Specialties
The Leighton Art Centre is housed within the last residence of Alberta artists A.C. Leighton and Barbara Leighton. Their unique 1950's Arts and Crafts inspired home is situated on a beautiful 80-acre Foothills property and boasts some of the most breathtaking mountain views in Southern Alberta. Now a provincially designated Historic Resource, it accommodates a Museum, which exhibits works from its extensive collection of fine art, craft, furniture and artifacts owned and created by A.C. and Barbara Leighton, and an Art Gallery, featuring regularly changing exhibits by contemporary artists and artisans. Open to the public year round, Leighton Art Centre and its staff strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone, whether you're coming for artistic inspiration, for the fresh air and views, or to spend a day learning about Alberta history and artists, both past and present. Visit our website for information on current exhibitions and events.
History
Established in 1974.
The Leighton Art Centre is an Art Gallery, Museum and Arts Education Centre located on 80 acres just outside of Calgary, near Millarville in the Alberta MD of Foothills. Situated in A.C. Leighton and Barbara Leighton's original home, the LAC houses a vibrant display of Alberta's artists, both past and present. The Leighton Art Centre was established by Barbara Leighton in 1970 and was incorporated as a society in 1974.
Today the LAC is open to the public and offers a wide range of programming including Art & Nature programs for schools, Art to GO! programs, Professional Development Days for Teachers and Support Staff, Summer Camps, Adult Workshops, Professional Artist Workshops, Contemporary Art Exhibitions, rotating Museum Displays, Art Sales and Special Events.
Meet the Manager: Christina C.
Welcome to the Leighton Art Centre, a place to be free!
At the Leighton Art Centre we invite you to explore, appreciate and create on our beautiful 80-acre property. If you are a visitor looking to buy a unique piece of Albertan art, a student learning about Art & Nature, or an Artist looking for a gallery in which to display your work we hope you feel welcome and at ease in our Heritage Home. I am so proud of the work we do at the Leighton Art Centre and truly none of it would be possible without the hard work and support of the Leighton Art Centre Team and volunteers. We have over 200 volunteers who spend over 2000 hours helping us run our events, preparing materials at the Education Centre, working in our Gallery Gift Shop, and so much more! We strive to create an inclusive environment which welcomes everyone to be inspired and spend the day learning about Alberta history and art.
We hope to see you very soon at Leighton Art Centre.
~ Christina C.,
Executive Director