but she will live on in

every person that she touched.

By Sheila Christie

In Memoriam:

She was a mother to so many, and she lead by example, never letting conventions or other people’s expectations limit her.

Sept 28 1946 - Aug 11 2012

18 ARTSBRIDGE

Lethbridge 2012

thank youarts

DAysPrimary Event Partners

gold partners silver partners bronze partners

media partners event supporters venues

artists volunteers

Val and Flora Matteotti

www.downtownlethbr idge.com

www.f inditdowntown.ca

www.ourdowntown.blogspot .com

Exper ience

Thank you to the over 50 host venues; we appreciate you opening your doors

for the arts!

A special thank-you goes out to Lethbridge’s creative community.

Your dedication, talent and hard work truly enhance our city!

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers.

Your contributions are truly appreciated and we couldn’t do it without you!

Denis & Penny Beaudin

D.A.BuildingStreatside Eatery

94.1 CJOCCountry 95

CKUACKXU

Lethbridge Herald

Aaron HaganBowman Arts Centre

Galt Museum & ArchivesThe Gate

The Geomatic AtticL.A. Gallery

Lethbridge Public LibraryLethbridge Symphony Orchestra

NAAGNew West Theatre

Southern Alberta Art GalleryUniversity of Lethbridge Art Gallery

Wall Décor & More

Discoverexperiencecelebrate

January 15/12 - August15/12

Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC)

Advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge since 1958

• Promoting the arts to the community

• Working to improve arts facilities in Lethbridge

• Providing collaborative opportunities for artists

• Advocating for the arts

Core funding support is gratefully received from:

ARTSBRIDGE 19

support the

become an AAC member arts

318 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2G2 Fax 403.320.2450

Name

Organization/Business

Address

City Province

Postal Code Telephone

Email

Website

NEW MEMBER RENEWAL

Allied $75Artist $25Associate $75Individual Friend $15Family Friend $25Business/Corporate Friend $75

Make a Donation$25 $50 $100 OtherA charitable tax receipt will be issued upon donation

I am interested in volunteering for the AAC

Card # Exp

Signature

Name on card

Method of paymentCash Cheque Visa Mastercard

Release: I, , authorize the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge to include my name in publications.

Signature:In accordance with the Government of Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act (FOIP)

Organizations, individuals and businesses can demonstrate support for the arts in Lethbridgewith an AAC membership!

For a full listing of member benefits, visit www.artslethbridge.org/join-us

Allied Members:Burning Ground Artist Studios

CIneMAGINE Society of Alberta

Les Femtastiques De Lethbridge

U of L Student Art Society

Associate Members:Airau Film Photo & Design

Blueprint Entertainment

Fair Trade Society of Lethbridge -

Ten Thousand Villages

George Music Services

Lethbridge Living

Artist Members:Christopher Grignard

Danielle Smerek

Elizabeth M Ginn

Ivan Bering

Jane Senda

Kari Lehr

Karla Mather-Cocks

Leslie Ohene-Adjei

Michelle Cote

Tyler Stewart

Warren Gschaid

William LeFeuvre

Family and Friend Members:Douglas J. Bergen

David Cocks

Lori Harasem & Duane Petluk

Dione Overes

Shig & Katie Nakagawa

Greg Norman

Joy Lawson

Julie Klok

Kris Hodgson

Margaret Thole

Velisha Paskusri

Wendy Takeda

Business/Corporate Friends:The Shoe Tree

Lethbridge Centre

Follow us!facebook.com/AlliedArtsCouncil

twitter.com/AACLeth

calendar of eventsOctober

Allied Arts CouncilLethbridge Arts Days 2012September 23 – 30Downtown Lethbridge

Empress TheatreJohn Wort HannamOctober 5 & 6, 8pm

Galt Museum & ArchivesUncovering Secrets Archaeology in Southern AlbertaOctober 6 – Jan 13

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (film)October 27, 9pm

The Geomatic AtticJoel PlaskettSeptember 27, 8pm

Roger Marin with Gordie Tentrees –Double BillOctober 14, 8pm

Fred EaglesmithOctober 15 & 16, 8pm

The Deep Dark WoodsOctober 26, 8pm

Hatrix TheatreEvil Dead The MusicalOctober 30 – November 3Moose Hall

Karen RomanchukLive Music at Mocha CabanaOctober 20, 6pm

Lethbridge Folk ClubBix Mix Boys October 13, 8pm

Lethbridge Public LibraryForeign Film FestivalOctober 10, 11, 12

Culture Cratesuntil Oct 31

Lethbridge Symphony OrchestraChamber Series ISeptember 28, 8pmSouthminster United Church

Master Series IOctober 15, 8pmSouthminster United Church

New West TheatreBilly Bishop Goes To WarSeptember 27 – October 6, 8pmSterndale Bennett Theatre

