Calgary 
Events Description
Lemay explores the wonders of his garden in this exhibition that immerses the viewer in a barrage of colour. Peonies being his favourite flower; these magnificent blooms will be a focus in the exhibition. The macro aspect of the works allows you to immerse into the bouquet, flowers, and summer; a perfect departure from the drab winter colours and months we have endured. His delicate hand and attention to detail bring the flowers to life. And just in time for Mother’s Day, to boot!
As artists we are always making our own worlds. We’re very aware of what’s going on in the news cycle and so we make these realms to show our viewers that there is more. When I painted these recent works, my peony garden was frozen deep under the snow. I want to remind the viewer that we are able to create gardens from paint. We can conjure flowers, too.
The peonies are all from my own garden and I want the viewer to feel the same elation that I do when they emerge and bloom. I want the viewer to feel the light and the heat on the flowers, the strong shadows, as well.
There’s the quotation by Rumi, where he says:
“Beauty surrounds us,
but usually we need to be walking
in a garden to know it.”
My hope is that these floral expanses open up a spaciousness in the viewer where they might imagine themselves walking in a garden. The paintings will act as a reminder that beauty surrounds us. – Robert Lemay, 2025
Preview Thursday and Friday, May 1 & 2.
Who is it for?
All ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets : free
How to get tickets?
At the door
WHEN & WHERE
Date: Saturday May 3, 2025 to Wednesday May 28, 2025
Opening reception: Saturday, May 3 from 2-5pm; artist in attendance
Tuesday – Friday: 10AM-530PM
Saturdays: 11AM-5PM
Venue & Address
Wallace Galleries, 100, 500-5th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
Wheelchair accessible
Street Parking
Paid Parking
Accessible by Public Transport
