Being near a body of water with it’s of myriad wildlife and view of the mountains inspires the creative to express themselves through art. Ever has it been thus. Since the early days of Chestermere Lake when it was called Reservoir #1, the lake drew people to paint, sketch and photograph its shining waters and immence curving prairie skies.
This black and white photo of a 1913 oil painting by Alva(Alvin) H Buck depicts a scene on the NE shore, the Chestermere Store, and existing buildings at that time. According to Henderson Directory 1913-1914, Mr. A H Buck ( assuming this is one and the same) was originally from Michigan and came to Calgary in 1908. A reproduction of the painting appears on p 11 of ‘Saddles Sleighs and Sadirons’, the 1971 Chestermere history book, available at the Chestermere Library. The orignal is still in Chestermere, owned by Lorraine and Dave Webster.
A more recent art connection to Chestermere is the late Margaret Dorothy Shelton. Much of her work was done in the 1970s and she is a featured artist in the new Glenbow Museum Show, ‘Made in Calgary the 1970s’. www.glenbow.org Margaret and her husband Eddie Marcellus lived in Chestermere from the early 50s to 1963. One of Margaret’s paintings of Chestermere is reproduced in the colour section of the most recent history book, ‘Chestermere A Home for All Seasons’ p 263. Thanks to the generosity of owner and Chestermere resident, Romana Kaspar-Kraft, The Collector’s Gallery on 9 Ave SE in Inglewood, has offered an original piece of art by Margaret Sheldon once the Chestermere Historical Foundation collection has a permanent home.
And the tradition continues! There are two active art organizations here, and many were able to view some of this beautiful local art at the Chestermere Find Art Guild show and sale May 25th and 26th Interested in joining? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chestermere-Fine-Art-Guild/196157077070870 The other group, Artisans of Chestermere, meets Wednesday mornings at Chestermere Recreation centre; drop in and work on your own project.
Isn’t it wonderful to live in a town which has been and is still inspiring artists?
