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Alfred Crocker (A.C.) and Barbara Leighton's Vision of Promoting Arts and Arts Education Continues
20th Century, Circa 2007
Calgary, Alberta, Canada


Credits:
The Leighton Foundation (Photograph)
Leighton Staff (Text)

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In 1970, Barbara Leighton's dream of a centre for arts and crafts began to form. She sold 80 acres of her quarter section to purchase the Ballyhamage schoolhouse that was located on the property just next to hers. It was converted into an art studio and she began to offer classes. In 1974 the art centre officially opened with a celebration that included over five hundred guests. It became a haven for artists-aspiring and well known alike, because to Barbara, everyone was an artist.

From the beginning, the Leighton Art Centre offered classes for adults and children, as well as a place for anyone to come and work on their craft. Today the centre still offers adult courses throughout the year, children's summer camp and school field trips almost everyday during the school year.