Southern Alberta Art Gallery

05/28/2026

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is pleased to present "The Sumi-e Paintings of Yoshiko Hirano".

Yoshiko Hirano began studying Sumi-e painting later in life and went on to create artwork for more than 30 years. Her paintings beautifully capture nature, emotion, and movement through expressive brushwork and minimalist design.

We invite guests to experience this thoughtful and inspiring exhibit while exploring the peaceful atmosphere of the Garden. Hirano's works can be seen inside the Bunka Centre and the Pavillion.

05/07/2026

✨ NEW EXHIBITIONS OPEN THIS SATURDAY!

Join us this weekend to celebrate the opening of two incredible new exhibitions at the Gallery!

🎨 ART'S ALIVE AND WELL IN THE SCHOOLS (Presented by Westco Construction )
Now in its 49th year, we are thrilled to honour the youthful creativity of Lethbridge and area students from kindergarten to grade 12. Come see the next generation of artists!

🌟 ASTERISMS: SAY THE WORD (Supported by Coffee News )
Artists May Kineyetums .kineyetums and Micah Lexier are taking their project outside the gallery space! This unique exhibition engages with Blackfoot language-learning, sharing, and joy in unexpected sites across the city.

🗓️ SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE:
🚪 3:00 PM: Doors Open
🚶 3:15 - 4:30 PM: Articulations Walk & Tour (Meet at the Gallery, then we walk to Nectar Fine Tattooing, Analog Books, and return!)
🎙️ 5:00 PM: Remarks
🥂 5:00 - 7:00 PM: Opening Reception
🕘 7:00 PM: Gallery Closes

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. We cannot wait to see you there!

05/03/2026

✨ WHAT A NIGHT. WHAT A COMMUNITY. THANK YOU! ✨

​The 50th Anniversary Edition of Art Auction has been nothing short of magic, and it is all because of YOU.

​We are completely overwhelmed with gratitude to share that we are currently sitting at over $87,000 raised for barrier-free contemporary arts programming right here in southern Alberta! 🎉

​BUT WAIT—THE NIGHT IS NOT OVER! 🚨
Our Online Auction doesn't officially close until 11:00 PM TONIGHT! We are so incredibly close to reaching our $90,000 goal. Keep those final bids coming, defend your favourite pieces, and help us cross that finish line! Hit the link in our bio or head to can.givergy.com/artauction-2026 to make your final moves. 💻🏃‍♂️

​To the brilliant artists who shared their vision, the donors who gave so graciously, the bidders near and far, and every single person who attended the Gala—thank you. Your investment in the arts shapes our community in profound ways.

​An evening of this monumental scale takes a village. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who made this celebration possible:

🌟 Arts Advocate Sponsor: Fee Simple Law
🌟 Champagne Sponsor: Westco Construction
🌟 Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Subaru of Lethbridge
🌟 Good Taste Sponsor: DIALOG
🌟 Media Sponsor: PATTISON Outdoor Advertising
🌟 Sparkling Salute to the Artists: Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge
🌟 Table Wine Sponsor: FWBA Architects
🌟 Venue Supporter: Excite Lethbridge

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for elevating the arts and making this milestone celebration completely unforgettable. Cheers to 50 years, and cheers to the vibrant future ahead! 🥂💛

05/03/2026

🎬 OFFICIAL PREMIERE: CATHERINE ROSS VIDEO SPOTLIGHT 🎬

Tonight, as we gather to celebrate Art Auction, taking place during the Gallery’s 50th Anniversary year, we are incredibly honoured to release our Feature Artist Spotlight on the phenomenal Catherine Ross.

A cornerstone of the Lethbridge arts community since 1989, Catherine is an extraordinary talent, a dedicated mentor, and a long-time, cherished friend of the Gallery. Her profound sculptural work invites us to find deep beauty in the quiet accumulation of time and the prairie landscape. Hit play to step inside her world and see why we are so proud to celebrate her legacy tonight. ✨

A massive and heartfelt thank you to Catherine Ross for her support, and to our Feature Artist Donor, Nimisha Manji, whose generous support makes this presentation possible! 💛

🎥Videographer: Kort Woycheshin

⏳ ONLY A FEW HOURS LEFT!
A quick reminder to everyone bidding virtually: the Online Auction officially closes at 11:00 PM MST TONIGHT! You only have a few hours left to secure your favourite pieces, so be sure to lock in. Head to the link in our bio or can.givergy.com/artauction-2026 to place your final bids before the gavel drops!

