Mystery Artist Contest Draws Folks Outdoors into Artisan Gardens

Sometimes you just need an extra excuse to go outside; something to make you leave the comfort of home, take a tech break or forget the to-do-list. Well, the fine folks from The Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society have joined up with us at the Deer Run Community Association to do just that. This summer we are running a Mystery Artist Contest designed to get you out to Fish Creek park to enjoy a little history, art and nature!

It all starts with a little history lesson in the Deer Run Villager newsletter, which delivers to 3,400 households in Deer Run monthly. In each edition, from June until September 2020, is an article titled “A Fistful of Southern Alberta History” written by the renowned ‘History Wrangler’, one of Alberta’s most enthusiastic and passionate historians. Each article contains interesting information about one southern Alberta rancher or cowboy, one indigenous leader, one prominent woman and one celebrity that is sure to impress. Within the same article will be a photo of a piece of art from the Artisan Gardens at Bow Valley Ranche. The mystery artist will be the creator of the artwork featured in the article!

To enter the contest, you’ll need to visit the Artisan Gardens to take your picture next to the actual artwork, which is the ‘outdoor’ part. The Artisan Gardens are an absolute delight. The gardens are in beautiful Fish Creek Provincial Park, next to the historic Bow Valley Ranche. The gardens feature 175 work of art by 75 artists including bronze statues, intricate mosaics, collages, oil and acrylic paintings. The art is nestled in-between native trees and bushes and even make up part of some of the gardens benches. The gardens are fun to explore while looking for the mystery artwork. Once you find the art, note down the artist’s name and snap your picture with it.

After you’ve visited the Artisan Gardens, you may want to stay awhile to experience the history and nature of Fish Creek. Know that you are on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot people – First Nations groups have used the Fish Creek valley for over 8000 years. The historic Bow Valley Ranch house, bunkhouse and cookhouse add interest to the site. Although the buildings are closed to the public, you can admire, read about them or snap a few selfies or family photos. The park is also home to a lot of wildlife and has an extensive trail system. You may enjoy going for a walk to the river and see if you can spot any deer, owls or beavers along the way. Finally, you may want to stop for refreshments at Annie’s Café, a former farmhouse once used by the ranch foremen and their families.

Once back home you can complete your contest entry by submitting your name, photo, and the name of the artist to commdirector@deerruncalgary.com. Contestants will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of five double-scoop ice cream cones at Annie’s Café!

Congratulations to the winners of the June Mystery Artist Contest. The art was a sculpture of Chief David Crowchild, by artist Vilem Zack. The winners were Sheila G., Jim H., Margaret H., and Mackenzie J.

Watch for our newsletter for another chance to win!

My name is Mackenzie. I have lived in Deer Run for all of my life and have been going to Fish Creek Park since I was born - as I love it!

I also like to do artwork and look at the different art pieces that have been added to the Artisan Gardens, especially the carved wood wolf!

The name of the artist of the sculpture of Chief David Crowchild was hard to find but we did finally figure it out using the other sculptures. The Mystery Artist is: V. Zach.

Thank you for having this cool contest.