There’s a couple of exciting displays and shows to check out at the Lacombe Memorial Centre this month. 

If you love paintings of animals and wildlife, the work of A.J. McCoy will be worth checking out. McCoy spent time living in Black Feet Indian Reservation in Montana, and Glacier and Yellowstone Park before coming to Canada. She and her husband moved to central Alberta when he took a job as a principal at a local school. 

“She is phenomenal. Oh my goodness! She is a realist wildlife painter and has been painting for a very, very, long time. I went up to meet her with another member of the public art collection committee and we fell in love with her,” said Maureen MacKenzie Executive / Arts & Culture Assistant City of Lacombe.

The 82-year-old artist has depicted several animals in their natural habitats from all over the world. Her formal university studies were dedicated to nursing and medical illustration. McCoy’s artwork can be found in several private art collections worldwide. 

“Believe it or not, she has never exhibited in Canada. We are so blessed to have the first Canadian exhibition of her work. It’s all original paintings there are a couple of pencil drawings and they’re all for sale as well,” explained Mackenzie.

McCoy has also raised funds for wildlife conservation in Africa, Central Alberta, Europe, and North America.

You can check out McCoy’s work at the LMC until December 31, 2021 and visit her website here.