
About the program
Each year, a jury of practicing artists and County residents recommend artworks to be purchased for the County’s art collection.
Guided by the Art Collection Advisory Committee, The Art Acquisition program takes place during "The Strathcona Salon"—a sweeping exhibition of the artists who help to shape the County’s artistic landscape. From this exhibition, eligible artworks are considered for County purchase.
“The Salon" also features artwork by ten promising youth artists. Winners of Art Society of Strathcona County’s annual youth exhibition are invited to loan their artwork to the County for one year following "The Salon".
General guidelines
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Artists residing within the municipal boundaries of Strathcona County who are 18 years of age or older.
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Artists living in Canada with a significant connection to Strathcona County who are 18 years of age or older.
Strathcona County is committed to equity in the arts. With the intention of building a permanent art collection that is representative of our diverse community, the Strathcona County Public Art team and the Art Collection Advisory Committee are committed to addressing bias and improving diversity within our collection efforts. We especially encourage and welcome submissions that represent the diversity of this community, including representation from artists who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and people with disabilities. We recognize there may be barriers for some when applying. If you require accommodations please contact the Public Art team.
Note: Artists whose work was selected for County purchase in 2022 may participate in "The Strathcona Salon" exhibition but their artwork will not be eligible for purchase until 2024. -
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2. How do I participate as an artist living outside of Strathcona County?
Permanent link to How do I participate as an artist living outside of Strathcona County?Artists who do not live in Strathcona County but have a significant connection to the area are welcome to apply to participate. These participants are asked to provide a brief description of their relationship to the area within their application. Applications from non-Strathcona County Residents must be approved by the Art Collection Advisory Committee before the artist can participate.
The Art Collection Advisory Committee will review and evaluate responses with equal consideration given to:
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The overall impact of your contributions to Strathcona County:
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Have you ever worked or volunteered in Strathcona County? If so, for how many years?
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Have you made any artistic contributions to Strathcona County?
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Have you exhibited your artwork in Strathcona County?
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Does your artistic practice have a considerable focus on Strathcona County?
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The significance Strathcona County holds for you personally:
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Have you ever lived in Strathcona County? If so, how many years?
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Are you an active member of a community or faith-based organization in Strathcona County?
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Are you an Indigenous artist whose homelands overlaps with Strathcona County?
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Are you an Indigenous artist with ancestral, traditional, or ceremonial ties to the area?
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Artists are encouraged to contact the Public Art team prior to applying, especially if their connection to the County is not covered through the examples above.
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3. Where and when do I drop off my artwork?
Permanent link to Where and when do I drop off my artwork?Artists will deliver their artwork to Gallery@501 during one of the scheduled drop-off times.
Gallery@501
501 Festival Ave #120
Sherwood Park, AB
T8A 4X3Artwork Drop-off Dates:
Thursday, April 27, 1 to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 28, 1 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 12 to 4 p.m.Artists may arrange to ship their artwork to Gallery@501, however, the artist is responsible for covering all shipping costs (including return shipping).
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4. Where and when do I pick up my artwork?
Permanent link to Where and when do I pick up my artwork?Artists pick up their artwork from Gallery@501 after the exhibit closes.
Gallery@501
501 Festival Ave #120
Sherwood Park, AB
T8A 4X3
Artwork pick-up dates:
Sunday June 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mon June 26, 1 to 7 p.m. -
5. Information for gallery representatives
Permanent link to Information for gallery representativesGallery representatives may apply on behalf of an artist. Sales inquiries may be directed to the artist’s representing gallery. For more information, contact Strathcona County Public Art.
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Contact Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture for assistance:
780-467-2211
Artwork requirements
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Artists may submit two and three-dimensional artwork in any medium. Any artwork that is original, initiated by the artist, and completed within the last four years may be eligible.
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One artwork (e.g., one canvas, frame, or sculpture)
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Two artworks (e.g., two canvases, frames, or sculptures)
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One multi-part artwork or small series (e.g., a diptych, triptych, or a collection of related prints)
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3. What is considered a multipart artwork or series of works?