Oldman River Potters GuildTrudy Golley Workshop – Surface DecorationOctober 13 & 14, 10am-4pmBowman Arts Centre

Playgoers of LethbridgeLondon Suite by Neil SimonOctober 17 – 20Sandman Inn

Southern Alberta Art GalleryNowhere Bodily is Everywhere GhostlyJason de HaanSeptember 29 – November 25

One For YourselfKristan HortonSeptember 29 – November 25

University of Lethbridge Art GalleryRural ReadymadeUntil October 25

Caring for the CollectionOctober 26 – December 24Reception Oct 26, 4pm

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine ArtsTheatreXtra: Long Form ImprovisationalSeptember 27 – 29, 8pmSeptember 29, 2pm & 8pmDavid Spinks Theatre

Music at NoonOctober 2,9,16,23,30, 12:15pmUniversity Recital Hall

Let the Right One In (New Media Series)October 3, 6:30pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Celebrate 45October 12, 8pmUniversity Recital Hall

Richard O’BriensThe Rocky Horror ShowOctober 16-20, 8pm

University TheatreU of L Wind Orchestra & GuestsOctober 16, 7:30pmSouthminster United Church

Rubbing Stone EnsembleOctober 19, 8pmUniversity Recital Hall

November

Bowman Arts CentreChristmas SaleNovember 30, 10am – 9pmDecember 1, 10am – 4pm

Empress TheatreShane YellowbirdNovember 16 & 17, 8pm

Galt Museum & ArchivesVolunteer Holiday Dinner & DanceNovember 9 (tentative date)

A Night at the MuseumNovember 29, 5pm

Geomatic AtticHawksley WorkmanNovember 2, 8pm

Lethbridge Folk ClubWendell and WheatNovember 10, 8pm

Lethbridge Musical TheatreHairsprayNovember 9 – 24, 8pmMatinee November 11Yates Memorial Centre

Lethbridge Symphony OrchestraChamber Series IINovember 16Southminster United Church

Master Series IINovember 19Southminster United Church

Kids Choir INovember 28Southminster United Church

University of Lethbridge Art GalleryAnd yet we still remainNovember 1 – December 21Reception November 1, 4pmMain Gallery

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine ArtsTheatreXtra: 1000 Names by Chelsea WoolleyNovember 1 – 3, 8pmNovember 3, 2pmDavid Spinks Theatre

Music at NoonNovember 6,13,20,27, 12:15pmUniversity Recital Hall

Opera Workshop: Bad Boys of OperaNovember 2 & 3, 8pmUniversity Recital Hall

Adventureland (New Media Series)November 7, 6:30pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Capella ArtemisiaNovember 15, 8pmUniversity Recital Hall

The Lion in Winter by James GoldhamNovember 20-24, 8pmUniversity Theatre

Classical Percussion ConcertNovember 27, 8pmUniversity Theatre

U of L Wind OrchestraNovember 30, 8pmSouthminster United Church

December

Empress TheatreTerry McDade & the McDades Christmas ShowDecember 13 & 14, 8pm

Lethbridge Folk ClubThe HackamoresDecember 8, 8pm

Lethbridge Symphony OrchestraKids Choir IIDecember 5, 7pmSouthminster United Church

Master Series IIIMessiah – Vox MusicaDecember 10, 8pm

New West TheatreTidingsDecember 18 – January 5, 8pmYates Theatre

Peg and the YetiDecember 26 – January 5, 1pm & 3:30pmJanuary 4 – 7pm onlySterndale Bennett Theatre

Nikka Yuko Japanese GardenNew Year’s Eve CelebrationDecember 31, 11:30pm

Oldman River Potters GuildChristmas SaleNovember 30 – December 8Bowman Arts Centre

Southern Alberta Art GalleryCycloramaLyla RyeDecember 7 – January 27

StacksEleanor KingDecember 7 – January 27

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine ArtsU of L Jazz EnsembleDecember 1, 8pmUniversity Theatre

Music at Noon – Student ShowcaseDecember 4, 12:15pmUniversity Recital Hall

Menotti’s Amahl and the Night VisitorsDecember 2, 2pm & 4pmUniversity Recital Hall

Somewhere (New Media Series)December 5, 6:30pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Winter WonderDecember 7, 8pmUniversity Recital Hall

Hansen & Plessis DuoDecember 15, 8pmU of L 6th Level Atrium

January

Lethbridge Folk ClubLizzy Hoyt BandJanuary 19, 8pm

october

november

january

of

20 ARTSBRIDGE

december

calendar of events

Allied Arts Councilwww.artslethbridge.org

Ammena Dancewww.ammenadance.com

Bowman Arts Centrewww.communityartscentre.org

Empress Theatrewww.empresstheatre.ab.ca

Galt Museum & Archiveswww.galtmuseum.com

The Geomatic Atticwww.geomaticattic.ca

Hatrix Theatre403.327.2957

Karen Romanchukwww.reverbnation.com/karenromanchuk

Lethbridge Community Band Societywww.lcbs.ca

Lethbridge Folk Clubwww.lfc.ab.ca

Lethbridge International Film Festival404.328.2854

Lethbridge Musical Theatrewww.lethbridgemusicaltheatre.ca

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestrawww.lethbridgesymphony.org