05/02/2026

✨ THE DOORS ARE OPEN. THE GLAMOUR BEGINS. ✨

​The most anticipated evening of the season has officially arrived, and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome you to Art Auction 2026.

​The energy is electric, the room is breathtaking, and Cocktail Hour is happening RIGHT NOW! 🥂

​Ascend to the Lakeview Salon (Upper Level) at EXCITE LETHBRIDGE to begin the festivities. Grab a glass, step into the room, mingle with fellow visionaries, and let the 50th Anniversary celebration commence in truly spectacular fashion.

​The art is waiting. We are ready for you. 📸🖤

​📍 Lakeview Salon, Excite Lethbridge

05/02/2026

🔥 TODAY IS THE DAY! The final countdown is officially ON! 🔥

Our 50th Anniversary edition of Art Auction is finally here! While our team is making the final touches to the Lakeview Salon for tonight's Gala, our virtual auction is already heating up—and the clock is ticking!

💻 ATTN ONLINE BIDDERS: You have until 11:00 PM MST TONIGHT to make your winning bids on our extraordinary collection of contemporary artworks and local business packages.

Whether you are bidding from your seat at the Gala or from your living room, the competition is going to be fierce. Do not let your favorite piece slip away at the very last second!

📲 Hit the link in our bio to race over to can.givergy.com/artauction-2026 and make your final moves.

Good luck, have fun, and thank you for supporting the arts in our communities 💛

05/01/2026

👀 WANT A SNEAK PEEK? THE TRANSFORMATION IS HAPPENING! ✨

​Our team is on-site working tirelessly alongside the incredible Excite Lethbridge crew, and the room is completely coming to life for tomorrow night! (Swipe to the very end of this post for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the setup!) 🛠️

​While we get the physical space ready, the digital floor is buzzing. Here is your final drop—Part 5 of our Online Auction preview!

​🎨 THE ARTISTS: Catherine Ross, Cassie Suche, Corinne Thiessen, Nancy Valladares, Bekk Wells, Simon Wilkins, & Diana Zasadny.

​🎁 THE EXPERIENCES:
Knack for Knitting:

Local Art: Allied Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge

Music Maker: King of Trade

Self Care: Back in Balance Wellness Centre

Tasting Tour for 4: Theoretically Brewing

10-Class Yoga Pass: Harvest Yoga Studio

Cozy Candles: Ebony & Ivory Candle Co.

​The bidding wars are officially on. Keep refreshing and defend your bids so you don't lose your favorites before the gavel drops tomorrow at 11:00 PM!

​📲 Hit the link in our bio or can.givergy.com/artauction-2026 to secure your wins.

04/29/2026

SAAG ENEWS MAY 2026 | AGM ANNOUNCEMENT, ONLINE AUCTION CLOSING, AND OPENING RECEPTION -

Secured your ticket?We can't wait to celebrate with you! Come prepared for bidding wars during the exclusive Live Auction! Every bid directly supports the Gallery's ongoing contemporary art programming, ensuring we can continue offering high quality programming to our communities. Questions about th...

04/28/2026

🔥 NO TICKET? NO PROBLEM. THE DIGITAL DOORS ARE WIDE OPEN. 🔥

The Online Auction is live and open to absolutely EVERYONE.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, this is your chance to acquire exceptional contemporary pieces and epic local experiences, all while supporting barrier-free arts programming right here in our city.

🎨 THE COLLECTION: PT 2

Swipe to preview breathtaking artworks from this stellar lineup of artists:

Leanne Elias, Megan Feniak, Donna Gallant, Amy Gaulin, Marianne Gerlinger, Don Gill, Jude Griebel, Mary Kavanagh, Flora Kubasek, Micah Lexier, Glen Mackinnon, & Maria Z. Madacky.