Permanent link to What is considered a multipart artwork or series of works?A multipart-artwork refers to dyptychs, triptychs, or other artworks comprised of separate parts. A series of works refers to artwork that is visually connected through a subject matter, pattern, medium, technique, palette, and size. Though separate, the components of a series or multi-part artwork should feel like one larger artwork when installed. The Jalopy Collection (2007) by Julie Witten Land is an example of a series.
NEW FOR 2023: All two-dimensional artworks in a series must be the same size and have matching frames. Three-dimensional artworks may vary in size and shape.
NEW FOR 2023: Artists must provide a diagram or instructions for installing multi-part artworks or series including their preferred arrangement and spacing between artworks.
Note: Space at Gallery@501 is limited. Though every effort will be made to exhibit all eligible submissions, Gallery@501 may not have room to accommodate all artworks in a series. In this case, the artist will be contacted before the exhibit opening. Though staff will follow artists’ instructions whenever possible, the placement of artworks is up to the discretion of Gallery@501 staff. -
Artworks must weigh fifty pounds or less. Staff must be able to safely move the artwork without special equipment or the artist’s assistance.
Two-dimensional artwork (or any artwork intended to hand on a wall):
- Combined area up to 28 square-feet (height of tallest artwork x total width of all artworks)
Three-dimensional artwork:
- Maximum footprint of 2.25 square feet per artwork (width x depth)
- Maximum height of 8 feet
Two-dimensional series:
- up to 28 square feet including space between artworks (artists must provide instructions and/or a diagram for installation).
Three-dimensional series:
- Maximum footprint of 2.25 square feet per artwork (width x depth)
- Maximum combined footprint of 9 square feet with at least 0.5 feet between artworks
- Maximum height of 8 feet
- Maximum height of 8 feet
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5. How do I prepare my artwork for display at the Salon?
Permanent link to How do I prepare my artwork for display at the Salon?-
Photograph: If possible, take a quality photograph of the artwork prior to framing. Cell phone photography is acceptable.
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Labels: Label your artwork on the back or bottom with the title of the work, your name and phone number.
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Framing: Two-dimensional artworks on paper or similar substrates must be framed or include alternative hanging hardware (rare-earth magnets, clips, etc.). Professional, museum-standard framing is not mandatory.
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D-Rings: On conventional 2-dimensional artworks, such as framed artwork and canvases, D-rings are the preferred hardware. If you require assistance or further instruction for installing hanging hardware, contact Strathcona County Public Art.
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- Artwork that exceeds number, size, or weight limits, or artwork that cannot be spatially or technically accommodated by Gallery@501 is not eligible.
- Artwork that was previously submitted to “The Strathcona Salon” is not eligible.
- Artwork created prior to 2020 is not eligible for display (no exceptions).
- Any artwork that poses physical danger to staff or gallery visitors is not eligible.
- Artwork that depicts profanity, pornographic images, or graphic violence will not be permitted.
- Portraits created without consent of the individuals depicted are not permitted.
- Artwork that purposefully imitates another work of art is not permitted.
- Artwork that perpetuates harmful stereotypes, racism, or gendered violence is not permitted.
Artwork sales and donations
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1. Can I sell my artwork during the Salon exhibition?
Permanent link to Can I sell my artwork during the Salon exhibition?In addition to submitting work to the Art Acquisition Program, artists may list their work for sale during the exhibition. Pricing information for all artworks will be kept with reception at Gallery@501. With your consent, your contact information will be shared with interested buyers.
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Artwork submitted for donation to the collection is accepted at the discretion of the Jury. Although the County appreciates such offers, it is unable to accept all donations of artwork.
Jury and selection process
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1. How are artworks selected for acquisition?
Permanent link to How are artworks selected for acquisition?The Art Acquisition Selection Committee will consist of 3 professional practicing artists. New jurors are appointed each year. The professional backgrounds of the jurors may vary from year to year.