New West Theatrewww.newwesttheatre.com

Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardenswww.nikkayuko.com

Old Man River Potters Guild403.393.0635

Playgoers of Lethbridgewww.playgoers.ca

Southern Alberta Art Gallerywww.saag.ca

Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Clubwww.troyanda.ca

U of L Art Gallerywww.ulag.ca

U of L Faculty of Fine Artswww.uleth.ca/finearts/events

eventsLethbridge Public LibraryBanff Mountain Film FestivalJanuary 7-12, 7pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Lethbridge Symphony OrchestraChamber Series IIIJanuary 18, 8pmSouthminster United Church

A Night at the Opera!Special Dress Rehearsal of Fledermaus –The Opera Ball!University of Lethbridge Opera WorkshopJanuary 30, 8pm

Oldman River Potters GuildLouise Cormier Workshop – Screen PrintingJanuary 12Bowman Arts Centre

Troyanda Ukrainian Dance ClubMalanka Performance, Dinner & DanceJanuary 19Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

University of Lethbridge Art GalleryTracing the Elusive Past of the ChinariansJanuary 10 – February 22Reception January 10, 4pmHelen Christou Gallery

The Uncanny ValleyJanuary 10 – February 28Main Gallery

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine ArtsMoon (New Media Series)January 9, 6:30pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Music at NoonJanuary 22 &29, 12:15pmUniversity Recital Hall

Music to Warm the Long Winter NightsJanuary 16, 7:30pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Big Band CabaretJanuary 19, 8pmU of L Ballrooms

TheatreXtra 3January 24 – 26, 8pmJanuary 26, 2pmDavid Spinks Theatre

Celebrate PouleneJanuary 25, 8pmUniversity Recital Hall

AbbondanzaJanuary 26, 6pmCoCo Pazzo Italian Café

February

Empress TheatreLouise PitreFebruary 14 & 15, 8pm

Lethbridge Folk ClubPharis and Jason RomeroFebruary 9, 8pm

Lethbridge Symphony OrchestraMaster Series IV Fledermaus – The Opera BallFebruary 1 & 2, 8pmSouthminster United Church

Love Notes – A Valentine’s BallFebruary 9Coast Hotel & Conference Centre

Playgoers of LethbridgeNoises Off by Michael Frayn February TBAYates Theatre

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine ArtsThe Artist (New Media Series)February 6, 6:30pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Music at NoonFebruary 5,12,26, 12:15pmUniversity Recital Hall

U of L Wind Orchestra & GuestsFebruary 7, 7:30pmCollege Drive Community Church

The Neverending Story by Michael EndeFebruary 12 – 16, 7pmUniversity Theatre

TheatreXtra 4February 28 – March 2, 8pmMarch 2, 2pm & 8pmDavid Spinks Theatre

March

Ammena Dance CompanyAn Explosion of World Dance and MusicMarch 2, 7pmYates Memorial Centre

Empress TheatreJayme Stone’s Room of Wonders TourMarch 21 & 22, 8pm

Lethbridge Folk ClubDave GunningMarch 2, 8pm

Lethbridge International Film FestivalMarch 18 -23, 7pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Lethbridge Symphony OrchestraChamber Series IVMarch 1, 8pmSouthminster United Church

Master Series VMarch 25, 8pmSouthminster United Church

New West TheatreAn Almost Perfect Things by Nicole MoellerFebruary 28 – March 9, 8pmMarch 2 & 9, 1pm & 8pmSterndale Bennett Theatre

Oldman River Potters GuildKaren Dormaar – Glaze Mixing WorkshopMarch 23Bowman Arts Centre

University of Lethbridge Art GalleryProjects by Museum Studies InternsMarch 1 – May 31Helen Christou Gallery

Annual Curated Student ExhibitionMarch 8 – April 18Main Gallery

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine ArtsKiss Kiss Bang BangMarch 6, 6:30pmLethbridge Public Library Theatre

Music at NoonMarch 5,12,19,26, 12:15pmUniversity Recital Hall

Quasar Saxophone QuartetMarch 9, 8pmUniversity Recital Hall

7th Annual U of L Film FestivalMarch 22, 8pmLocation TBA

Estuary by Ron ChambersMarch 19 – 23, 8pmUniversity Theatre

New Media Student Showcase: Event and Exhibition DesignMarch 29 & April 10U of L Penny Building

february

march

Contact information for each event/organization:

On the cover: Photos courtesy of the Galt Museum & Archives