‘Making it Big in Lethbridge’ exhibit offers a summer space for art

By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on June 22, 2023.

Herald photo by Steffanie Costigan Gallery assistant Cassandra Williamson helps set up the annual summer salon exhibit at Casa.

Local artists had an opportunity to showcase their work during Casa’s annual summer salon.

The theme this year, Making it Big in Lethbridge, was inspired by artists actually making it big, said Darcy Logan, curator of gallery services at Casa.

“It’s kind of a play on words because, obviously, we’re talking about scale,” Logan said. “And also, the idea of getting out there and being able to show your work here in our own community kind of make it big in Lethbridge.”

The invitation for artists to submit their work or proposed ideas in varying styles was open to all regional artists. Logan noted the theme challenged local artists to work with larger scales, and some of the works turned out to be enormous.

“Making it Big asked artists to reflect on size and scale and create works that challenge their understanding and their personal practice to work on a larger scale. So, for some artists that may work small, the size of a postage stamp, the postcard would be large, and artists that were working at a big scale. Some of them created really enormous works.”

About 52 local artists accepted the challenge of making it big by contributing artwork to the exhibition. The exhibit showcased a wide variety of different art mediums which, Logan said, provided spectators with a sense of depth.

“I think you’ll really come and get a sense of just the depth and breadth of what happens in our creative community, and you’ll see artists working in media, from drawing and painting through to video and sculpture, and then really be able to celebrate what this community accomplishes.”

The exhibit runs until August 19, adding to the variety of things to see and do at the community art centre.

“I just like to always reiterate that Casa is always free to visit, and the exhibitions change every six to seven weeks, so there’s always something new to come and see. It’s probably one of the coolest temperature-wise places in Lethbridge, so it’s a great place to come on a summer afternoon.”