August Exhibition: Out and About + Cognitive Creative Abstract Art
This August, the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum & Art Gallery presents two exhibitions that invite visitors into two very different, but complementary, ways of seeing: one grounded in close observation of the natural world, and the other rooted in intuition, colour, and abstraction.
In the Freeze Gallery, local artist Sue Wiebe presents Out and About, a series of representational oil paintings featuring British Columbia landscapes and wildlife. Wiebe’s practice is grounded in slowing down, looking closely, and exploring the felt connection between people and the natural world. Her paintings offer visitors a quiet, attentive way of seeing — a reminder of the beauty that becomes visible when we take the time to notice.
In the Main Gallery, James Kortekaas presents Cognitive Creative Abstract Art, a vibrant body of abstract work driven by experimentation, intuition, and meditative practice. Working in acrylics and oils, Kortekaas layers bold colour and gestural mark-making to create paintings that feel energetic, tactile, and immersive. Rather than prescribing meaning, his work invites personal interpretation and emotional response.
The exhibition runs August 6 to August 29, 2026, with an opening reception on Thursday, August 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. All are welcome to attend, meet the artists, and spend time in the galleries.
This show is proudly sponsored by Monashee Outdoors, ‘Your Trail Begins Here‘! Visit our wonderful sponsors at 2595 Pleasant Valley Blvd right here in town, for all of your outdoor gear needs!
Upcoming Socials for Members!
The Social Committee has also been busy planning two summer get-togethers for members. On August 20, members who are able to secure tickets are invited to join a field trip to Haney House for Diane Llewelyn-Jones’ new show, a fast-paced musical journey through Shuswap history. The matinee takes place at Haney House, with check-in at 11:00 AM. To book tickets, call 250-832-5243 and say you are part of the Museum group.
Members are also encouraged to keep August 23 free as the Social Committee revives a time-honoured tradition: the Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. Details will follow in the coming weeks, so please watch your email and the Gallery’s website for updates.
For updates and images, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or visit armstrongspallmuseumart.com.
In the early 1970’s residents of Armstrong found themselves powerless to save an historic building from being demolished. This event was the spark that led to the creation of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Historical Society, incorporated in 1974. In the beginning, the Society’s collection consisted mainly of historical photographs. Almost a decade later the City of Armstrong offered the Society space in part of a machine storage building. The Society opened a museum to the public in 1983. In 1988, with the help of a gift from Rusty Freeze, they expanded into the rest of the building and added an Art Gallery. At this time the name of the Society changed to the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Arts Society. The museum and art gallery are the result of the dedication of the many volunteers from the community who continue to be active in it’s operation.
THE Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery is located in historic downtown Armstrong. The first building on this site was moved from Lansdowne in 1901. Over time he expanded the building. The business was later operated by his sons and gradually changed into a machine shop. It has also served as a storage facility, automobile garage and gas station. Since becoming a museum, the facility has been upgraded many times, Our renovations in 2011 included fresh paint, new signage, a timber frame entrance and a colonnade. We now have a brand new, but still historic, look for a favourite old building.