Women of the Art Gallery of Alberta
Written by Danielle Siemens, Collections Manager / Associate Curator at Art Gallery
Image Credit: Robert Gallon, Welsh Hills, date unknown, oil on canvas. Art Gallery of Alberta Collection, presented by the Fine Arts Commission Local Council of Women, 1925.
Women of the AGA: They’ve been founders. Builders. Philanthropists. Dreamers. They’ve believed deeply in the purpose and power of art and culture in our community. They’ve believed in building a gathering space that welcomed all and celebrated greatness, beauty and diversity.
Celebrating the Women Behind the Art Gallery of Alberta
The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) boasts a rich history, much of which has been shaped by the contributions of remarkable women. These women, often operating behind the scenes, played pivotal roles as employees, volunteers, and philanthropists, helping to build and sustain the gallery over the years.
Early Beginnings and Key Figures
Lady Aberdeen was one of the earliest influencers in Edmonton’s arts scene. Serving as the vice-regal consort to Governor General John Hamilton-Gordon in the 1890s, she championed women’s rights and the arts, helping to establish the National Council of Women in Canada and a local chapter in Edmonton (1894). Her contributions laid the groundwork for the cultural development of Edmonton.
Maud Bowman is another central figure in the gallery’s history. Despite not fitting the conventional mold of a museum leader, she was instrumental in founding the Edmonton Museum of Arts, which later became the AGA. Bowman’s dedication and networking skills were crucial in securing support and resources for the museum. She also established art education programs that continue to thrive today.
Image Credit: Maud Bowman, The Edmonton Journal, May 6, 1933
Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Influence
Throughout the gallery’s history, many women faced significant challenges, particularly regarding recognition and compensation. Bowman, for instance, never received a salary for her role, despite her substantial contributions. It wasn’t until much later that the gallery acknowledged her efforts, dedicating a gallery space in her honour in 1978.
Dorothy Dyde, known as Bobby, was another key patron who significantly influenced the gallery’s acquisition policies and professionalization during her tenure on the board. Her insistence on a focused collection policy helped shape the gallery’s direction.
Image Credit: Bobby and Sandy Dyde, Photographer Unknown, 1952.
The Women’s Society and Fundraising Efforts
In 1943, following Bowman’s departure, Anna Wells and other women formed the Women’s Society to raise public interest and funds for the museum. Their efforts included organizing events, running an art shop, and managing art sales programs. These activities were vital in sustaining the gallery during financial hardships, although the society often had little say in how the funds were used.
Building a Legacy
Image Credit: The Red Deer Advocate, August 25, 1984.
Abigail Edith Condell, a lesser-known but incredibly influential figure, bequeathed nearly $560,000 for the construction of a new gallery building, leading to the establishment of the Arthur Blow Condell Memorial Building in 1968. This new facility allowed the gallery to expand its exhibitions and programs significantly.
Recent Contributions
In more recent history, Karen Wilkin, who became the gallery’s senior curator in 1971, played a crucial role in elevating the status of prairie artists and expanding the gallery’s reach through exhibitions and publications. Her work helped bridge local artists with the broader national and international art scenes.
The history of the Art Gallery of Alberta is rich with the stories of these dedicated women whose efforts have shaped its legacy. As we celebrate their achievements, it’s also a time to reflect on how we can continue to support and recognize the vital contributions of women in the arts.
Image Credit: Women’s Society of Museum of Arts tea party
L-R: Mrs. R.B. Wells, Mrs. P.J.A. Fleming, Mrs. Gordon E. Swallow
Photo: Eric Bland
Celebrate 100 Years of Women of the AGA for yourself!
In honour of the Art Gallery of Alberta’s 100th anniversary, this YWCA showcase celebrates Alberta women artists represented in the AGA’s Collection. The exhibition includes trail-blazing artists who have been at the forefront of stylistic and material investigations—such as Marion Nicoll, one of the province’s first abstract painters, and Mary Shannon Will, whose paintings build upon computer-manipulated images—and others who have used their art to address environmental and colonial injustices, including Lyndal Osborne and Jane Ash Poitras. Several of these women have also been a pivotal influence on younger generations through both mentorship and post-secondary appointments.
Women of the AGA: Celebrating 100 Years of Achievement is a part of the AGA’s 100th anniversary programming, and is on display until August 22 in the YWCA Edmonton office.
(Left to right) Catherine Burgess, Speak,2001. Etching, edition1/50. Art Gallery of Alberta Collection, gift of the Artist. Violet Owen, Butterfly,1990. Oil on canvas. Art Gallery of Alberta Collection, gift of the Artist in appreciation of Lelde Muelenbachs and the Art Associates for “Art For All,” 1990.Installation view, Women of the AGA: Celebrating 100 Years of Achievement, YWCA Edmonton and Art Gallery of Alberta. Photography by Charles Cousins, courtesy of the Art Gallery of Alberta.
Author Note
Danielle wishes to acknowledge her indebtedness to the research and writing of Dr. Anne Whitelaw. Dr. Whitelaw was a professor of art history at the University of Alberta, guest-curated for the AGA and is currently a professor of Art History at Concordia University Montreal. Her writing about the history of the Art Gallery of Alberta, the formation of art museums in western Canada, and women’s volunteerism were invaluable in compiling this research.