The jury recommends artwork for Strathcona County’s Permanent Collection based on the following Criteria:
- Presentation
- Aesthetic quality
- Technical excellence and craftsmanship
- Overall success and effect
- Quality of materials and future conservation or maintenance requirements
Recommendations for Strathcona County’s Permanent Art Collection will be made by the jury with the final recommendations being made by the Art Collection Advisory Committee and approved by Strathcona County Council. Artwork and artwork statements will be presented to the jurors anonymously.
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2. How many artworks are selected for purchase each year?
Permanent link to How many artworks are selected for purchase each year?The number of artworks purchased varies depending on the the selection jury's decision and the prices of artworks. With a typical budget of $10,000, the jury recommends approximately seven to ten artworks for purchase each year.
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3. What if my artwork is selected for acquisition?
Permanent link to What if my artwork is selected for acquisition?If your artwork is selected for acquisition, your artwork will be inducted into Strathcona County’s Permanent Art Collection. Acquisitions will be displayed in Strathcona County’s Artrium for up to one year immediately following the Salon Series Exhibition, then distributed throughout county buildings and offices. Your artwork will also be profiled online in the County’s Permanent Art Collection online gallery.
To finalize the purchase, you must sign an artwork purchase agreement and the artwork will remain with Strathcona County. You will be paid by cheque.
Artwork recommended for purchase will be announced at the Artists’ Reception on June 15, 7:00 pm. Selected artists will be contacted prior to the event.
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Visitors to the exhibit can vote on their favourite artwork. A “Peoples’ Choice Award” of $100.00 will be presented at the artists’ reception. Voting will be open from May 11 to June 16. Visitors may only vote once.
View artwork selected for purchase in 2022
Thirteen artworks were recommended for purchase in 2022. These artworks will be on display in the Community Centre through June 2023. Click on an image below to view the gallery.



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Blanca Jose Hernandez Cruz
Canadian Landscape: a visual gift, 2021
Upcycled threads embroidered on canvas
The thread that makes up Canadian Landscape was gifted to Blanca by local quilter Fran Laroche. As a medium, the collection of threads is special. For more than forty years, Laroche had been collecting and sorting bits of thread leftover from her quilting projects. For Blanca, the medium is completely unique and can never be replicated.
Blanca and Fran’s friendship began nearly twenty years ago, shortly after Blanca had arrived in Canada for the first time. Blanca then returned to Nicaragua for several years where she created Boheme Atelier, a designer fashion brand and boutique featuring handcrafted footwear, handbags, and accessories. Boheme Atelier closed in 2018 due to political turmoil in Nicaragua and the artist moved to Canada once more. She obtained permanent residency in October 2021.Through experimentation, Blanca found that embroidery techniques worked best to adhere the thread to the canvas while maintaining the unique qualities and textures of the threads. The piece was created entirely by hand.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Nabe Gduzahan Eugene Alexis
Young Man in Red Cap, 2021
Acrylic, oil, airbrush on canvas
Eugene Alexis is a Stoney Nakada from Alexis #133 Indian Reserve, located in Treaty No. 6 Territory. He lives on the shores of Wakamne (God's Lake), also known as Lac Ste Anne. Eugene is a fluent speaker, translator, transcriber, and curriculum developer of the Alexis Stoney Nakoda Language.
