Artist for a Day CALL FOR PROGRAMMING: Coinciding with Open City, Artist for a Day welcomes hundreds of people to try a hands-on art experience at NSCAD. Every visitor will leave with a little piece of NSCAD. Alumni with an idea for a project you would like to facilitate, please submit here. Join us on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Port Campus 1107 Marginal Rd., Halifax, NS. Lunch provided and a limited edition tee designed by Maggie McGuire (BFA 2024)!

ART WORK: Future Fashion
Thursday, April 24, 1 p.m. (Atlantic)
Virtual Talk
Join Pedro Loredo (MDes 2023) and Gary Markle (MFA 1995 / Faculty) as they discuss how design technology is evolving, and ways it can be used to unite the fashion and health industries.This talk is free and open to the public. Registration required. Missed a session of ArtWork? Visit our YouTube channel.

ART WORK: Administrating Art
Thursday, May 15, 12 p.m. (Atlantic)
Virtual Talk
Join Benny Welter (BFA 2011), Executive Director of Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia, and Atlantic International Film Festival's Development Manager Tori Fleming (BFA 2013) as they discuss the business of managing the arts. This talk is free and open to the public.
Registration required. Missed a session of ArtWork? Visit our YouTube channel.

NSCAD's new President search: You may have heard that NSCAD is seeking a new president. Please provide feedback by responding to this survey, designed by the Alumni Association. We are gathering input from the alumni community about what you believe are the most important qualifications, qualities and priorities for the next President. Steven Holmes (MFA 1993) is the Alumni representative on the search committee. Read more.

Design Your Alumni Ring: NSCAD's ‘Make Your Mark’ Alumni rings let you digitally create your own pattern to be etched onto the ring you choose. Designed by Erin Fleming (BFA 2024)
and made from ethically sourced materials, the NSCAD 'Make Your Mark' alumni ring is personal, unique, and exceptional, a reflection of the University’s commitment to sustainability and personal expression. Your can order your ring through the NSCAD Art Supply Store, or purchase a gift certificate to give a ring as a gift. For help in designing your ring, contact the store directly to book your one-on-one design appointment. 902.494.8176 or store@nscad.ca

Award: We are beyond excited to celebrate four incredibly talented NSCAD alumni who have been longlisted for the Sobey Art Award: Darcie Bernahrdt (BFA 2019), Christian Chapman (2004 -2006), Hangama Amiri (BFA 2012) & Nelson White (1984 -1986). Congratulations to each of our alumni on this amazing accomplishment! Your work continues to make waves in the art world, and 
we’re so proud to see your creativity and vision recognized on a national stage. Read More.

Awards: Congratulations to 2025 Women in Film and Television (WIFT) Atlantic WAVE Award recipients Nicole Steeves (2006) and Olivia King (BFA 2019). The WAVE Awards recognize people who are making a lasting impact in the screen industry. Nicole is the award-winning writer, director, and producer behind Canadian crime thriller film Compulsus and Lakeview, a queer comedy about friends gathering for a divorce celebration at a lakeside retreat. Olivia is a filmmaker, educator, and sound technician whose work often critiques their home province, Prince Edward Island, through a comedic lens. Read more.

New Book: Kim Hastreiter (BFA 1974), the co-founder of Paper 
magazine and AMAZING Unlimited, is touring the United States this spring to launch her new book STUFF: A New York Life of Cultural Chaos. Featuring an eclectic collection of art, fashion, design, photography, books and ephemera as a lens, STUFF is a storytelling project filled with memories about Kim and her amazing friends in New York during the 1970s... whether it's at an all-night party in an East Village church with Keith Haring, or a dinner at Trader Vics with Salvador Dali and Joey Arias. Kim has a knack for creating extraordinary combinations – bringing together flavours, visual elements, and people. Read more.

