Urban Fringe... the disappearing cultural landscapes of the Calgary region

Based on a selection of paintings and photography that SAPL Landscape Architecture and Planning Professor Mary-Ellen Tyler has completed over the last 25 years; this show presents glimpses of cultural landscapes in the Calgary area that no longer exist.  It is a ‘metaphor’ for the ephemeral and ever changing nature of ‘place’ and human experience.  It is also, in recognition of Dr. Tyler’s retirement after 25 years at the University of Calgary. The accompanying show opening presentation explores the meaning of cultural landscape and its temporal and ephemeral nature in the context of ‘place making’ in the design professions.

Dr. Mary-Ellen Tyler has an over 50 year connection with the University of Calgary. Initially as a graduate student in what was then the Faculty of Environmental Design (now SAPL) and subsequently returning as the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design in 1998 and stepping in twice since that time as Associate Dean (Planning + Landscape Architecture). She was recognized with the Order of the University of Calgary in 2018 and Honorary Member of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects for lifetime achievement in 2016. Mary-Ellen has been a tenured faculty member at 3 Canadian Universities over the last 45 years and prior to that worked in both the private and public sector positions related to landscape architecture and environmental planning nationally and internationally.