The University of Lethbridge extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jeffrey Spalding, former director of the U of L Art Gallery, who passed away on Monday, Oct. 14 at the age of 67. Spalding was born in Scotland in 1951, and came to Canada as a child with his family, settling in Toronto.
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.