No images? Click here A message from the DeanDear alumni and friends, In my first six months as the Dean of Fine Arts, I have had the pleasure of getting to know our students, faculty members and community leaders, which has been an enriching experience, highlighting the interconnectedness that defines our shared passion for the arts. Community engagement is central to the Faculty’s work and it has been exciting to learn of all the ways people feel connected to the activities and programs in the Faculty of Fine Arts. It is clear that Fine Arts at ULethbridge has the power to transform, inspire and connect and that the Faculty has a longstanding commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with local and global communities. This fall, we celebrated significant milestones, including the installation of a new University president, Dr. Digvir Jayas, marking a pivotal moment for our institution's leadership. Within Fine Arts, the premiere of our first Indigenous-led theatre production, Yisstsiiyi, and the opening of Mootookakio’ssin: Creating in Spacetime in the Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess Gallery provided powerful opportunities to witness how arts practices can communicate stories and histories and provide space for intercultural understandings to emerge. Looking ahead, the Faculty of Fine Arts will continue to emphasize Indigenization and to increase opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and research-creation projects. We recognize the vital role that Fine Arts plays in the Lethbridge community and are excited about developing work-integrated learning opportunities. These initiatives will not only prepare our students for diverse career pathways but also contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our community. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to ongoing conversations as we shape the future of Fine Arts together. Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch Yisstsiiyi production a historic first for ULethbridgeIn November, the Mainstage production of Yisstsiiyi was held, a historic first for the University. Co-directed and co-written by Fine Arts alum Marshall Vielle (BFA - Dramatic Arts ‘17), Yisstsiiyi is ULethbridge’s first Indigenous-led and created Mainstage production. Marshall was invited to help mount the production with fellow Making Treaty 7 colleagues Caleigh Crow and Neil Fleming. A theatrical collection of Blackfoot stories, Yisstsiiyi brought together Blackfoot Elders, community members and students in the process of storytelling.
Art Gallery exhibition bridging gaps between historical cultural material and contemporary artA unique new exhibit in the ULethbridge Art Gallery is bridging the gaps between contemporary art and historical cultural material housed in museums. The Mootookakio’ssin: Creating in Spacetime exhibit in the Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess Gallery brings together ULethbridge art students and artists living in the UK to experiment with what an art gallery can be and whom it serves. Assistant Professor and two-time ULethbridge alum Dr. Migueltzinta Solís (MFA ’19, PhD ’23), led the Indigenous Art Studio class that came together to create works for the exhibit. Over several weeks, students engaged in discussion, self-reflection, study and consultation to transform the Art Gallery space into a collective studio. Calling Artists, Thinkers & Makers: Experience Graduate Studies in Fine Arts!Pursue advanced study in contemporary art practice, transdisciplinary excellence and practice-based research in the MFA (Art) program. Join a dynamic, collaborative community of artists and scholars, technical and academic support staff and fellow graduate students from across Canada and around the world in the ULethbridge Department of Art. The MFA (Dramatic Arts) program offers students the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to theatre production and performance including traditional theatre disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary artistic projects. Bolstered by prolific and nationally renowned fine arts and performance arts communities, this program offers students unique opportunities to contribute to the vibrant cultural life of the region. Apply by February 1, 2024 and start Fall 2024! 2024 Events Line UpIn the new year, we are excited to present the final two shows of our 2023/2024 Mainstage season. February’s show is Dine, an immersive experience created by students in the Drama 4000/5000: Creative Collaboration course. This collective creation runs from Feb. 9-10 and 13-15, 2024 at the Penny Gallery in downtown Lethbridge. In March, we present Jesus Christ Superstar to close our Mainstage season, with shows running from March 12-16 at 7:30 p.m. nightly in the University Theatre. Throughout the winter, the ULethbridge Art Gallery is hosting a number of events, including ARTLab, After Hours and Knitting at Noon. Toward the end of the Spring 2024 semester, we also have our annual Art Open House and the New Media Advanced Studio exhibit. You can find event information on our website and on the University Notice Board! Calling Wind Orchestra Alumni!Southern Winds, founded in 2018 by alumni Dawn Leite (BA/BEd '04) and Dr. Nick Sullivan (BMus '04), brings together a diverse and talented group of wind, brass and percussion musicians from all backgrounds. In 2024, Southern Winds is gearing up for an exceptional musical experience that will feature an alumni Wind Orchestra ensemble that welcomes all alumni musicians to join in the musical celebration! Sign up to be part of this ensemble below. Save the Date for the PUBlic Professor Series!The web is an integral part of our digital lives and like all media, how websites are designed and developed is a reflection of cultural values. This influences what we see and what we don’t see, what we can do there and what we can’t do. This talk will explore how the web is being reshaped in Indigenous worldviews for cultural revitalization, renewal and relationship building. It will also look at how these activities connect with holistic conceptions of health and well-being for Indigenous communities. Join New Media Assistant Professor Christine Clark (BFA - New Media '10, MFA '14), left, and Melissa Shouting (BHSc '19), right, for the next instalment of the PUBlic Professor Series: Weaving World Views: The Web as a Space for Cultural Vitality on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge. ULethbridge student Dominique Marcil finds success through liberal education and excels in new mediaWe love showcasing the many talents and stories of students, staff, faculty and alumni in the Faculty of Fine Arts! Read more of our stories below. KudosWhether you’ve won an award or a grant, done a show, concert or exhibit, we want to celebrate you! Here are just a few alumni highlights from this past year. Congratulations to everyone on their success!
Help make opportunities in the Fine Arts possible!Annual donations of all amounts from our alumni and friends to the Faculty of Fine Arts Annual Fund help to enhance the Fine Arts student experience. This fund provides the Faculty of Fine Arts with the financial flexibility needed to ensure that students continue to receive the best possible learning experience through initiatives and assistance. Your gift will help enrich the student experience through:
Your gift is eligible for a 2023 charitable donation receipt. Donate now below. For other giving opportunities, reach out to the Faculty of Fine Arts External Relations Advisor, Chelsea Tolton at chelsea.tolton@uleth.ca or 403-329-4285. Thank you for your support! Share your updatesDo you have an exciting project, initiative or update that should be profiled? We’re always looking for stories on the fantastic students, staff, faculty and alumni in Fine Arts! Submit your suggestion below! Alumni benefitsThere are a lot of perks, benefits, resources and opportunities available to you as a ULethbridge alum. From discounts on insurance to continued access to the Career Bridge, there's something for everyone. |