Norberg Hall, Calgary
Norberg Hall (courtesy: Public Eye)
The Canadian art landscape is ever-changing. Akimbo keeps you apprised of the standard-bearers as well as the upstarts in our monthly series on exhibition spaces from across the country. This month, we hear from Shannon Norberg, co-director of Norberg Hall, a commercial contemporary art gallery in Calgary.
What is the history and mandate of your gallery?
Jarvis Hall, Anniversary Exhibition / 10 Years Later, September 18 – October 9, 2020
Founded by Jarvis Hall in 2010 and shepherded by Shannon Norberg over the past decade, Norberg Hall has tried to redefine the role of a contemporary commercial gallery for artists, collectors, and the broader Canadian arts community. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in 2020, and in 2021, we embraced a new identity under the name Norberg Hall. Driven by a passion for strong visual culture and a deep commitment to gender equity and inclusion, these values have shaped our gallery’s mission and programming.
We actively support the practices of emerging, mid-career, and established artists to foster a richer understanding of their creative processes and provide a platform to engage in critical dialogues. Collaborating closely with artists, curators, museums, institutions, and corporate and private collectors, we have proudly facilitated acquisitions into major collections across Canada. Through representation, exhibitions, international art fairs, studio visits, and community outreach, we continue to champion Canadian art both in Alberta and on the national stage.
What’s a highlight of the neighbourhood where the gallery is located?
Norberg Hall is situated in Manchester, Calgary’s first industrial district, located just southeast of the Stampede grounds. While the area features typical industrial operations – such as autobody repair shops, warehouses, distilleries, and breweries – it has also become a hub for creative spaces. It’s central location, easily accessible by CTrain or bike from downtown, has just the right amount of grit and charm that resonates well with our identity.
What’s your favourite part of running an art gallery?
Marigold Santos, of armour bespoke, of fabric, of skin, of within / binubuo ng pasadyang proteksyon, ng tela, ng balat, at ng kalooban, current exhibition at Norberg Hall, September 13 – October 26, 2024, installation view
Running a gallery is all about fostering relationships and building community. The line between work and life often blurs, but we’d like to think we get a little better at managing it with each passing year. Our favorite part has got to be engaging with the artwork and having meaningful conversations. We love discovering what’s new, hearing the reasons behind why artists create what they do, and acting as the bridge between their vision and the viewer’s experience. It’s a daunting yet deeply rewarding responsibility.
How do you find out about new artists?
Installation view of Natural Surroundings, group exhibition at Norberg Hall, November 17, 2023 to January 13, 2024
That varies and it’s pretty hard to pin down just one source, but being part of a greater creative network plays a big role. It involves studio visits, conversations with peers, and conducting online research (yes, that includes Instagram), which often sparks a deeper dive into an artist’s work and practice. Also, we visit museums, galleries, Universities and Art Residencies, artist-run centres; we attend openings, artist talks, and essentially immersing ourselves in the creative community. Also exploring private and corporate collections, can contribute to the process. But ultimately, studio visits provide the most invaluable context and bring greater meaning to the work and its narrative.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Kablusiak, Going to the Grocery Store, 2023, felt and thread (included in Art Toronto 2024)
Honestly, we can’t forecast the future, but we can confidently say that our commitment to art and artists won’t waver. We’re not striving to be bigger or flashier – we aim to be better at what we do. Our focus is on creating more opportunities for artists to shine on a national stage, even if that stage happens to be located in the Prairies.
What excites you about your upcoming exhibitions?
Carrie Allison, Roses for Elsie 1, 2022, miyuki and too beads on stroud
We’re always excited for Art Toronto, running this year from October 24 to 27. The fair plays a crucial role for our gallery and artists, offering an essential platform for both national and international recognition. Over the years, participating in the fair has elevated Norberg Hall’s profile and brought much-needed visibility to underrepresented artists from the Prairies. Each edition strengthens our relationships with curators, writers, collectors, and institutions – connections that extend well beyond the fair and ensure year-round support for our artists. This year, we’re thrilled to showcase exciting new works by Kablusiak, Sean Jena Taal, Robin Arseneault, Erica Eyres, Laura Findlay, and many more!
After returning from Toronto, we’ll open Sticks and Thorns, a stunning two-person exhibition featuring Carrie Allison and Haley Basset, running from November 16 through to January 11. It’s a must see!