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(Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery)
Arto Djerdjerian

Horses, people, mountains and history come together in Lacombe artist’s photographs

Dec 2, 2021 | 8:09 AM

For six years Arto Djerdjerian has photographed life on the ranch at Ya Ha Tinda – Canada’s only federally owned and operated working horse ranch in Canada.

Through patient observation, Arto skillfully composes photographs that capture the workaday routine of the ranch – images that speak of gritty, hard work but also of magnificent animals and stunning natural surroundings.

See the exhibit Ya Ha Tinda – The Ranch: Photography by Arto Djedjerian on display at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery (MAG) Dec. 4, 2021 to Mar. 5, 2022, with a sneak peek on Friday, Dec. 3 from 5-8 p.m., and opening reception on Sunday, Dec. 12 from 2-4 p.m.

Words from Joanne Gruenberg, Curator of Art:

“Arto’s photographs offer us a glimpse of the little-seen world of the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch – the horses, the people and the day-to-day rhythm through the seasons.”

About the Artist

Arto Djerdjerian was born in Cairo, Egypt to Armenian parents. He was raised in and studied photography in Montreal. He has been photographing seriously since the age of sixteen.

Living and working in Alberta since 1977, Arto Djerdjerian is dedicated full time to his practice as a photographer in Alberta. His works include special commissions, architectural, corporate, equine, and portraiture. Arto’s works hang in many private collections, corporate offices, and government buildings.

Arto Djerdjerian is interested in the integration of fine art and photography. He continues to expand his vision, and environment photography, from the backyard to the wilderness of Alberta to Wyoming and the urban world of New York City to Montreal.

First Fridays Sneak Peek: Friday, Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m.

Join us for a sneak peek of the exhibit Ya Ha Tinda – The Ranch: Photography by Arto Djerdjerian as part of First Fridays Red Deer! Informal tours available.

Opening Reception: Sunday, Dec. 12, 2-4 p.m.

Join us at 2 p.m. for the opening of the new exhibits Ya Ha Tinda – The Ranch: Photography by Arto Djerdjerian and OUR West Country: Plein Air Painting in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. Artists in attendance.

Talks & Tours:

Artist Talk with Arto Djerdjerian – Join Arto Djerdjerian in a talk on his 6-year process on photographing Ya Ha Tinda, the ranch.

  • Jan. 29, 2022 – 2 p.m.

Art Speaks – The Art of Photography with Arto Djerdjerian: Join Arto Djerdjerian for a talk on his photography process and art practice. Pre-registration required on MAG website. Art speaks is a partnership between the Red Deer Arts Council and Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery.

  • Feb. 23, 2022 – 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Open for First Fridays! Guide in the Gallery

  • Feb. 4, 5-8 p.m.

2 O’CLOCK TOURS – Staff-led informal tours.

  • Dec. 4, 2 p.m.
  • Feb. 12, 2 p.m.