It’s heavy metal history at Casa  —literally . The new exhibit “Heavy Metal” which opens June 25 until Aug. 20, as it was inspired by and incorporates elements of the trolly tracks, uncovered during renovations to 3rd Avenue.

“Lethbridge had a trolly running from 1912 to 1947, so we asked for several sections of the track for our artists to use. The result became ‘Heavy Metal,” said Casa curator Darcy Logan.

“A lot of the artists built sculptures, others explored the history of the trolly. Another artists  did more abstract works,” Logan said. 

 Most of the 28 artists involved with the project are from Southern Alberta, however there are also artists from Calgary, Edmonton and the Crowsnest Pass.

 One artist polished and nickel plated a piece of the track.

 One Calgary artist submitted a massive installation of speakers complete with a recorded accompaniment 

“She has asthma. That”s her breathing,” Logan said.

 The exhibition also features an installation in Rotary square from Calgary artist Ryan Smitham, who got his training in Lethbridge.

 This exhibit will have an official opening soiree, Saturday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m. , which has been missed during Covid.

 Local musician Dave McCann will be performing at 6:15 and there will be  a Lethbridge Historical Society  presentation from Belinda Crowson. 

 Also opening is Montreal born, U of L artist Christine Petty’s exhibition  “Invasive Weeds of Southern Alberta.”

 The exhibitions run until Aug. 20.

 — by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor