Historic Masterpieces Arrive in Downtown Calgary for Public Preview
In an unassuming space just off Confluence Way in downtown Calgary, art history comes alive with the debut of a new gallery featuring extraordinary works by some of the world's most celebrated artists. Cowley Abbott Fine Art, a Toronto-based auction house, has opened its first Western Canada location in Calgary, bringing with it a stunning collection of historical and rare artworks available for both viewing and purchase.
Three-Day Public Preview Begins April 23
The gallery will host a special three-day public preview starting Thursday, April 23, offering art enthusiasts unprecedented access to more than 25 significant artworks. These pieces will later be available at Cowley Abbott's Spring Live Auction in Toronto on May 27, but the Calgary preview provides a unique opportunity for the local community to experience these masterworks firsthand.
"You don't have to be a buyer or a client at auction to come and see the preview," emphasized Peter Ohler, who works in private art sales for Cowley Abbott. Ohler, a longtime connoisseur and dealer in the Canadian art world, played a key role in establishing the Calgary gallery after years of traveling between Toronto and Alberta.
Rare Works from Artistic Legends
The collection features several extraordinary pieces that have not been publicly exhibited for decades. Among the highlights is Emily Carr's 1930s-era canvas titled 'Wind,' which hasn't been shown publicly in nearly a century since its last exhibition in Toronto. Displayed alongside this Canadian treasure are works by Lawren Harris, Franklin Carmichael, A.Y. Jackson, and other members of the iconic Group of Seven.
A short walk upstairs reveals even more remarkable pieces: Pierre-August Renoir's 'Paysage Du Midi, c. 1900,' exhibited for the first time in 40 years, and Vincent van Gogh's "Homme à la Pipe: Portrait du Docteur Gachet, 1890," created during the final year of the artist's life. The gallery also features a rendering of the Whistler forest by Gordon Smith, a mentee of Lawren Harris.
Creating an Accessible Art Space
Ohler explained that the decision to open a Calgary gallery stemmed from a desire to build a stronger art community in the city. "Just to have a space for people to come and see things, and we can hold the preview and do shows and show contemporary and historical art," he said. "To really build that base in Calgary."
The gallery itself has been designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. The upstairs area features a living room atmosphere with a grey couch and coffee table, complete with a kitchenette. "We want people to feel comfortable," Ohler noted. "A lot of the art that we deal with ends up in people's homes. So it just makes sense to me that if you're going to be showing these works, you want to show them in the same environment that they'll end up in."
Future Programming and Community Impact
Following the spring preview and subsequent auction, the gallery will continue to showcase a diverse range of contemporary artists. Upcoming exhibits include works by Kim Dorland during the summer months and David Blackwood in the fall. The upstairs space will maintain its focus on historical paintings and private sales.
Ohler anticipates significant interest from the Calgary community, estimating that hundreds of visitors will explore the gallery during its first week of operation. The auction house has previously hosted previews in Calgary that were well-received by local artists and art enthusiasts, suggesting strong support for this permanent addition to the city's cultural landscape.
This new gallery represents not just a commercial venture but a cultural investment in Calgary's artistic community, providing residents with direct access to world-class artworks that might otherwise require travel to major international art centers.
