A. Minchau Blacksmith Shop, June 2018

Urban Sketchers Edmonton are joining me in one of my goals as Edmonton’s 5th Historian Laureate: sketching Edmonton’s architectural heritage (or as much as we can!)

For our second in this series of sketchouts, the A. Minchau Blacksmith Shop at 8108 – 101 Street was a clear choice because it is at risk of demolition.

Sketches by Marlena Wyman

Two of the Historians Laureate: #4 Chris Chang-Yen Phillips and #5 Marlena Wyman (photo by Dawn Valentine)

Sketch by Chris Chang-Yen Phillips

Out-back sketchers Barry Hollingshead and Terry Elrod

Sketch by Terry Elrod

Sketch by Merts Belmes

Sketch by Merts Belmes

Sketch by Yvonne Rezek

Sketch by Angie Sotiropoulos

Sketch by Angie Sotiropoulos

Sketch by Karen Wall

Karen’s dog, Olive, is the official mascot for Urban Sketchers Edmonton. She loves history.

Another beautiful sunny day and the artists were obviously inspired – some great sketches came out of this. Hopefully more good will come of this and this historic building will be preserved and restored.

Posted by Marlena Wyman

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Prince of Wales Armouries, May 2018

Urban Sketchers Edmonton are joining me in one of my goals as Edmonton’s 5th Historian Laureate: sketching Edmonton’s architectural heritage (or as much as we can!)

Our first architectural heritage sketchout was at the Prince of Wales Armouries, on Saturday May 5, 2018. In my new position, I was speaking at the Edmonton Regional Heritage Fair  that morning, and not wanting to miss a sketchout, I suggested that everyone come and sketch the historic Prince of Wales Armouries.

The Prince of Wales Armouries is also home to the very important heritage institution, The City of Edmonton Archives, where I am doing lots of research right now for some history and art projects coming up.

We had a beautiful sunny day!

Sketch by Marlena Wyman

Sketch by Marlena Wyman

Sketch by Joanna Marie

Sketch by Irina Kruglyakova

Sketch by Barry Hollingshead

 

Sketch by Merts Belmes

Sketch by Misty Totman

Sketch by John Valente

Sketch by Terry Elrod

Sketch by Shannon O’Blenes

Completed in 1915 for Department of National Defense, the Prince of Wales Armouries building (also known as the Edmonton Drill Hall) is significant for its role as Edmonton’s long-term training facility for Canada’s armed forces and for its contribution to the organization and mobilization of Canada’s military. The Drill Hall became the home of a number of prominent regiments, such as the 51st battalion and the 233rd French-Canadian Battalion during the First World War. It later served as a base for the 101st Edmonton Fusiliers, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the 49th Regiment. The Drill Hall was renamed the Prince of Wales Armouries in 1921 and was used as a military training site by the Department of National Defence until 1977. 

The Prince of Wales Armouries building is significant for its scale, massing and distinctive Baronial Gothic style. It also has heritage value for its association with a highly successful Edmonton architect. Two architects were involved in the building’s design and construction; E.C. Hopkins, who was hired as the local architect, and D.E Ewart, the architect for the Federal Department of Public Works. Hopkins, Alberta’s first Provincial Architect and founder of the Alberta Association of Architects, had a distinguished career and was responsible for the design of several significant Edmonton landmarks including; Great West Saddlery Company Building, Pantages Theatre, Marshall Wells Building, the Horne Pitfield Building and the Balmoral Block. 

Source: City of Edmonton (Bylaw: 13465)

Posted by Marlena Wyman

 

 

 

 

June 2, 2018 Sketchout

For our June 2nd sketchout, we will be sketching in historic Old Strathcona. We can meet at the Minchau Blacksmith Shop at 8108 – 101 Street at 11am, or start sketching on your own. It would be great if you can sketch this building, which is at risk, but there are lots of other great historic buildings in the area too (and lots of great people-sketching). We can meet for lunch at 1:00 just around the corner at Under the High Wheel restaurant in the Roots on Whyte building at 8135 – 102 Street.

May 5, 2018 Sketchout

We are headed to the historic Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre for our Saturday May 5th sketchout. 10440- 108 Avenue.

It is about a 10 minute walk from the Kingsway/Royal Alex LRT Station.

By car, The Prince of Wales Armouries parking lot can only be accessed from west of 105 Street along 108 Avenue. Several roads around the building are permanently closed for the LRT tracks.

We can meet inside the main doors of the Prince of Wales Armouries at 11am, or just go ahead and start sketching. The School Heritage Fair is happening that day until noon, and there will be information about sketching the students (allowed in most cases). And there are of course, beautiful architectural features both inside and out for sketching.

We will meet for lunch and sketch-sharing at 1:00 at Pho Huong & Mama Pizza 10531 – 107 Ave. I’ve eaten there and they have great pho.

April 7, 2018 Sketchout

Since the snow is still here, we will meet at the Old Strathcona Public Library (8331 – 104 St) at 11am on Saturday April 7th, and we can sketch outside and then run inside to sketch and warm up and repeat.

We can meet at Famoso (10421 Whyte Ave) at 1pm for lunch and sharing sketches. They have more than pizza on their menu, so there should be something for everyone.

Some info from Historian Shirey Lowe about the building: The library was threatened by demolition in the 70s. The top floor could no longer support book stacks. Gerry Wright and the Old Strathcona Foundation worked to save it. For years, the OSF had offices on the top floor. Today, it has an addition and is one of the busiest libraries in Edmonton. It is Edmonton’s oldest library.

March 3, 2018 sketchout

Thanks to Barry Hollingshead for planning the Saturday March 3rd sketchout. (This was originally planned for February but the roads were too treacherous.)

Let’s put winter on hold with a sketch outing at the “Enjoy Centre”http://www.enjoycentre.ca/ in St Albert, a vast glass-roofed horticultural complex exhibiting exotic plants and a panoply of interesting shops.

We can meet in the Café/Bistro area at 11:00 am and meet there again for lunch and sketch-viewing at 1:00 pm.

The “Enjoy Centre” is located at 101 Riel Drive, St. Albert and has lots of free parking on site. (Unfortunately, public transit access on weekends is difficult).

January 6, 2018 sketchout

Let’s start the new year with a sketch outing at “Allard Hall” (11110 – 104th Ave) on the MacEwan University Campus. This brand new 5-storey facility features intriguing architecture and delightful views of the surrounding cityscape.

We can meet in the main entrance on 104th Avenue at 11:00 am (Saturday January 6th), or sketch on your own, and convene for lunch and sketch-viewing at “Tutti Frutti” (one-block west in Oliver Village) at 1:00 pm.

Allard Hall Main Atrium – MacEwan University
Tutti Frutti Breakfast and Lunch – 11304 104 Ave

Thanks to Bradon Pihowich for suggesting this venue and to Barry Hollingshead for planning it. Hope to see you there!