Award: Congratulations to puppet builder Cassie Seaboyer (BFA 2018) for winning the Merritt Award for Outstanding Technician. See Cassie's latest puppets featured in Neptune Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors. Until May 11. Read more. Watch awards.

In the News: Congrats to Sorrel Van Allen (BFA 2020) on her story in The Vessel magazine. Interested in the connection between nail salon and jewellery studio work, Sorrel's article outlines her observations of the application of an acrylic nail set. Sorrel is currently an MA student at HDK-Valand Academy of Art and Design at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Read more.

In the News: A new artist-run gallery recently opened its doors in Lunenburg. The Gallery on Lincoln features the work of 11 artists, including Janet Griffen (BFA 2022). The Gallery on Lincoln, 167 Lincoln St., Lunenburg, NS. Read more.

In the News: Paradise, Newfoundland storyteller Alex Hickey (MA 1993) is set to release his second book in September 2025.  Meanwhile his first book, called Misfortune Bay, is in its second print run. It’s a work of creative non-fiction based on the loss of of a sailing vessel The Albatross, and what happened the night the boat went down in 1916, set against the backdrop of the First World War.  Read more.

In the News: The last time a juried art show has taken place in Moosomin was nine years ago and the Moosomin Visual Arts Centre is excited to break that drought. On May 3 and 4, the exhibition will adjudicated by Belinda Harrow (BFA 1996). Artist of all media, skill levels and ages are taking part in this celebration of art. Read more.

Exhibition: Together Again, features works by former NSCAD faculty 
Thierry Delva (BFA 1985, MFA 1993) and technician Mark Whidden (BFA 1991). This is the first time since 1994 that the artists have shown their work together. The artists' philosophies are rooted in NSCAD’s conceptual approach to art, while their methods and approaches differ. Runs until April 20. Hermes Gallery, 5682 North Street, Halifax, NS. Read more.

Exhibition: Two-person art show with new paintings by Johanna Steffen (BDes 1997, BFA 2005) and sculptures by Zephyr Vulgaris. Johanna used the gallery as her personal studio creating her dreamlike works in situ. Opening April 25, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Runs until July 6. Saint Mary's University Art Gallery, 5865 Gorsebrook Ave., Halifax, NS. Read more.

Exhibition: In her exhibition Smokey Summers, Nicola Tibbetts (MFA 2010) documents the impact of the 2020 wildfires that affected BC's lower mainland. She and her family decided to escape the smoke and do a canoe trip in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Pieces in the exhibition are based on the photos she took during that trip. Smokey Summers includes tranquil landscapes with smokey lighting alongside paintings of more active burning and subsequent devastation.
Runs until April 26. Station House Gallery, 1 MacKenzie Ave N, Williams Lake, BC. Read more.

Exhibition: Backlands Suites is an exhibition featuring work by nine artists exploring their own interpretations of the Halifax Backlands, an urban wilderness area near the city. Curated by former NSCAD faculty member Frances Dorsey, the exhibition brings together work by nine visual artists, including Graham Fowler (BFA 1975), Ron Kuwahara (BFA 2011) and Frankie Macaulay (BFA 2016). Runs until April 28. Chase Gallery, 
Nova Scotia Archives 6016 University Ave. Halifax, NS. Read more.

Exhibition: New works by Olivia Fay (BFA 2023), created during their time as an artist-in-residence at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery. Olivia's work focuses on the relationship between the body, the earth, and other humans. The erotic, the spirit, the ecstatic, healing, and using art as an integral way of being and understanding the world. Runs May to September 2025. Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, 25 Caroline St. N, Waterloo, ON. Read more.

Exhibition: QUILTESSENTIAL, quilts by Marilyn Smulders (BFA 2019). 
Quilting has a long history in Nova Scotia, no more so than in Lunenburg County where generations of women recycled fabrics and old clothing into bed coverings to keep their families warm. Artist Talk / Closing, May 8th, 7:00pm Lunenburg School of the Arts, 6 Prince St., Lunenburg, NS. Read more.

