Home > History
ABOUT the SOCIETY OF
ARTISTS
The Alberta Society of Artists was founded in 1931 making it the
oldest society of juried professional artists in the province. In
her book "Alberta Society of Artists - The First Seventy Years",
Kathy E. Zimon describes the often turbulent early years,
influenced by the first two presidents, A.C. Leighton and H. G.
Glyde. Their traditional academic aesthetic often clashed
with the emerging expressionism and abstraction of artist such as
Maxwell Bates, John Snow and Marion Nichol. Much of Alberta's
visual arts heritage can be found beginning with these driving
forces and with so many more ASA member artists that followed.
Each of our ASA members brings their own special talents to our
society that is distinctively individual and diverse in artistic
expression. This diversity comes together in the ASA as it strives
to enhance the recognition of the importance of visual arts in
Albertan and Canadian life.
The future of visual arts development in Alberta is vital to the
continued growth of the society. To support the next
generation of artists, the Alberta Society of Artists supports a
scholarship program with Red Deer College's youth program and
co-hosts free artist presentations with the Edmonton Art
Gallery. The ASA has regular provincial exhibitions
showcasing members' work throughout Alberta and western
Canada. The Society also co-ordinates a section of the
Alberta Foundation for the Arts Provincial Traveling Exhibition
Program serving southwestern Alberta.
We are proud that our membership encompasses all of Alberta and
encourage those who love the arts to join us in our efforts.
James O. Painter
ASA President
2005 - 2006