Art Gallery of Alberta

The AGA as a Resource The AGA is a resource for Albertans and the public. Collecting art works plays a central role in this. The AGA has acquired over 6,000 pieces of art since it was founded in 1924. Most of the art collection was created post-1950. The art collection has been built since 1970. The Gallery is also doing vigorous work to strengthen the collection by acquiring historical Canadian artists. H.G. Glyde is the best known Alberta artist in the AGA collection before the top group of Canadian artists. Illingworth Kirr, Marion Nicoll, Pegi NicolMacLeod, Bill Reid, Carl Schaefer, John Snow, and Lilias Torance Newton have representation from the Group of Seven painters. AGA's Canadian historical and contemporary artists, as well as numerous international holdings, are complemented by the richness of its Canadian Collection. AGA Collection was built by generous donations, thoughtful purchasing with grant funds, and endowment money. For example, the Ernest E. Poole Foundation has donated nearly 100 pieces by Canada's top artists, including Cornelius Krieghoff and Paul Peel. Jackson, Jack Bush, and Jean-Paul Riopelle (Art Gallery of Alberta, 2023). AGA donors have esteemed it with generosity, enabling the Gallery to build and continue to maintain one of the most extensive collections of Western Canadian visual arts.

**SUMMARY:** The gallery provides an exceptional experience, reflects its architecture through its remarkable art collections and exhibitions. The staff is friendly and the visitors highly recommend the institution, especially the "Sobey Art Collection". The building is impressive and the exhibits are fascinating, engaging, and accessible to all. In addition, the activities are varied and are not limited to art shows and create a diverse audience. The institution views its potential educational mission primarily aligned with other educational courses, most notably the invitation for both post-secondary and special students to learn. The events offer a unique, fun, and diverse space and cultural experience to learn about black history. However, some people do not like the little charitable art they provide or call it "childish". And other visitors want a more extensive gift shop to buy collections and vintage items such as t-shirts and mugs that provide sales support to the gallery and artist.