Isabel Stadelbauer

Isabel Stadelbauer, along with her sister Helen, is remembered for her contributions to the development of art education in Alberta. Born in Calgary to Simon and Josephine Stadelbauer, she was the elder of the two sisters. Simon worked for the CPR, and the family frequently spent vacations camping and enjoying the Rocky Mountains. Isabel’s interest in art stemmed from these early, formative experiences – drawing and painting during family holidays.

After high school, Isabel and Helen attended Teachers’ College and obtained their teaching certificates. Isabel began teaching art circa 1930. While she influenced many students during her career, she also pursued higher training in art and education, attending various institutions including the Banff School of the Arts. Isabel spent much of her teaching career at the High School level, with many of those years at Viscount Bennett High School. She is an honorary member of the Retired Teachers Association. Her sister’s path, while similar, ultimately led to a position at the University of Calgary.

Isabel was involved with the local artistic community and the Alberta Society of Artists. She joined the ASA in 1943, then was made an associate and awarded a lifetime membership in 1945. She was an active member in the group and known to step in for adjudication when needed. Isabel never married, consciously choosing single, independent life, and the pursuit of her career. Best known for her scenes of Calgary and the Mountain Parks, Isabel Stadelbauer also travelled extensively, visiting Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. On her travels, she recorded the sights and experiences in sketches, paintings and photographs.

Isabel and Helen were frequent painting partners and spent many summers depicting landscapes around Calgary and Banff. Particularly of note are their early watercolours – local scenes painted during the Second World War and Post-War years, which captured the era for posterity.