Skew Galleries opened their doors in 2004. Their premise is to focus on emerging Canadian “painters, photographers, installation artists, and sculptors that demonstrate an innovative approach to art making, concepts, and aesthetics.” They are gearing towards more contemporary works, which are well suited in the surroundings: a white environment filled with natural light, allowing for the artworks to be showcased.

The business is owned and directed by Emily Barnett and Bart Habermiller, who have over 20 years experience in the arts and business industry. Bart, being an artist himself, has his Master’s degree in Sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago, and has been heavily involved in the art scene in Calgary. Emily, who is more business-oriented, has experience working at several art galleries and consulting for private collections. The two have also opened up the Summit Gallery of Fine Art, situated in Banff, in a building constructed in the 1920’s known as the Cascade Dance Hall. It is a gorgeous venue that has an “inviting, sophisticated, and inspirational” feel.

With their new and innovative approach to the art scene, they have come up with an exciting venture: An art weekend in the mountains. It will start off in Calgary at the Skew Galleries with brunch and small talk by a showcasing artist. Then the tour heads off to Banff, at the Summit Gallery of Fine Art, for an informative session on collecting art pieces. It ends with you spending the night at the fabulous Juniper Hotel, which opened its doors a few months ago. Weekends like these will be planned once a month, so contact the gallery for more information. What an amazing way to spend the weekend! Why not go with friends or that special someone, to experience something cultural and broaden your horizons!

The Skew gallery will be hosting an exhibition from September 8th to October 18th entitled Water Lilies, by Ric Kokotovich, an artist and filmmaker . His works have been showcased at the Glenbow in Calgary, Galerii Pallas in Prague, MOMA in New York, and many other venues around the globe. This exhibition features large-scale photographs that “explore the balance between representation and imagination,” using a complicated double exposure technique with a Polaroid camera. Juxtaposing nature with the human form gives these pieces movement and fluidity. Definitely something to check out!

The Summit Gallery is also having a showing by the same artist; this one is called the Past Lives Series. This is a photographic series of images of withering flowers and leaves. His goal was to present these photographs as “profound reminders of life’s ephemeral and transient nature.” This is a stunning collection of photographs that captures the delicate and fragile qualities of nature.

Skew Gallery
1615 10th Avenue SW
(403) 244-4445
http://www.skewgallery.com
info@skewgallery.com