Home > History > 50 Years and Growing
The ASA's 50th Anniversary was
celebrated at the Visual Arts Gallery (Beaverhouse, Edmonton) and
traveled to Muttart in Calgary in 1981/82. A centennial exhibition
and sale was held in Fort Calgary to raise funds for our many
planned projects.
That same year, the ASA mounted an excellent exhibition at the
new Vanderleelie Gallery in Edmonton, held in conjunction with the
Universiade Games. On the strength of this quality show, Japanese
visitors offered to co-sponsor a reciprocal Japan/Alberta Traveling
vehicle--and "Sharing Visions" was born.
On June 19, 1984, eleven ASA members attended opening ceremonies
at the Chiba Exhibition Hall in Chibushi under the guidance of Bill
Morton. What a fabulous experience for those present! Many new
friendships resulted between the two countries and remain in close
contact today. The show continued to the Ebwa art gallery in Ginza
Tokyo and the Art Plaza, Sapporo, Hokkaido. An unanticipated
pleasure presented itself when the exhibition was then invited to
Korea.
The ASA's Japanese counterpart of "Sharing Visions" arrived in
Alberta (1985) at the Nickle Arts Museum in Calgary where over 867
people attended a spectacular opening--then traveled to four other
venues in Alberta. This exhibition truly symbolized the "Sharing of
Visions" between our cultures. A contingent of artists from Japan
were on hand for the celebrations and were hosted royally by our
executive and Minister of Culture. Strong support from local
Japanese communities within the province exposed the public, not
only to traditional art demonstrations, but incorporated a
delicious taste of Japanese foods, music, floral arrangement, and
dance.
Many of our guests spoke precious little English. One small
person on leaving for her return flight to Japan delighted her
hosts as she pushed up her sleeve to read in English from her
forearm, her many thanks for their hospitality.
These "highlights," if you'll pardon the pun, accomplished two
things. They heightened the profile of the ASA and established it
once more as the legitimate professional Society in this
province.
ASA members at the 50th Anniversary gathering at
Kanaskis, 1981.
Back Row:
John Dean, William Duma, Jean Mihalcheon, Douglas Motter, Isabel
Staedelbauer, Ken Sturdy, Barbara Roe Hicklin, Harry Kiyooka
Front Row:
Janet Mitchell, Helen Staedelbauer, Illingworth Kerr, Helen
Mackie, George Mihalcheon
Society Members participate in a traditional Tea
Ceremony.
From left:Helen Mackie, Pat Jones, June Montegomery and Ross
Bradley