Western Canada’s art magazine since 2002
7 January 2025 Vol 10 No 1 ISSN 2561-3316 © 2025
Shelley Boettcher
From the Editor
Happy New Year, everyone!
A new year means new art stories around here, but first, let's take a good look at last year, with Douglas Maclean's popular Fall Auction Report. What was the most expensive artwork sold at auction in Canada last year? Hint: No banana, no duct tape. You'll have to read Maclean's story to find out.
And in In Memoriam, we are reminded of the incredible artists and writers the world lost in 2024. Alex Janvier, Joe Average, Bratsa Bonifacho, Anna Banana, Robert Fulford, Isla Burns, Susan Kristoferson, William Brownridge, Terry McCue and David Silcox left lasting marks on the Canadian art scene and will be remembered long after their deaths. I am grateful for their contributions, their individuality and their creativity.
It's always good, as an editor, to see what the year's most popular stories have been, too. We compiled a dozen reader favourites in Twelve Stories We Loved in 2024. From the late Torben Kristiansen to a look at art and AI, the list includes stories about many interesting people, ideas and art. It's worth mentioning, too, that Sarah Swan's The Last Great Art Show has had more than 500 shares since it was posted — impressive stuff.
We have a roundup of good reads from 2024, too: Twelve Book Reviews from the 2024 Archives.
And I know I mentioned this story in our last newsletter but it bears mentioning again as we look ahead to 2025. Galleries West contributor Nancy Tousley's Pack a Suitcase, See Some Art is certainly inspiring my travel schedule this coming year. So much to see, so little time. Still, I'm hoping I can catch at least a couple of highlights on her list.
As always, if you have ideas for stories or simply want to say hi, drop me a note. And may 2025 be filled with art and joy for all of us.
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE: Douglas Maclean
We acknowledge the support of the Government of Alberta Media Fund, the Government of Canada Periodical Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts.
