Helen Christou Gallery
Waterton
March 28 – June 28, 2025
Curator: David Smith
Works from the ULethbridge Art Collection
Works inspired by Waterton Lakes National Park honouring its 130 year anniversary.
One of my favourite aspects of living in Lethbridge is the proximity to Waterton Lakes National Park. The roughly 120 km drive passes quickly, whether I’m with friends and family or heading out for a day of solitude and reconnection with nature. There’s something magical about the journey—the way the landscape changes as the mountains gradually rise on the horizon, bathed in the soft morning sun. It’s a route that never fails to fill me with anticipation, no matter how many times I’ve made it. While I know there are outdoor enthusiasts far more knowledgeable and intrepid than I, the park’s 200 km of hiking trails offer me endless enjoyment. Each season, I return to my favourite trails, always eager to discover something new—whether it’s a temporary view opened up by a wildfire or a plant I haven’t encountered before.
On May 30, 1895, the federal government designated 140 km² of land as a Forest Park reserve, and today, Waterton Lakes National Park spans 505 km². This early recognition of the park’s remarkable natural beauty has helped shape its legacy as a place of conservation and recreation. However, for the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land since time immemorial, Waterton has always held deep spiritual and cultural significance. The land has served as a site for ceremony, hunting, camping, trading, and healing. The Blackfoot name for Waterton Lakes—Paahtómahksikimi (BUCK-toe-MOCK-sick-ih-mee)—translates to “the inner sacred lake within the mountains,” reflecting the reverence with which Indigenous peoples have always regarded the land.
Several works in the UofL Art collection depict the landscape from the shoreline of Upper Waterton Lake, near the townsite. The paintings by Edith Kirk, Jessie Ursenbach, A.Y. Jackson, and the photograph by Van Christou all capture the jagged Citadel Peaks rising from the water on the right-hand side. These works anchor the viewer to a specific geographic location. In contrast, the pieces by Terry Fenton and David Bolduc are identifiable as Waterton only by their titles. The absence of clear geographic markers invites a more abstract interpretation, transforming the landscape into an idea rather than a defined place. Similarly, Roloff Beny’s works focus on the flora of Waterton, shifting attention from the dramatic peaks and lakes to the delicate details of the native plants. Greg Hardy’s painting, displayed on the end wall, presents a sweeping view of Chapman Peak and Wurdeman Lake from the Alderson-Carthew trail—one of my personal favourites. The composition is a striking reminder of the breathtaking beauty that awaits those who venture into the park’s wilderness.
With each new peak I summit, I gain a fresh perspective. The desire to explore farther becomes instinctual as I wonder what lies just beyond the next ridge. The park’s diverse beauty offers something different with every visit. In spring, the waterfalls roar with full force as the snowmelt feeds the streams; in fall, the golden needles of the larches light up the landscape. These seasonal changes provide a comforting rhythm to the passing years. In addition to the landscape, I always find joy in the abundance of wildlife that call the park home. From the majestic elk that rut on the Blackiston Fan in the fall to the delicate alpine butterflies fluttering among the wildflowers, Waterton is teeming with life. A special highlight of any visit is being lucky enough to spot a mother black bear with her cubs (from a safe distance, of course). After a full day on the trails, my tired feet return to my vehicle, but my spirit is always renewed. As I drive home, watching the sunset through my rearview mirror, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to have this place so close and how lucky I am to return to it time and time again.
David Smith
Assistant Curator / Preparator
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/culture/histoire-history
