Leighton Art Centre is situated on 80 acres in the Alberta foothills south of Calgary. We operate a museum and galleries in the historic home of Barbara and A.C. Leighton – two influential artists in Alberta from the early 1900s to the 1980s.
The privilege of Leighton Art Centre’s presence on 80 acres of foothills landscape within Treaty 7 territory is combined with respect, humility, and responsibility to be caretakers of the land. We acknowledge the people of these ancestral and traditional lands, which include the Niitsitapi – Blackfoot Confederacy – comprised of the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani; the îyârhe Nakoda – Stoney Nakoda – including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and Otipemisiwak Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. We also recognize that many more First Nations, Métis, and Inuit have marked these lands with their footsteps. We are grateful for all people who make their home in, or visit, the Treaty 7 territory of Southern Alberta, and who act as respectful stewards to this land, where we learn, create, and build relationships in meaningful ways.
Leighton Art Centre (LAC) is at the confluence of art, history, and nature and we welcome proposals that consider our relationship to the environment. We invite submissions from artists, craftspeople, collectives, and curators of all backgrounds working in all genres, styles, and mediums. We endeavor to provide a platform for artists at all levels of their artistic careers, while presenting diverse programming and a stimulating exhibition schedule that challenges – and appeals to – a wide audience.
Please fill out the appropriate form (solo or group exhibition) by July 5th.
SOLO EXHIBITION SUBMISSION FORM
GROUP EXHIBITION SUBMISSION FORM
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask Lindsay (contact details listed below).
All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. The selection committee is composed of representatives from Leighton Art Centre. You will be informed about the results of the selection within four weeks of July 5th.
PLEASE NOTE
Leighton Art Centre offers CARFAC project fees and takes a commission of 40% on all sales. All exhibitions are organized by the LAC in coordination with the artist. Exhibitions generally run between four and eight consecutive weeks.
For more details or assistance please contact our Manager of Exhibitions, Events & Volunteers Lindsay Corbet: lindsayc@leightoncentre.org or 403.931.3153.
The natural environment of the Leighton Art Centre is home to site-specific installations and has hosted numerous temporary, ephemeral, or performative art pieces. We accept expressions of interest on an ongoing basis, from artists across Canada and abroad. Expressions of interest are assessed on a case-by-case basis and generally involve two to three years of planning and fundraising. Contact Executive Director Christina Cuthbertson (christinac@leightoncentre.org) with a short email introducing yourself and your proposed project. Please describe why your work is a good fit at Leighton Art Centre.
Leighton Art Centre Members enjoy exclusive discounts and are encouraged to submit their artwork for an opportunity to show and sell in our Gallery Shop, be part of our annual Juried Members Exhibition and Festive Foothills Art Sale, and be considered for participation in our Clothesline Art Sale.
PLEASE NOTE
Leighton Art Centre takes a commission of 40% on all sales. All exhibitions and opportunities are organized by the LAC in coordination with the artists.
For more information on becoming a member, please visit our Become a Member page. For further assistance, please contact Gallery Shop & Guest Services Manager Joanne Smith: gallery@leightoncentre.org or 403.931.3633.
Members Collection is a chance to show your artwork in the Gallery Shop at Leighton Art Centre. This program is for new and established artists in all media including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, glass, woodwork, jewelry, books, and more. We will work with you, according to your level of experience, to select, display, promote, and manage your collection. Please note that space and availability are limited for this popular program and wait times vary.
Selected artists commit to:
1. Submitting artwork images and information in digital form
2. Delivering artwork one week prior to their feature
3. Picking up unsold pieces within two weeks of their feature end date
Gallery Staff commit to:
1.Working with you to select the artworks that have the strongest chance of selling in our context.
2. Installing and de-installing your artwork.
3. Managing the sale and delivery of sold works.
For more detailed information, please review and submit a Members Collection Expression of Interest.
Due to the popularity of this program, please anticipate a booking wait time of up to a year, while Gallery Staff review your Expression of Interest and work with you to develop a timeline for your feature. Please note that all artwork is subject to approval by Leighton Art Centre.
Important: Please read up on our Gallery Shop Guidelines & Requirements.
Members Collection Expression of Interest
This popular annual exhibition showcases the very best of the Leighton Art Centre’s artist members’ work, in all styles and mediums. For Leighton Art Centre’s 50th Anniversary, we are inviting current members and alumni to contribute to a ‘square foot show’ style exhibition.
* IMPORTANT: NEW DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS *
January 5, 2024: Deadline to submit via the online form.
Mid-January: Artists will receive info about the status of their submission.
January 24-27: Art selected for the exhibition must be delivered to Leighton Art Centre.
February 10, 2024: Exhibition opens.
Members & Alumni Exhibition – Artist Submission Form
This popular art sale is our signature summer sale and one of the longest-running programs at the Leighton Art Centre. Members are invited to participate in this outdoor event.
Implemented during 2020 as a response to COVID-19 closures, this online art sale has proven to be very popular and will continue annually! Members are invited to participate in this event.
This annual competition is open to Leighton Art Centre’s members and typically runs during the second weekend in September. Registered artists are invited to paint the beautiful vistas at Leighton Art Centre and submit their work for competition. Guest judges award cash prizes for First, Second, and Third prize, and visitors vote for the People’s Choice Award! Please watch our social media feeds and e-newsletters for more information.
This annual seasonal art sale, which takes place both in person and online, is open to Leighton Art Centre artist members on a first come, first served basis. We have limited space available and registration fills up very quickly, so please put the October 1st registration date on your calendar!
Registration for the 2023 sale has now filled. We have created a waitlist – please email communications@leightoncentre.org to request to add your name.