The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) wishes to recognize the exceptional group of volunteers whose unwavering dedication and passion has enriched the cultural landscape of our organization for 100 years. National Volunteer Week (April 14-20) is the perfect time to celebrate their remarkable impact and to extend our heartfelt thanks to each volunteer (past & present) for their invaluable role in shaping the AGA into a beacon of artistic expression and appreciation in Western Canada.
On April 14, we hosted AGA volunteers for a special 100th Anniversary Volunteer Celebration. We gathered in our Main Hall to recognize and celebrate our incredible volunteers and all the fantastic work they do. This day also offered an opportunity for reflection on the impact volunteers have had since the Gallery’s beginnings in 1924.
A group of volunteers gathered in the AGA's Main Hall on April 14, 2024.
From its founding in 1924, volunteers have played a crucial role in the art gallery’s formation. Maud Bowman (1875-1944) served as our first Director as well as being one of the museum’s initial founders. Her tenure lasted until 1943 and her legacy continued to be celebrated by those who gave their time freely to advance visual art throughout the province.
For example, The Women’s Society of the Edmonton Art Gallery, a group of like-minded art enthusiasts, hosted the official opening of the Maud Bowman Gallery in 1978. This society provided incredible contributions to the Gallery, from hosting membership Sunday teas to garnering countless donations to support the institution. In fact, $1,000,000 was raised by them from 1943 to 1992! From guiding visitors through the exhibitions, to hosting fairs, luncheons and auctions to developing the first museum shop, their presence was constant and their contributions unparalleled. Fifty-five pieces of art and sculpture, particularly focused on Inuit art, were purchased by the Women’s Society and gifted to the Gallery in two years alone! These incredible fundraising efforts provided the essential support to develop a collections acquisitions program.
A newspaper clipping of two AGA volunteers during a Christmas art fair.
A placard outside the AGA's Blue Studio, in honour of Irma Young.
This acquisitions program was also led by an extraordinary volunteer, Dorothy “Bobby” Dyde (1907-1979). From 1952 to 1964, she was the Chair of the Acquisition Committee and a member of the Board of Directors. This period marked great growth for the museum, with substantial growth in acquired works for the collection from donations and purchases. With strong ties to the National Gallery of Canada and close relationships with many incredible Canadian artists, her work elevated the Edmonton Art Gallery to become a beacon of visual arts in Western Canada.
As the gallery grew, volunteers continued to demonstrate their crucial role in its success. The docent program, in which volunteers guided visitors through exhibitions and provided information and context about the works, was essential to daily operations. In one year, 700 docent hours were recorded, providing 7,000 attendees guided tours. It is impossible to mention all our fantastic docents that have contributed over the years, but each have provided incalculable support.
Irma Young was a legacy volunteer with for many wonderful years, starting off in our docent program and serving as President of the Edmonton Art Gallery Board from 1975 - 1977. An accomplished potter, Irma dedicated much of her time to support the Art Gallery of Alberta, as well as other arts and community organizations such as the Alberta Ballet, C.N.I.B and the Junior League. Her family dedicated the AGA Volunteer and Staff Break Room to Irma’s enduring volunteerism as a generous donation to our Capital Campaign over a decade ago.
Over the past century, the volunteerism of artists, enthusiasts and supporters have turned the AGA into what it is today. With the current pool of dedicated volunteers, we look forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary with you.
Next time you visit and see a smiling face with a volunteer pin on their lapel, say hello. And if you are interested in becoming one yourself, feel free to apply online and join us for this historic landmark of a year!