About Us
Welcome to Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery, where art, culture, and community converge. Located in Cochrane, Alberta, our gallery serves as a vibrant centre for creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. We showcase the work of local and regional visual artists, engage the public through workshops and exhibitions, and provide an inclusive space where ideas evolve and meaningful connections are made. We are a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that was formed in 2020 by a grassroots group of dedicated local artists.
Inspired by the landscapes, stories, and spirit of the foothills region, Route 22 celebrates the diversity of artistic expression found throughout Southern Alberta. Our collective highlights artists whose work reflects the beauty, resilience, and creativity of our community, connecting visitors to the place we call home through original paintings, sculpture, photography, and fine craft. Whether you’re an artist, collector, or art enthusiast, Route 22 is where local art and local life intersect.
To build a connected cultural community and a strong creative economy through the arts.
To empower creative thinking and lifelong learning through the arts.
The Collective is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for artists at all levels of their creative journey; encouraging community participation in arts through education and outreach; and, serving as a vital creative resource and hub for local visual arts.
Creativity
To engage more local and surrounding community members in the visual arts.
To make visual arts accessible to all.
To offer educational programs and activities which strengthen the community and, in turn, strengthen us (by the community’s participation in, and response to, our programs).
To elevate appreciation for the value that visual arts bring to the local economy and quality of life of our community.
Collaboration
To employ a collaborative approach to inform our leaders and leadership, our members, programs, and our engagement with the community.
To offer professional development and other support for established and emerging visual artists.
To respect the range of perspectives that individuals and groups bring in pursuing and achieving our mission.
Community
- To recognize and foster the creative potential in everyone.
- To use visual arts as a means for self-discovery and expression, learning, understanding, communicating, and teaching.
- To encourage and empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to society and increase the quality of life through visual arts and creative expression.
Culture
To foster positive attitudes, collaborative spirits, and solution-oriented mindsets.
To promote long-term memberships, turn colleagues into friends, and cultivate a supportive environment.
To offer positive and fun ways for people to get together for personal and professional development (during and after Gallery hours).
To encourage participation, recognize the importance of all contributions, and celebrate wins.
To make our leaders available and accessible.
Our Artists
Our collective thrives because of the talented and diverse group of artists and artisans who bring energy, vision, and craftsmanship to our community. Each month, members and guest artists are featured through jury-reviewed exhibitions, shows, and sales—offering fresh perspectives and creative inspiration for visitors and collectors alike.
If you’re an artist interested in joining the Collective or exhibiting your work, we’d love to hear from you. Route 22 proudly welcomes artists from across the region whose work reflects the richness of Alberta’s culture and landscape. Together, we create a dynamic gallery environment that inspires creativity, fosters collaboration, and builds lasting connections through art.
Sponsors & Patrons of the Arts
Support from sponsors and patrons is vital to sustaining our vision and programming. Whether through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or event partnerships, your involvement helps keep the arts accessible in Cochrane and beyond.
In return, we recognize our sponsors through gallery events, exhibitions, and promotional media, ensuring your support is visible and valued. Every contribution—large or small—makes a meaningful impact in helping us nurture creativity, community, and connection through the arts.
