SAAG has a scent thanks to  San Diego performance artist Brian Goeltzenleuchter.
 After an intense week of interviews and tests on Southern Alberta Art Gallery staff, board members and patrons, Goeltzenleuchter introduced approximately 50 people at the Gallery to the new scent via a special power point presentation, May 1. It was accompanied by a lecture about the importance of wellness as well a a lot of dark humour
 He also spoke of the new ‘Wellness Centre’ which will be in the foyer of the Gallery until June 20. it  will include stations for sonic massage, ultraviolet blue light treatment as well as a booth where you can smell the scent.
“I could totally describe it for you but I’d rather not because it’s very subjective,” said Goeltzenleuchter after his presentation which ended in an intense discussion of  how smell is the sense which people know the least about and how it impacts the brain, not to mention covered a variety of different artistic topics.
“This scent is unique. It’s much more layered than the other ones I’ve created. The textures are beautiful. There’s a strong smell to begin with  but then you get to a smell that is very pleasurable,”  he continued adding smell is a good way for people to get to know the SAAG on a whole different level.
While I thought the smell was a combination of flowers and ozone, others came up with aloe, others thought it was a ‘cool’ smell that was reminiscent of  the outside — trees and leaves.
Another person even thought is smelled like watermelon Jolly Ranchers. Goeltzenleuchter said the scent was for sale in the SAAG Gift shop for the ‘low,low price of $20 for a six ounce bottle.’

What does Lethbridge smell like? Cattle, students, education, wind? In particular  what is the scent of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery?
That is the goal behind ’Institutional Well Being: An Olfactory Plan for SAAG, ’ a new exhibition opening at the gallery on Saturday evening, May 1.
San Diego based performance artist Brian Goeltzenleuchter has been spending the week in Lethbridge administering “wellness tests” to SAAG staff, volunteers, board members and patrons, asking them  questions and  seeing which scents make them feel either weak or strong.
“I offer services to cultural institutions  which are undergoing  transition. Obviously with the building renovated, that’s a huge transition for the Southern Alberta Art Gallery,” Goeltzenleuchter said.
The subjects  are asked a series of questions about their relationship with and feelings towards the SAAG, and undergo a series of applied kinesiology tests during which the participant holds  seven different bottles of secret scent, holds their right arm out  which Goeltzenleuchter pushes down on to see if the scent makes them feel stronger or weaker.
After synthesizing all of the data, he will create and introduce the scent at a gala unveiling, Saturday May 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the museum. A panel of experts including  olfactory specialist Jim Drobnick who is also a critic, curator and Associate Professor of Contemporary Art and Theory at the Ontario  College of Art and Design plus Lethbridge neuroscience Deb Saucier and of course Goeltzenleuchter  from c (pronounced /k)
 A question and answer period will follow the 7 p.m. product launch followed by a reception at 8 p.m.
The resulting scent will be sold at the SAAG gift shop plus Goeltzenleuchter  said it will be mixed into the white paint for one of the walls at the newly renovated SAAG building so patrons can rub it and experience the scent.

If you at the University of Lethbridge today (April 20) and April 21 keep your eyes open for some great art from up and coming artists.
 It is time for Art Open House 2010, so works from local artists will be on display  on levels 7 and 8 plus the atrium of University Hall.
“It’s an open house for the whole department,” said Katherine Wasiak, University of Lethbridge Fine Arts Department public relations and communications co-ordinator.
“All of the studios and facilities will be open and people can  tour the  facilities. And there will be student art everywhere,” she continued.