🎟️ EPIC LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Ready for your next Lethbridge adventure? Get your bids in on these phenomenal packages made possible by our generous community partners:

📚 Book & Barbershop: Analog Books + The Dime Barber and Salon

🌮 Cooking Class for Two: Antojitos + Glenn Warren Designs

💪 Elks & Exercise / Flames & Fitness: Blanco Cantina, YMCA Lethbridge, + Bert and Mac's Source for Sports

🍿 Feature Film Fan: Lethbridge International Film Festival + The Movie Mill

⚾ Game 'N Gear: Bert and Mac's Source for Sports + Lethbridge Bulls Baseball Club

📲 MAKE YOUR MOVE

The online auction closes exactly at 11:00 PM on Saturday, May 2. Don’t let your favourite piece slip away at the last second!

Head to can.givergy.com/artauction-2026 or hit the link in our bio (saag.ca/artauction) to start bidding now.

04/25/2026

🎬 STEP INSIDE THE STUDIO ✨

“I can't think of this city without SAAG.” Hit play for an exclusive sneak peek into the creative process of acclaimed sculptor Catherine Ross, our Art Auction 2026 Feature Artist!

A cornerstone of the Lethbridge arts scene since 1989, Catherine’s work finds profound beauty in the prairie landscape and everyday materials. Beyond her own incredible practice, she has shaped countless early-career artists over her 25 years at the .

We are premiering her full, emotive documentary short LIVE at the 50th Anniversary Edition of Art Auction on May 2! Here is how you can collect her phenomenal work:

🔨 AT THE GALA: Attendees get exclusive bidding access to her stunning Live Auction sculpture, ‘Center Piece, 2026’ (Slide 2).
⏳ (URGENT: Ticket sales close THIS MONDAY, April 27! Do not wait!)

💻 FROM ANYWHERE: Can't make it? Her beautiful piece ‘Study Portrait of the Eastern Slopes’ (Slide 3) is available in our Online Silent Auction right now! Bidding is open to everyone and closes May 2 at 11:00 PM.

A massive thank you to our Feature Artist Donor, Nimisha Manji, for making this celebration of Catherine's legacy possible! 💛

🎟️ Head to saag.ca/artauction (or the link in our bio) to buy your tickets before Monday and place your bids!

Videographer/Photographer:

04/24/2026

🖼️ LIVE AUCTION PREVIEW: PT 2 🖼️

​⏳ URGENT: GALA TICKET SALES END MONDAY, APRIL 27! ⏳ Visit saag.ca/artauction to get yours!

​You loved Part 1, so we are back with another exclusive look at the breathtaking contemporary pieces headlining this year’s LIVE AUCTION on May 2! Swipe through to discover more of the 25 exceptional works waiting to find their new homes. 👀✨

​Want to bid on these masterpieces? The Live Auction is strictly exclusive to Gala attendees. If you want a chance to raise your paddle and take one of these stunning pieces home, you need to be in the room!

​Every single bid is a vital investment in our creative community. Your support directly benefits these incredible contributing artists and ensures the Gallery can continue bringing transformative contemporary art and public programs to Lethbridge.

​🌐 Can't join us in person? Our ONLINE AUCTION is open right now to anyone across Canada!
Visit: can.givergy.com/artauction-2026

​🎟️ The clock is ticking: Visit: saag.ca/artauction to secure your Gala tickets before the Monday deadline and view the full auction collection today.

​🎨 Featured Artists (Pt 2):

Morgan Melenka ()
Leila Armstrong ()
Chrissy Nickerson ()
Samuel Roy-Bois ()
Kasia Sosnowski ()
Mao (Kun) Chen + Chris Savage ( / .chris)
Lan "Florence" Yee ()
Nancy D Valladares ()
Strangford (.studio)
Aaron Hagan ()
Lorène Bourgeois ()
Lauren Chipeur ()
Sheila Shaw (.art)
David Miller (.studio)
Catherine Ross ()

​📷 Photography: ,

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