This part of the museum was originally built as an office for the Knox Presbyterian Church in 1959. It was appointed the Pointen Gallery in 2001 in honour of Bessie and Ivan Pointen, the driving force behind the creation of the Museum and long time leaders in our community.
The Pointen Gallery is our dedicated art space and often hosts monthly art exhibitions featuring artists from around the Mountain View County area. Named in honour of Bessie and Ivan Pointen, the driving forces behind the creation of the Museum and long time leaders in our community.
Interested artists should refer to our Submission Guidelines.
Art in the Pointen Gallery
Eleanor & Peter: Abstract & Realism
On display until end of August 2025
We invite you to immerse yourself in the artwork of award-winning Albertan artists and spouses Eleanor Boyden & Peter Potapoff.
This exhibit is a visual representation of the story of two artists – one abstract, and one realistic – and their two paths in alignment. This small-sized, yet special, exhibit is held in the Pointen Gallery at the Carstairs Museum until the end of August 2025.
Eleanor and Peter first met in the remote rural town of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. It was a serendipitous moment when Eleanor was the one seeking a hot glue gun to complete a project she was helping with – and Peter happened to be the helpful one who had a glue gun.
They have now become Alberta-renown artists, each developing their own unique style and techniques. Eleanor specializes in abstract contemporary art filled with rich storytelling, profound concepts and vibrant hues. Peter specializes in highly detailed landscapes, textured waterscapes, and life-like animal portraits which captures their loving essence.
Their lives have since been a journey towards finding their own meaning and peace with the mediums they work with. Having lived colourful and varied lives, and experienced challenging circumstances, they have both found purpose in art. Although they may express their creativity in different ways, they both share a common bond of art, creativity and helpfulness towards others and the world.
As mutually generous individuals, their gestures of kindness extends not only towards each other, but towards all those around them – through Eleanor’s generous artistic expression, and Peter’s role in instructing student artists in the Calgary art community. Peter reminds his students that, “My greatest wish is for you not to paint as well as I do, if your skills surpass mine, I’ll be even happier.” Eleanor has also recently opened up in speaking about how art has a positive impact on her overall well-being, bringing awareness and becoming an advocate for mental health & wellness.
Their work is further enhanced by each providing constructive feedback to each other, elevating each other to become better artists. Their artistic style is a clear reflection of their individual personalities. Although their art is of high caliber, they are incredibly humble & down-to-earth persons, resonating the sparkle in their eyes of spirited seniors. There is focus on maintaining a sense of inter-dependance in their relationship – Eleanor wisely describes, “We are individual, yet we are together.”
Eleanor and Peter have bonded together to bring this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit to the Carstairs Beef & Barley Days celebration. This moving display showcases the two ends of the abstract-realism spectrum of art. They will be celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary this July 29th, and also have two incredible children, Katie and Ian, whom share their nature of creativity and helpfulness.
We welcome you to join us in celebrating their work and meet the ‘people behind the paint.’ Eleanor & Peter will be in-person at the Beef & Barley Days festival, at the Carstairs Museum Pointen Gallery on Saturday July 19th, 2025.
Learn more about Eleanor at EleanorBoyden.com
Learn more about Peter at PeterPotapoff.com
more About Eleanor Boyden
Eleanor Boyden is “a Canadian artist born in Alberta, where the wide open prairie skies ignited her artistic energy, has continued a visual arts practice for over 40 years. As she works across numerous mediums including paint, print, fibre, photography, and sculpture, Eleanor develops expressive meditative responses to the world and our humanity found within. Through the use of a diverse range of colours, abstracted patterns, and multiple layers of paint, Eleanor explores narratives of history, place, and our relationship with time.
Currently residing in Calgary, AB, Eleanor completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting with Distinction from AUArts (formerly ACAD) in 2017. The value of Eleanor’s research and contribution of her artwork has been recognised through multiple awards and residencies. By engaging in her artistic practice, Eleanor continues to seek, question, ponder, and explore the mystery of the world around her, in the hopes of sharing a bit of wonderment and joy with the viewer.” (Source.)
more About Peter Potapoff
“Peter Potapoff is a highly acclaimed contemporary realist painter, known for his extraordinary ability to capture the essence of the Canadian landscape. With a lifetime of personal experiences and observations, he has transformed his profound connection to nature into captivating and evocative artwork. Potapoff’s paintings are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail, stunning use of color, and masterful composition. Each brushstroke exudes a sense of depth and realism, transporting viewers into the heart of his subjects.
Each brushstroke exudes a sense of depth and realism, transporting viewers into the heart of his subjects. Whether it’s a tranquil lakeside scene or a rugged mountain range, Potapoff’s paintings radiate a sense of tranquility and profound beauty. His works have garnered international recognition and are prized by collectors for their ability to evoke a deep emotional response. Peter Potapoff is truly a visionary artist whose passion for the Canadian landscape is evident in every stroke of his brush.”
“Sharing his love of painting with those who wish to learn themselves is something that Peter is incredibly passionate about. He feels that it is his responsibility to share his knowledge and expertise with others in a joyous environment with a good dose of laughter.” (Source.)
