Etsy At Glenbow: A Partnership that Showcases Alberta Creativity

An important part of Glenbow's mandate is to celebrate our region's vibrant art scene and support a strong community of artists and art appreciators. The Glenbow Shop already features the work of local and Canadian artists and craftspeople, so when Etsy approached Glenbow proposing a partnership, it was a natural fit. The project: invite local artists to create new work for Glenbow's Shop, inspired by Glenbow's collection of art and cultural artifacts. The partnership is a first for a Canadian museum. Etsy has previously partnered with the American Museum of Natural History and the Melbourne Museum in Australia to create similar museum-inspired products by local artists.

After issuing a call to artists in August, 23 Alberta artists were selected and invited to a private behind-the-scenes tour of Glenbow's collection of art and cultural artifacts to draw inspiration and create new work. Encouraged to creatively challenge themselves, the artist's proposed designs were juried by a selection committee; 14 successful applicants were then given six weeks to design and produce an item to be sold in the Glenbow Shop.

The resulting collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade homewares, jewelry, accessories and stationary showcase the talents of local creators and add to the Shop's roster of talented local artists. It also gives museum visitors a chance to take home something uniquely inspired by Glenbow.