Art serves many purposes. Some pieces convey the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of their artists. In the case of famous Cochrane sculptor Don Begg, his sculptures capture history.
Don is an award-winning bronze sculptor known for his incredible talent and contributions to Alberta art.
He was recently awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence (AOE), our province’s highest honour. More specifically, the AOE is a civilian honour for merit in Alberta.
The honour is awarded to “persons who have served with great distinction and of singular excellence for, or on behalf of, residents of Alberta.”
The AEO permits Don and this year’s seven other recipients to wear the insignia approved by the Governor General of Canada.
Since 1970, Don has crafted sculptures that capture the spirit of Alberta’s Western heritage and beyond at his studio, Studio West Gallery, in Cochrane.
His works aren’t just typical Western bronzes but detailed, lifelike creations that tell stories.
The Studio West Gallery, where you can find over 100 of Don’s original sculptures, has become a staple on the Cowboy Trail and a must-see destination for art lovers.
One of Don’s most famous pieces, the Legacy Statue (affectionately called the “Chicken Lady” by locals), stands proudly in Historic Downtown Cochrane.
This statue commemorates 40 female pioneers who helped shape the town, giving some overdue recognition to Alberta’s pioneering women.
It’s a symbol of community pride and an Insta-worthy spot that connects Cochrane’s past with the present.
Honouring Heroes of D-Day
Don’s talent has even taken him internationally. His latest commission honours the Royal Regina Rifles, one of the first Canadian regiments to storm Juno Beach on D-Day in WWII.
Don created an 8-foot-tall bronze statue of a soldier, now proudly displayed in Saskatchewan to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of these Canadian soldiers.
This impressive statue was recently unveiled in France with Princess Anne in attendance, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
“It was a great honour to be part of it, to make a statue to honour the young men and women who went and signed up of their own accord to go and fight in the war. There were farmers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, merchants – they all signed up. They thought it was the thing to do, defend our country,” Don told Cochrane Eagle.
With nearly 260 sculptures worldwide, Don and his wife Shirley have spent decades preserving moments in bronze.
From creating the original clay model to finishing the final piece, each sculpture is a labour of love that is more than worth the effort.
According to Shirley, bronze statues can last for thousands of years, with some of the oldest bronzes being about 3,000 years old.
Their work has made Studio West Gallery a must-visit stop for anyone exploring Alberta art or travelling along the Cowboy Trail.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, Cochrane and the Cowboy Trail offer a fresh way to experience Alberta’s culture and history.
Drop by Studio West Gallery to see Don Begg’s bronze masterpieces, snap a selfie with the “Chicken Lady,” and explore what makes Alberta art unique.
