Stampede Park: Art Gallery / Museum
Note: This blog is from 2014 and while most of the information is still valid, unfortunately the section about the lobby of the Stampede Corral is history as the building is being torn down to make way for expanding the BMO Centre. I thought rather than removing it I would leave it in as a reminder of the past.
Today I had a few hours between meetings so I decided to flaneur Stampede Park looking for some fun, funky and quirky things. I was not disappointed. I quickly found lots of people climbing and milling about the massive bronze sculpture "By the banks of the Bow." I loved the fact that people were using the artwork like a playground.
I also found the children's midway rides bordered on public art and playgrounds with their bright colours, shapes and forms. It seemed their were historical murals everywhere I looked. Even in the animal barns I found the metal and wooden calf in the demo roping area to be sculptural.
Of course, the RoundUp Centre had been converted into a large gallery space, with strong traditional Western Art bent, but I also found some contemporary pieces, as well as some fascinating historical photos, a quilt show and some Stampede Queen fashions from the past 60 years.
The biggest surprise was wandering around the lobby of the Stampede Corral and finding old photos of hockey players, curling and figure skating. It was like a mini sports hall of fame.
Before I knew it my 2 hours were up and I had to rush off...but I will be back...I know there are more artworks and artifacts to be uncovered.
Stampede Park as an art gallery
"By the banks of the Bow" is a massive bronze sculpture that serves as a great meeting place. It is a popular photo spot and also a wonderful work of art that enhances the sense of place at Stampede Park.
The "Lollipop" ride reminds me of the two public artworks by Jeff de Boer at the Calgary International Airport.
This looks like something the surrealists would have done.
A close up of horse sculpture which didn't do much for me from a distance, but I loved the shapes, surfaces, patterns and colours up close.
This photo of a First Nation Dancer caught my eye for its colour and movement.
Alberta Blue by Wanda Ellerbeck was completed as part of the Stampede Ranch program where each year artists get to spend time on the range for inspiration. I am always amazed at how contemporary artists interpret their ranching experience. This would be a good addition to our collection.
Stampede as a museum
It is hard to believe this was Stephen Avenue. Today it is home to billion dollar skyscrapers, convention centres and museum. Today $5 would get you larger latte at Cafe Rosso.
Who knew Calgary had such a long history of playing cricket. Today Calgary has no passenger train service?
Urban agriculture is not new.
Loved this map from both an art and artifact perspective.
There is an wonderful exhibition of about 20 Stampede Queen outfits from the '50s to present day, each in their own display case. It reminded me of the Elvis costumes i saw in Memphis at the STAX Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio Museum. Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum and Graceland.
Stampede Park as a sports hall of fame
The photos in the lobby of the Stampede Corral is literally a who's who of hockey in Canada.
There is also some curling history
An everyday tourist reader responded with:
Cool piece, the “Frenchy” D’Amour photo would be from the 1948 Brier that was held in Calgary – probably at the Corral. The advertising was interesting to see on the scoreboard - “Smoke British Consols” which were a brand of MacDonald’s tobacco products.
The Brier playdowns into the 80’s were know as the Consols playdowns. The dude with the raccoon coat was David Stewart son of the owner of MacDonald Tobacco. David Stewart later became a Senator.
This figure skating photo intrigued me.