Since the 1980s, the Downtown Gallery Walk has celebrated Canadian artists’ work in Edmonton’s thriving 124th Street art scene. This guided journey through Westmount’s artistic hub will inspire and delight.
Wîhkwêntôwin | 10403 124 Street NW | 780-482–1204 | bearclawgallery.com
As you begin your walk at the start of 124th Street, the first stop is the Bearclaw Gallery, an iconic establishment that has celebrated Canadian First Nations, Métis and Inuit art for over four decades. Inside, the walls are adorned with vibrant paintings, intricate beadwork and striking sculptures that tell stories of culture, tradition, and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
Wîhkwêntôwin | 12323 104 Avenue NW | 780-455-7479 | probertsongallery.com
If you walk a minute south of the Bearclaw Gallery and turn left you will find yourself at The Peter Robertson Gallery. It was established in 2004, and today it is recognized as one of Canada’s leading contemporary art galleries, featuring bold and innovative works. It has housed artists like Matt Bahen and Peter Von Tiesenhausen, and espouses the mission to give a spotlight to Canadian talent — young and old. It isn’t all about painting and sculpting either, it has featured printmakers and photographers alike.
Wîhkwêntôwin | 10345 124 Street NW | 780-990-1161 | landogallery.com
On the same block as the Peter Robertson Gallery is one of the standout stops on this artistic journey — the Lando Gallery. It is known for showcasing a wide range of artistic styles, from classical realism to contemporary abstracts. The gallery also reaches a wider audience by conducting online auctions. This means you can bid on pieces from the comfort of your couch, in your pajamas if you like — no judgment here! The online auctions make it easy for art lovers near and far to get involved and snag one-of-a-kind pieces.
Wîhkwêntôwin | 10337 124 Street NW | 780-488-| westendgalleryltd.com
Continuing south, you find yourself at the West End Gallery, where a kaleidoscope of colours greet you. This gallery is a haven for contemporary Canadian art, featuring everything from quaint landscapes to abstract masterpieces. The exhibits constantly change so every visit offers a new experience.
Westmount | 1B – 10110 124 Street NW | 780-482-2854 | bugeramathesongallery.com
Once you are done admiring the landscapes at the West End Gallery, walk 5 more minutes down 124th street and you will find yourself at the Bugera Matheson Gallerym which offers a fresh perspective on Edmonton’s art scene. This gallery features a carefully curated selection of contemporary works from artists across Canada and has been a part of Edmonton’s art scene since 1992.
The art is not confined to the walls of galleries, Edmonton’s streets are a canvas, adorned with vibrant murals and public art installations. My personal favourite is “No Beginning No End” by Jill von Stanton. It is a little out of the way — a 10 minute walk north of Bearclaw, but it is so worth it. It was painted in 2018 in collaboration with Rust Magic International Street Mural Festival. When I first walked past it I thought it was a giant worm. And the best part about art is that it can be what I want it to be. It features a mix of organic and geometric shapes with deep rippling shades of blues and reds. To me it reads like a symbol of eternity and continuity — the cycle of life. But also a giant worm.
This is just one among many outdoor masterpieces created by talented local and international artists such as Amuse 126 and Cheyenne Rain LeGrande, so don’t forget to admire those along your walk as well.
