The South Eastern Alberta landscape was created twelve thousand years ago by glacial activity. The receding glaciers left ridges of glacial till and valleys worn by melting waters. Nestled in the lower areas, ponds and wetlands remain, while creeks meander down to meet each other, flowing together and emptying into the river. This drainage performs important ecological functions including recharging aquifers and groundwater. 

In February2022, a call for submissions of art was circulated by the Society of Grassland Naturalists and the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance (SEAWA). In the resulting exhibition Ponds, Coulees, & Creeks, artists of varied disciplines showcase their interpretations of the ecology and natural features of Southeastern Alberta, bringing our attention to the precariousness of the beauty that surrounds us. 

Featured Artists: Dixie Baker, Dale Beaven, Lorraine Belanger, Valerie Cox, Mell Davison, Julie Downey-Hoglund, Andrea Dumonceaux, Theresa Eisenbarth, Loretta Fix, Hazel Gray, Dalyce Harrison, Phyllis Harvey, Atsuko Higashitani, Debbie Kammerer, Dylin Kerluke, Evelyn Kleis, Loise Maier, Martha Munz Gue, Dawn Olson, Doris Osterhold, Betty Rainville, Judy Russill, Pat Stonehouse, Janice Sich, Elaine Spitzer, Annette ten Cate, Marja Tros, Margaret Velichko, Michelle Winger, Elaine Zimmer and Donna Zubot. Special thanks to the young artists part of the Esplanade’s PD Day programming who created work for this exhibition as well as Myles and Elizabeth.

Curated by Martha Munz Gue, Sydney Taplin and Elaine Zimmer

Organized by SEAWA & The Grasslands Naturalists

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