Visual arts & new media

Strathcona County is pleased to present, Journeys and Transitions, a new exhibition featuring artworks by 75 members of Gallery@501. The exhibit opens at Gallery@501 on May 1, 2025, and shows until June 21, 2025.

Journeys and Transitions brings together artists who express their unique perspectives through works that explore physical, emotional, and spiritual transformations. This exhibition explores personal and collective experiences of change, resilience and self-discovery, highlighting the moments that shape our identities and redefine our paths. Visitors will see this theme expressed in a diverse range of media which may include painting, sculpture, textile art and more. The artists invite viewers to discover the journeys in the exhibit and reflect on the ways we navigate life’s ever-evolving landscapes in our own lives. During this exhibition, everyone is welcome to engage in a hands-on, co-creative project started by the Gallery members. Visitors can add their own interpretation of a personal journey or transition onto a collaborative mixed media artwork.

The annual members’ show provides an opportunity for artists to connect with other artists, create new work based on a theme chosen by the members and learn about the diverse art practices of their peers. Gallery@501 welcomes artists at any stage in their career, as well as arts enthusiasts, to become members and experience a supportive artistic community. The public is invited to join the exhibiting artists at the opening reception on Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 pm at Gallery@501.

This event and admission to the gallery are free.

www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/arts-and-culture/art-gallery-501/ 

Medicine Hat based artist, Jessica Plattner, was a successful applicant to the AFA’s Art Acquisition by Application (AAA) program in 2022. Listen to her tell the story behind her work and what inspires her artistic practice.

View Jessica's Artist Spotlight

About the artist

Jessica Plattner is an American/Canadian artist living in Alberta. She earned a BFA from Washington University School of Fine Art in St. Louis, and an MFA in painting from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and Temple Rome, Italy. She has exhibited her work in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Italy. Artist residencies include Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, The Vermont Studio Center, SACI (Studio Art Centers International) and a Fulbright Scholarship in Mexico. Recent exhibition venues include Gallery@501 in Edmonton, Art Center East Main Gallery in Oregon,  the ASA Gallery in Calgary, Art Gallery of St. Albert, the Okotoks Art Gallery, the Esplanade Art Gallery in Medicine Hat, as well as biennial faculty exhibitions at Gallery One on One at Medicine Hat College. Her work is held in the public collections of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), The City of Medicine Hat, the City of St. Albert, and several colleges and universities. She currently teaches in the Art & Design Program at Medicine Hat College and lives with her partner, artist/musician Dean Smale, their daughter Sofie, and their dog Caniche.

The Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek is a non-profit community arts organization that makes our home in the beautiful historic Lebel Mansion in Southern Alberta. 

We are currently accepting submissions for our 2026 season. We invite solo and group artists to apply for the 2026 exhibition season.

​Please visit our website for all the details, including an updated gallery submission information packet which will guide you through the process. 

We strive to host thought-provoking exhibitions that appeal to a diverse audience in order to expand understanding of the visual arts in the community. Our art gallery exhibits working artists at all levels of their artistic careers and curates dynamic exhibitions that showcase strong, current Canadian art. We provide a yearly exhibition schedule balancing local artists and artists from throughout Canada working in all mediums.

The Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek’s preference is for exhibitions that are for sale, however we will consider submissions that do not include works for sale. The AAC has a commission rate of 30% on all sales in addition to paying artist fees. All exhibitions will be curated and installed by the AAC's Executive Director, Kassandra Chancey and/or experienced volunteers in coordination with the artist or group. 

If you are applying as a solo artist and we see potential for a group show collaboration amongst submissions will be in contact with you. 

​The 2026 exhibitions run for 6-8 consecutive weeks and artists are paid $1000 for showcasing their work. 

Deadline for submissions: 11:59 pm, Friday August 1, 2025