Stony's Sector Spotlight: LJL Galleries

PaletteArt™: Turning Paint into Possibility

In 2003, Lisa began operating the Terracana Ranch Resort in British Columbia, overlooking the Fraser River. Guests were drawn to the resort’s outdoor surroundings, which created ample downtime for Lisa to practise her craft. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscape, she continued nurturing her creativity.

In 2010, while painting a gift for her father—an image of Maligne Lake in Jasper—Lisa decided to save the dried paint on her palette. She later began attaching that paint to blank canvases, sculpting it into vibrant, textured landscapes that seemed to leap from the frame. The result was mesmerizing: an entirely new way of experiencing art.

Later, while visiting with her father’s friends, who were art collectors themselves, Lisa received encouragement to share her work more widely. They recognized the uniqueness of what she was creating and urged her to promote it. Although initially hesitant, Lisa continued creating for herself until a friend secretly shared photos of her art online. The response was overwhelming. Within a year, Lisa had landed a month-long exhibit taking place in January of 2012 in New York with Broken Boundaries: A Group Exhibition at the Chelsea Fine Arts Building which marked the start of her professional art career. The technique she developed became known as “PaletteArt™” and became the breakthrough she needed. (Fun fact: the piece that began it all is the first artwork featured in the album at the end of this article!)

Lisa often credits a mix of luck, timing, and innovation for her success. She also recognizes how rare and challenging that journey can be. Reflecting on this, she is on a mission to make the path smoother for others by offering the guidance, mentorship, and visibility she once had to find on her own. Lisa has trained various artists in PaletteArt™ and advocates for eco-conscious art through this style, emphasizing its potential to minimize environmental impact when creating new pieces.

LJL Galleries: A New Home for Art in Stony Plain

“When you’re putting art out there, you’re putting yourself out there,” Lisa says. “You need thick skin.”

Lisa’s experience in the art world inspired LJL Galleries: a space created to empower and elevate artists. Through in-person exhibitions, online showcases, and a tiered mentorship program, Lisa and her team help artists navigate the complex world of professional artistry with greater confidence and support.

Opening just weeks before the pandemic, LJL Galleries began as a vibrant, in-person hub for visual artists in Stony Plain. When the world shifted, the gallery quickly adapted by launching a virtual exhibition space where visitors can explore an immersive 3D gallery from home. The online experience allows art lovers to “walk” through rooms and view pieces from multiple artists, blending technology and creativity. LJL Galleries also partners with Creative M.I.T.E. (Marketing Information Technology Excellence), the same team behind INNhotels’ marketing, to help artists gain exposure through professional branding, marketing, and digital promotion.

Through a tiered monthly or annual Artist Development System (ADS) currently under development, LJL Galleries will provide opportunities tailored to artists at different stages of their careers. The system will be divided into three levels: aspiring artists, emerging artists, and professional artists. This structure allows artists to choose the level of involvement and support that best fits where they are in their professional journey.

The Future of LJL Galleries: Innovation Meets Inspiration

The next chapter for LJL Galleries is filled with possibility. Rooted in the belief that smaller communities deserve big opportunities, the gallery aims to be a cornerstone for local art and creative connection. As LJL continues to grow, several new initiatives and partnerships are in development to support artists and increase public engagement with the arts. These include the continued development of the Artist Development System (ADS) and the continued development of the Rocky Mountain Art Tour (RMAT), which aims to connect artists, galleries, cultural destinations, and travellers throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Artists interested in becoming involved are encouraged to connect with the gallery as these opportunities continue to take shape.

After a long hiatus, the physical gallery in Stony Plain has reopened, offering artists and visitors a renewed place for inspiration, networking, and community connection. LJL also plans to expand its digital reach through enhanced virtual gallery experiences, creating a more immersive experience that allows visitors to step inside each artist’s creative world. A free newsletter launched this year, sharing gallery news, exhibitions, events, artist opportunities, and broader arts community updates. Journals are also being posted on the gallery’s website, featuring stories about artists, art collection, upcoming LJL exhibits, and the creative community.

Environmental responsibility remains a cornerstone of LJL’s philosophy. PaletteArt™, Lisa’s signature technique created from 100% acrylic recycled paint, reflects that eco-conscious spirit. Going forward, LJL will continue minimizing waste through digital marketing tools such as QR codes, paperless brochures, and virtual portfolios. Lisa has also begun transforming PaletteArt™ into wearable art, including upcycled clothing and purses, as well as jewelry such as necklaces and earrings.

In the spirit of her father’s legacy, the gallery’s artist contracts emphasize equity, transparency, and respect for creative work. They also encourage each artist to support the gallery by donating 10% of their earnings to a charity of the artist’s choice through the Levasseur Community Trust.

For Lisa, the mission is clear: learn from the past, build for the future, and empower determined artists with the tools, visibility, and confidence they need to thrive.

Discover the Art. Support the Artists. Visit LJL Galleries.

The creative pulse of Stony Plain is stronger than ever, and LJL Galleries is part of that momentum. Whether you are a seasoned collector, an emerging artist, or someone who simply loves to be inspired, there has never been a better time to explore what is happening in our own backyard.

Step into LJL Galleries virtually or in person to experience art that uplifts, connects, and transforms.