This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge and the U of L Art Gallery extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jeffrey Spalding, who passed away on Monday, Oct. 14 at the age of 67.
Spalding was director of the U of L Gallery from 1981 to 1999. The art collection grew significantly under his direction and is considered now to be one of the most significant art collections in Canada. He was also an artist and the U of L collection includes 18 of his paintings and drawings, including "J.J. Spalding, A Secret Encoding" from 1971. The work is acrylic on canvas and a gift of Marianne Gerlinger, 1998. Click on the file attached to this notice to see the painting.
In Galleries West magazine, Spalding is described as a tireless champion of Canadian art. In addition to the U of L, Spalding served as director of the Glenbow Museum, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Appleton Museum of Art in Florida. He worked internationally and was appointed art consultant for the Tao Hua Tan Cultural and Creative Company in China. At Contemporary Calgary, Spalding was artistic director and chief curator.
In an article in the Calgary Herald, Spalding is described as a gifted artist and brilliant curator. A painter and printmaker, his work can be found in major collections in Canada and around the world. He wrote for Galleries West regularly and was adjunct professor at the University of Calgary. An obituary can be found online at The Chronicle Herald. According to this obituary, celebrations of life are being arranged and will be held at a later date.
The U of L Art Gallery is planning an exhibition of Spalding's work to run from June 18 to August 28, 2020 in the Hess Gallery.
In honour of Spalding, the U of L will lower its flag on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Contact:
caroline.zentner | caroline.zentner@uleth.ca
