Finding art in unexpected places!
Sylvan Lake’s art scene runs deep with a surprising history ranging from new creators to artists with national and international reputations. The thriving art community is made up of murals, mosaics, sculptures, metal work and more that can be found in and around town.
The Sylvan Lake Art Society, which started in 1994, works to promote and foster the community’s artistic side with community projects and workshops. It’s a greenhouse for artists and the projects are growing.
“You have beautiful farms, the lake, and the lighthouse. The scenery is beautiful and lends itself to artistic inspirations,” said Karen Filthaut, president of the Sylvan Lake Art Society. “We have some unbelievable artists in Sylvan Lake.”
You can also find art in many of Sylvan Lake’s stores and boutiques. Find unique treasures and art to take home, reminding you of your trip or embrace the lake life vibe with your home décor. Take to the streets and see what artisanal gems you can find because there’s something incredible about stumbling across art outside the traditional walls of a gallery.
The community has a Self-Guided Art Walk for visitors and residents to enjoy, kind of like a scavenger hunt! It outlines a few of the towns favourite and unique installations.
Varsity Hall
Artists: Trent Leach & Holly Elliot| Rogue Art and Design
The Varsity Hall art installation is hard to miss at the north end of 50th Street. Sylvan Lake was once well known for its three dance halls including the Varsity Hall bringing in crowds from all over the province. This piece is an ode to Sylvan Lake’s last standing dance hall that was demolished in 1979.
Sylvan Lake was once well known for its three dance halls: Varsity Hall (originally Trianon), the Prom (originally Alexander Pavilion), and the Oriental Gardens. Popular bands from across Canada and the United States played to large crowds during the summer months, bringing jazz, and later rock and roll, to life. Historically, the dance halls were an important part of entertainment for people near and far. Reflecting the changing times, the last standing dance hall, Varsity Hall, was demolished in 1979. The original grand fireplace was salvaged, and relocated to Terratima Lodge, near Rocky Mountain House.
Birth
Artist: Ben Crane
Originally commissioned by the “Heart of Town Association”, ‘Birth’ was sculpted as a millennium project in 2000.
Why a mermaid? In the early part of the 20th century Sylvan Lake was well known for its annual Regatta. In the 1950’s the committee decided the Regatta needed a symbol and the Mermaid, officially known as “Our Lady of the Lake” was chosen. A few years later the Town of Sylvan voted to adopt the mermaid as the official symbol of Sylvan Lake. An earlier version which sat at the corner by the CIBC was built by Will Truchon at Red Deer College and can be seen resting at its new home in the Archives.
Let Them Play
Artist: Jason Allen Willert
This mural was unveiled September 30th, 2021, as part of the Towns efforts to walk the path of Truth and Reconciliation. It was conceived by community member and first nation advocate Tracey Grienke and created by Indigenous Artist Ryan Jason Allen Willert. This mural is dedicated to the children who under the Residential School System never returned home.
Sylvan Lake is located on Treaty 6 territory and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all first peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
Sail with a Sphere
Artist: Steve Coffey
In 1992, the Heart of Town Committee commissioned several works of art with a historical theme. This sculpture was designed to represent the community – a sail with a sphere representing the heart of town.
Life is Better at the Lake
Artist: Jamie Cooney
The ‘Life is Better at the Lake’ Mural was painted in 2020 and was one of the first pieces installed Town’s new Cultural Master Plan. The inspiration was scrapbooking memories made on a trip to Sylvan Lake.