DIGITAL LIBRARY

Explore photos from opening weekend at The Whyte as we celebrated the launch of our summer 2026 exhibitions, Thick as Thieves and When our eyes touch. The galleries came alive with artists, curators, members, partners, and community guests gathering for an evening of art, conversation, and connection in Banff.

When our eyes touch invites visitors to look again at Catharine and Peter Whyte’s portraits, relationships, and legacy. Through archival research, community engagement, and close attention to portraiture, the exhibition explores intimacy, agency, colonial context, and the humanity behind familiar stories of The Whyte’s founders.

Before you visit The Whyte this summer, here are five details worth slowing down for. From hidden stories and rare Rodin sculptures to archival photographs, portraits, and unexpected moments of recognition, Thick as Thieves and When Our Eyes Touch invite visitors to look closer at art, memory, power, and connection. Use this guide before you go, then step into the galleries and see what catches your eye.

On May 2nd, 2026, The Whyte hosted a special curator’s talk with Crystal Mowry, Curator of Thick as Thieves, in conversation with Christina Cuthbertson, Chief Curator at The Whyte.

This spring, The Whyte was pleased to accept a donation of 14 works by artist James Tanner. When we were approached by Mark Tanner, James’ son, about adding these works to the collection, we were immediately captivated by them, both for their content and for their bold, expressive use of classical figure drawing and still-life techniques.

Preparing the winter exhibitions offered an opportunity to reframe Peter and Catharine Whyte’s work. The discovery of numerous sketches from their 1937 Assiniboine trip, alongside Catharine’s vivid letters and Peter’s annotated photographs, revealed a richer story. Arranged chronologically, the exhibition invites viewers to follow the journey from bright autumn days through the gathering storm to a landscape transformed by fresh snow.