Innisfree Prairie Bank Revitalization

Welcome to the Innisfree Prairie Museum, where every story finds its place and every voice is heard. Nestled in the heart of Innisfree, Alberta, this museum is more than just a historical building. It is a vibrant space where local culture is celebrated, history is preserved, and community connections are strengthened every day.

Located in the original Prairie Bank of Commerce building, the museum showcases the rich history of Innisfree and the surrounding area. Through thoughtfully curated displays, it paints a vivid picture of life on the prairie and invites visitors to reflect on the past while staying connected to the present. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time guest, the museum offers an opportunity to discover shared roots and new perspectives.

A key part of the museum’s mission is its dedication to local talent. Through social media outreach, children’s programs, and rotating exhibits, the museum continues to grow and welcome new visitors. Inside, guests can explore a variety of handmade items created by local artisans, many of which are available for purchase on a consignment basis. These works reflect the creativity of the community and help support a thriving local arts scene.

Visitors looking for a quiet spot to relax, read, or catch up on work will find a welcoming environment and free Wi-Fi available Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Coffee is always on for just one dollar, and during warmer days, there is often a selection of cool treats available for less than a toonie. Be sure to bring some cash and enjoy a sweet break while you browse.

On Innisfree Fair Day, Wednesday, August 13th, the Museum is conducting a Scavenger Hunt on which will have people scour the Village for Community landmarks and inside the museum for cool artifacts.

This summer, the museum is proud to feature Scenes From Home, a photography exhibit by local photographer Shannon Tarapaski, who has called Innisfree and the area home for the past 30 years. Running from June 21 to September 1, this striking collection captures the quiet beauty of Innisfree and the surrounding prairie. Tarapaski’s images highlight the textures, colors, and moods of the land, offering viewers a chance to pause and connect with the natural world.

The photos in this exhibit aren’t about technical perfection; they’re about feeling. Each one reflects a moment she was lucky to witness. Living in the country, she’s learned that those moments don’t repeat themselves.

Her journey with photography began with her grandfather, who always had a camera in hand. He captured ordinary days that didn’t seem special until they looked back on them. That dedication to memory left a lasting impression. Another key influence was a friend’s father, the Edmonton Oilers’ photographer, who showed her the power of storytelling through images, whether everyday or high-profile.

Tarapaski’s style is intuitive and personal. Over time, she’s moved from chasing perfect shots to capturing presence and emotion. Photography became her language, and for her, art is less about answers and more about questions.

A self-taught photographer, Tarapaski keeps things simple: a good camera, a strong lens, and the patience to see clearly. One of her dream projects is to create a visual archive of multi-generational rural families, preserving not just portraits but their landscapes and traditions.

Scenes From Home is more than an art exhibit; it’s a celebration of rural life. Tarapaski believes these stories matter and encourages others to document the world around them as it is: honest, personal, and unfiltered. As she puts it, creativity thrives within constraints.

From winning awards at the Lloydminster Fine Arts Show to being asked by a former summer student to take her graduation photos, Tarapaski says the most meaningful moments always come back to connection. Photography, for her, isn’t just about recognition. It’s about helping people see the beauty in themselves and the world around them.

Open Thursday through Sunday just in July and August, the Innisfree Prairie Museum invites you to stop in, explore the stories that shaped this place, and experience the creativity and heart that continue to define the community today.