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Artists Biography - Marion Nicoll

Marion Nicoll was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1909. Though she started out working primarily in landscapes, she evolved into one of Alberta’s premier abstract artists. A pioneer female artist in Alberta, Nicoll has influenced countless Canadians through her work.

Between 1927-1929, Nicoll studied painting at the Ontario College of Art. Following that, she enrolled at the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (now Alberta College of Art & Design), where she studied under her mentor A.C. Leighton. Upon her graduation in 1933, Nicoll received an instructor position in crafts and design at the Institute. She taught there until 1940, and again between 1946-1966. She has the distinction of becoming the Institute’s first female instructor.

Sun DogsIn 1933, at a Calgary Sketch Club meeting, Marion was introduced to Jim Nicoll, an accomplished artist. Jim was born in Fort Macleod in 1892, and served in the First World War. Upon returning from the war, he graduated from the University of Alberta with an engineering degree. While working as an engineer, Jim always found time to express himself through painting. He retired from engineering in 1956, and devoted the rest of his life to painting.

Throughout her career, Marion Nicoll was involved in many artistic groups and associations. In 1946, she became involved with the influential ‘Calgary Group’ of painters that included Jack MacDonald and Maxwell Bates. She was also a strong supporter and member of the Alberta Society of Artists and the Print and Drawing Council of Canada. In 1958, Nicoll had the great opportunity to study in New York with American artist Will Barnet at Emma Lake, soon after, she joined the Arts Students League of New York.

Nicoll’s art has been collected and awarded by many. She was rewarded with a Canada Council Grant in 1959, and used this grant to study abroad. One year later, she returned to Calgary, enriched with influences from many European artists. In the late 1950s, Nicoll received the Province of Alberta Achievement award and also became the first woman from the prairies to become a member of the prestigious Royal Canadian Academy of Art. Her work can be found in collections across Canada, including the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the University of Alberta, and the Memorial University in Newfoundland.

Featured Audio
Featured Audio

Chris Jackson, curator of the Marion Nicoll Art Collection, discusses the late abstract artist and her work. Listen Now


Sadly, Nicoll passed away in 1985 in Calgary, one year before her beloved husband Jim. Her legacy continues in her painting, as well as through the Marion Nicoll Gallery. This gallery is a student-run gallery, which exhibits student’s work from the Alberta College of Art & Design.

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