Exhibition: Embedded Histories is a group exhibition, curated by former faculty member Ursula Handleigh (MFA 2017). The exhibition features four women across Canada expressing acts of care through the medium of flora, including Carrie Allison (BFA / BA 2014, MFA 2018) and faculty member Anna Heywood-Jones (BFA 2016). Until May 24. ARTSPLACE Gallery, 396 George St. Annapolis Royal, NS. Read more.

Exhibition: Finding a form that remembers a future - new work by Carrie Phillips Kieser (MFA 2022). Carrie's work explores the layered relationship between humans and the natural world. She engages with the contrast between presence and absence, memory and materiality, permanence and flux. Artist Talk: May 3, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Opening Reception: May 3, 7 p.m - 9 p.m. Snap Gallery, 10572 111 St.,  Edmonton, AB. Read more.

Exhibition: Pleasure Ground: A Feminist Take on the Natural World by Sarah Maloney (BFA 1998). 
Using media, ranging from embroidery to bronze, Sarah Maloney challenges ideas of “women’s work,” craft, and artistic labour. She looks at Western history and culture through a feminist lens, and the results are depictions of plants, bones, and organs that reference gender, pleasure, desire, and power. Runs until Oct. 12. Beaverbrook Art Gallery, 703 Queen Street Fredericton, NB. Read more. 

Community Builders: Wonder'neath Art Society emerged from a history of artistic collaboration between founders Melissa Marr and Heather Wilkinson (BFA 1995). Forever Home Art & Experience Auction celebrates the essential role of arts in our communities. The auction is a fundraiser to support Wonder'neath's 
Open Studio, an accessible and inclusive community art program that inspires a world of creative possibilities, connections, and hope! Items will be posted soon so keep checking to see which alumni are participating this year. April 27 - May 4. Read more.

Art Talk: At a time when the future of Canadian identity and cultural independence is at stake, your voice matters more than ever. This is a pivotal, moderated discussion on the role of the arts in shaping our nation’s future. Participating alumni include: Luc Courchesne (BDes 1974, DFA 2022) and keynote speaker Zainub Verjee (DFA 2022). April 22, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. EDT. Free virtual event. 
Read more.

Call for applications: The Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design, in partnership with Parks Canada, is inviting applications for the position of curator of Ground Rules 2025, an inspiration gathering artists' retreat in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Deadline for applications is April 30. Read more.

Market: Shake off those winter blues and pop into Halifax Crafters Society's Spring Market. Find work by: Alex MacAskill (2015), Erin Hollingshead (BFA 2016), NSCAD Print Club, 
Bryanna Chapeskie (BFA 2009), Alexis Vessey (BFA 2009), Peter Eastwood (BFA 1997), faculty Rachel de Conde Ceramics (BFA 2003), 
Linda Kieley (BFA 1990), Julian Covey (BFA 2020), Olivia MacDonald (2019), Mavis Chen (BFA 2022, current student Mary Beth Piper, Anneke van Brommel (BFA 2001), Berkeley Brown Jewellery (BFA 2009), Beth Ardron (BFA 2007) & Geordan Moore (BDes 2007). May 3 & 4, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Light House Arts Centre,1800 Argyle St, Halifax, NS. Read more. 

MAYHEM Fashion Show: Join an exclusive celebration of a brand new crop of emerging NSCAD fashion makers and jewellers. Sunday, April 27, Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Alderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth, NS. Tickets are $10 for students and $30 general admission. BUY TICKETS.

Student Art Award: NSCAD is proud to present the 2025 Student Art Award finalists Deirdre Sokolowska, Yuting Song, Jessica Li, Melissa Naef, Chris Sampson, Charlotte Perry, Oscar Jarsky, Audrey O’Neil and Grace Hirsch. The Student Art Award celebrates achievement and recognizes NSCAD students’ outstanding work with one $5,000 purchase grand prize, and nine $1,000 best-in-category prizes. The grand prize-winning artwork will be added to the President’s Art Bank, part of NSCAD’s permanent collection. Reception / Award Ceremony Thursday, April 24, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. FREE to attend! Exhibition of finalists work runs April 23 and 24. Anna Leonowens Gallery, 1891 Granville St., Halifax, NS. Read more.

