To the younger generations of Lethbridge the brick building located on Galt Gardens has always been the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG), a vibrant contemporary art gallery. However, for many older citizens, our building stirs other memories – that of their experiences in Lethbridge’s first public library.  For over 50 years the Carnegie Library occupied the brick building on the edge of the park and this structure continues to hold a special place in the minds and hearts of many Lethbridge citizens.

In 1911 the Carnegie Foundation awarded a grant to the City of Lethbridge for the construction of a library.  The grant was not without controversy, and came up against strong opposition from some community members who viewed the gift as ‘blood money’. At the turn of the century the economy in Lethbridge prospered mainly on its coal mining industry, and the rights and conditions of labourers was of high priority for many citizens. In stark contrast were the labor policies of Andrew Carnegie (U.S. Steel) who called for low wages and limited unionization.

After first rejecting the grant, The City did eventually accept the funds (more than 10 years later) to build the Carnegie Library, which opened on January 23, 1922.  Following the Second World War, patronage of the library increased substantially and an extension was added.  The architectural style of the addition differed from that of the original building.  The early 50s modernist addition to the east, more than doubled the square footage of the facility and would later become the lower gallery of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery. The demands on the library eventually outgrew its home – and in the 70s it moved out of the brick building on Galt Gardens. 

In the new vacancy, a group of arts-minded citizens saw an opportunity.  They successfully lobbied The City of Lethbridge for the formation of an art gallery.  Among the founding members was architect George Watson who would later transform the library into an art gallery, creating a lasting legacy in Lethbridge and for artists the world over.

Between 1976 and 2008 the Southern Alberta Art Gallery developed into one of Canada’s respected, cutting edge, and leading contemporary art galleries. During these three decades the SAAG’s structure had seen only minor upgrades or renovations.  Demands on the infrastructure due to a growing staff, expansions in gallery programming, more cumbersome and demanding artworks, and increasing challenges in integrating technology into artistic installations resulted in the space becoming cramped and outdated.

From 2009 to 2010 SAAG underwent a renovation and expansion, which was the first project to break ground in the Arts Re: Building Together campaign spearheaded by the Allied Arts Council and supported by the City of Lethbridge.  The local architectural firms of Savill Group Architects and Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects teamed up to complete the design.  They noted:

“Our logic in partnering on this project was more a matter of community pride than a matter of need. Either firm is fully capable of delivering an excellent product to the SAAG, but by joining forces we intend to share our knowledge and experience to make a more enjoyable process while delivering a superior product.”

The lead architects John Savill and Dan Westwood have participated extensively in the activities of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.  John continues to be a regular collaborator with the SAAG and has on numerous occasions shared the facilities of the Trianon Gallery to bring events and exhibits to fruition.  Dan, a past president of the Board of Directors of the SAAG, continues his affiliation with the arts by serving as a member of the Board of Directors with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Features of the expansion and reconfiguration of the gallery included: a new classroom and library with generous windows onto the park, a multi-media/video viewing gallery, and new configuration of the Shop at SAAG. Other project highlights included: a renovated entrance and gathering space, new kitchen/server, and improved barrier-free access throughout the gallery.

The Southern Alberta Art Gallery is committed to the learning and growth of its visitors and community; a bridge between artists and audiences, a container to access and experience ideas.