Eugene was named after his late grandfather, Chief Joseph Alexis and his late great-great grandfather Aranazhi, Chief Alexis who signed Treaty for the Alexis Tribe and was also known by the Cree as Klskiyciciy, or Nabe Gduzahan in Stoney Nakada Language.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
3X9 Collective: Angele Hebert-Gunn, Paulette Gunn, and Pat McMillan
Freedom Field, 2020
We are 3 fabulous female painters local to Strathcona County who discovered a kinship in the art world and long a lasting friendship outside the art world. Initially we gathered at each other's home to paint an image chosen by the home owner. We collaborated, and shared tips and ideas. Since that worked so well, we decided to challenge ourselves to each paint 9 paintings, hence the name 3X9 Collective. We enjoy bringing new challenges to the table, and of course all the fun we have working together and creating gives each of us an incredible appreciation of each other and the art we create.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Ainsley Toner
The Original Sherwood Park Kids, 2022
Acrylic on canvas
There is something to be said about the feelings associated with watching the face of your parent or grandparent light up when they find an old sports bomber jacket or stuffed animal from their childhood. I hold great value in the way objects can shape our identities and create the same joyful feelings in us now, as they did many years earlier. The feeling of nostalgia is one that can connect us across all generations, and I aim to explore how I can elicit that feeling in myself and others through art.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Jason O'Donnell
Six Feet Under, 2019
Wire sculptureI am wire artist who works with new and reused wire and barbwire. Born, raised and now working in the Park, I own a local photography company called Infinite Eye Photography. Six Feet Under is a series of six 12 inch tall human wire figures linked together in an effort to help their distressed fellow.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Colleen Lou Frederick
Lily of the Valley, 2021
Arcylic, pen on canvasI am a self taught artist and learning as I go. An excellent escape from the stressful time in our world, painting is a mini vacation for me. Mornings are my most precious moments as that is when my ideas arise.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Krista Hamilton
Half of Me is Sky, 2021
Mixed media on canvas
A long walk on a cold day; the sky, the space and the winter are a comfort. They feel like the deepest breath. A person can be changed by brisk air.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Bruno Canadien
Rita Therese, 2020
Acrylic, satin ribbon on canvas
The paintings within this series (Mother Tongue/ Ehts’o Ket’a, 2018 – 2020) draw on and celebrate the legacy of Madeline Canadien, Rita Coats, and Mary Elsie Canadien specifically, and other practitioners of Dene and Metı́s floral artwork generally, in beadwork, tufting, embroidery and quillwork. The original impetus for this work came in the form of 3 pairs of beaded moccasin tops, made by Setsų Héɂı and gifted to me posthumously by my Aunt Elsie, with the suggestion that I incorporate them into my practice. These beaded tops have come to symbolize my relationship with my grandmother: quiet, beautiful, yet tangible. Expanding the symbolism, and without exaggeration, Dene traditional artwork represents our love for family and our love for our land, Denendeh. It is this symbolism as well as Setsų’s designs that are at play in these paintings.
This work was made in honour of my matrilineal line, and is dedicated to my family and the Dene and Metı́s of the Dehcho. The design on this canvas is inspired by Elsie Canadien's work, and is named for my mother.2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Tammy S. Henkel
Art at Play, 2020 – 2022
Bear Fishing
Magazine collage
The Art at Play series was a means to challenge and occupy myself during Covid-19. My scale has shifted from extremely large to more modest dimensions. Recently I have been producing work at my kitchen table rather than in my basement studio. Currently I am exploring form, color, pattern, natural motifs, square formats and recycled magazines. Using a #11 hobby blade I cut free form shapes to assemble nature inspired images. I use Elmer's tinted glue sticks.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Tammy S. Henkel
Art at Play, 2020 – 2022
Fowl Landing
Magazine collage
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Tammy S. Henkel
Art at Play, 2020 – 2022
Koi Pond
Magazine collage
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Tammy S. Henkel
Art at Play, 2020 – 2022
Leap Frog
Magazine collage
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection -
Sabine Hahnel
Open door to your dreams, 2021
Acrylic on canvas
My first inspiration was my grandfather. I grew up admiring his talent and spent many hours watching him paint. I am, like him, entirely self-taught and always strive to improve my technique. Besides being an artist, I am a full time Registered Nurse in a Critical Care Unit. Creating art is my refuge and therapy, offering me a time out from the hardship and emotional turmoil my days at work often bring.
2022 Acquisition
Strathcona County Art Collection
Direct questions and concerns to Strathcona County Recreation, Parks and Culture:
Phone: 780-467-2211
Email: artacquisition@strathcona.ca
Receive timely updates on artist calls, exhibition opportunities, and Gallery@501 programs
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Last updated: Tuesday, May 02, 2023
Page ID: 38811