2025 NSCAD Graduation Exhibition:
Something Sentimental, an annual showcase of works by artists, designers, and craftspeople completing their programs at NSCAD. The 2025 exhibition will include over 80 graduates and is co-curated by graduating students Nina-Simone Kellman and Alice Shirtliffe. 

Reception: Monday, May 12, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome! May 2 - 13. Anna Leonowens Gallery & Treaty Space Gallery, 1887 Granville St. Read more.

New Vice-President: NSCAD is pleased to announce Professor Kyla Mallett has been appointed Vice-President (Academic and Research) and Provost. For nearly seven years, Kyla has been Dean of the Audain Faculty of Art at Emily Carr University in Vancouver. She previously held multiple assistant dean positions and served as a faculty member at Emily Carr for 13 years. Read more.

New Chair: NSCAD welcomes Dr. Eddy Firmin as the university’s new Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in Transatlantic Black Diasporic Art and Community Engagement. He is the first Black visual artist in Canada to hold a CRC. His work will focus on two closely-related practices: theoretical research that examines decolonial creative practices as systems of resistance, which is closely tied to an equally important second part: artistic practices and community engagement. Read more.

Honorary Doctorate: NSCAD will award an honorary doctorate to iconic multimedia artist Joan Jonas at its convocation ceremony on May 13, 2025. Jonas' work is an eclectic mix of video, performance, installation, sound, text, and sculpture that explores feminism, self-image and human existence, mythology, and our relationships to animals and nature. "Joan's career has always pushed boundaries, and in her art, she has continually, profoundly explored what it means to be human," says Jana Macalik, NSCAD's acting president. Read more.

Career: NSCAD is hiring a Campaign Coordinator. The Campaign Coordinator oversees the campaign office and ensures the smooth functioning of the administrative side of the fundraising team. $55,251 - $64,934 / year, Full-time. Read more.

In the News: NSCAD design students are offering bold and environmentally conscious responses to pressing global issues as part of in assembly, a new showcase of design work, featuring the work of 18 emerging designers, each focused on sustainable, zero-plastic methodologies. From energy efficiency to mental health, and even eye and body wellness, students have turned their creativity toward some of society’s most persistent challenges. Port Logia Gallery, 1107 Marginal Rd., Halifax, NS. See video.

New Swag: What better way to represent NSCAD University than to rock this sweet 2025 t-shirt, designed by 2025 grad Reagen DeWolf? These special edition shirts are available at the NSCAD Art Supply Store in sizes small to 3XL. Don’t be the last rat in the trap. Buy your 2025 grad t-shirt now! Read more.

Extended studies: Summer courses are open and youth summer camps are now live! Don't forget that NSCAD alumni get 20% off courses. 
Read more.

Residency call: Artists are invited to submit their applications for FLAX: Sow to Sew Artist Residency for June 2025. The residency will focus on flax and linen and is offered in partnership with the Flax Fibre to Fabric Project at NSCAD. This initiative aims to foster connections between fibre producers and makers, by providing a site for studio-based making to creatively explore the potential of fibre flax as a material from the ground up. The residency runs June 1-30 in NSCAD's Textiles and Fashion studios. Deadline to apply is April 25. Read more.

Collaboration: NSCAD and Acadia University worked together this spring to develop fresh design elements for the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens' annual Native Plant Sale. Twelve NSCAD design students were tasked with creating a new design package that would be more accessible to a wide range of audiences. The Native Plant Sale takes place June 7,  9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, Acadia University, 32 University Ave., Wolfville, NS. Read more.