art + people = x

Dr. Mike Mahon

The University of Lethbridge Art Collection continues to grow each year through the generosity of artists and art collectors. Most recently, the University acquired a gift of over 200 artworks from Jim Coutts, a southern Alberta art collector, politician and philanthropist. Coutts is well known as a supporter of prairie artists, and many of the works comprising this gift depict plains landscapes.

New University of Lethbridge President, Dr. Michael Mahon, was interested in selecting some works from Coutts' gift for the art + people = x project because of his ties to Canada's prairies.

Mahon grew up in Manitoba and is a long-time Alberta resident, moving to Lethbridge after spending the last decade in Edmonton at the University of Alberta.

As a lifelong physical activity enthusiast and proponent, Mahon has formed strong bonds to the Canadian prairies, and is anticipating excursions into the coulees that surround our campus.

Selected works from Jim Coutts' gift will be displayed as part of 'A Little History on the Prairies', an exhibition at the University of Lethbridge Main Gallery, Jan. 14 to Feb. 25, 2011.