NEWS 2011

Dec 3 ~ 25, 2011... Christmas Miniature Sale ~ Pint Sized Original Paintings
Come and join us in the gallery and see a broad selection of paintings on a "pint size" scale available to purchase for those special people in your lvies! The paintings will be 5" x 7" and smaller

For the latest info on auction items please go to www.altitude-art.com
11 A Elizabeth Street, Okotoks, Alberta (403)995-9983

"Mountain Bluebird"

Wendy Palmer is honoured to have "Mountain Bluebird" selected by an independant jury to exhibit in the virtual gallery of 'The Art of Conservation - An International Exhibition of Nature in Art' 2011, this painting will also be published in the Art of Conservation 2011 Hardcover Book.

In most areas, the sight of a Robin signifies Spring, in our neck of the woods seeing the first Mountain Bluebird means Spring is finally here. Mountain bluebirds are one of the first species to arrive back in Alberta in the spring from their breeding grounds in the southern states. Mountain Bluebirds in Alberta are most commonly seen in the park-lands and foothills. They once nested in the Peace River Country, but seem to have all but disappeared from those northern park-lands. They are absent from the open prairie but sometimes nest along prairie coulees and river banks. This brightly colored male bluebird nested with his mate in our nest box near my home in close proximity to an Alberta wetland area. He would come and peck at my window as if to get noticed. Needless to say his beautiful iridescent blue colouration and soft melodious warble always caught my attention.

"Mt. Royal Mural Mosaic"

Mt. Royal University http://mtroyal.ca/AboutMountRoyal/MediaRoom/HP_MuralMosaic

180 pieces of connected history
After more than a year of celebrations and events including book launches, conferences, parades and even a commemorative beer, Mount Royal University wrapped up the celebration of its centennial with the unveiling of a mural mosaic.

The mosaic is made up of 180 paintings of significant people, landmarks and achievements from Mount Royal’s first 100 years. In its entirety, the mural forms an image of Mount Royal’s founding principal, Rev. Dr. George William Kerby holding an open book filled with stories.

The coloured swirls of stories spilling from the book intertwine, connecting Mount Royal’s past, present and future.

Each panel was created by a member of the Mount Royal community, including alumni, staff and students, as well as lead artist Lewis Lavoie. Collaborating with the centennial committee on the overall image, Lavoie created the final version and the base panels for the artists to work from. Lavoie provided each artist with a panel featuring the rough colour suggestions, but left it up to the individual artist to create the finished product. For a detailed look at the mural mosaic process, visit the centennial web page.