The Illingworth Kerr Gallery performs two distinct yet complementary roles; serving both the academic didactic and the community.
David Altmejd | The Hunter | 2006
Photographer Inger Marthe Skyberg
Illingworth Kerr Gallery | September 2007
The didactic role of the IKG will provide an educational challenge for students and faculty of the College. By exhibiting quality works, expressive of concerns and themes in contemporary art and by representing a range of art making disciplines and media, the gallery will instill an awareness of the broadest range of art-making possibilities.
The opportunity to view works of a multi-national/historic and/or contemporary significance is limited in the Calgary area. The IKG, as a vital and complimentary component to the public and private gallery network, is a necessary and continuing teaching aid.
The gallery program will at times exhibit work that is challenging to the outside community, with the intent of increasing awareness and understanding of contemporary art issues. The IKG brings the existence of art and artists into the realm of the broader community. It performs a most useful public relations role focusing attention not only on the gallery but on ACAD; its campus and programs. Positive interaction between ACAD and the community ensures a continuing community interest in the arts.
Brief History of the Illingworth Kerr Gallery
The Illingworth Kerr Gallery is named in honour of Alberta artist and former director of the Alberta College of Art + Design, Illingworth 'Buck' Kerr (1905-1989), the IKG has managed a public exhibition program of contemporary visual art for nearly 50 years, the longest running international art program in Calgary.
The IKG fulfills its mandate as part of ACAD and fosters a living culture in Alberta by providing a context for viewing and discussing new and recent art in all media and by a wide range of cultural producers. In conjunction with ACAD art departments (including glass, fiber, sculpture, drawing, painting, new genre media and others), the IKG communicates with students, faculty and the public about issues and methods in art and design practice through a growing variety of programming.
Sarah Anne Johnson | New Works | 2008
Photographer Jennifer McVeigh
Illingworth Kerr Gallery | January 2009
The IKG is a desirable gallery facility in the heart of ACAD with two connected galleries measuring a total of 4,000 square feet. There is more than 2,000 square feet of preparatory and storage space attached to two admin/curatorial office spaces and an 800 square foot art resource centre. The galleries feature high ceilings ranging from 10 to 28 feet, fluorescent and incandescent track lighting and tiled floors.
The gallery frequently engages students and faculty in providing modular walls, plinths, manual and technical assistance for presentations outside the professional galleries. Temperature and humidity controls in the galleries and prep rooms are in place and monitored weekly. Electrical and heating facilities are maintained by the ACAD through the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, our immediate neighbour with over 20,000 students.
Gallery Hours
| Tuesday - Saturday | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Unless otherwise noted) |
Exhibition openings are on Thursdays, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
(Unless otherwise noted)
(Lectures and other presentations T.B.A.)
Illingworth Kerr Gallery Header | Photographer Inger Marthe Skyberg | Featuring Graeme Patterson, Woodrow, Illingworth Kerr Gallery, 2008
