VIVID: The NSCAD University Newsletter for Alumni and Friends
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What's Inside?
- A Message from President Peggy Shannon
- A Message from Alumni Association President Sunil Sarwal
- Alumni Events
- Alumni AGM Notice
- Alumni News
- Inside NSCAD
- NSCAD in the Community
- Opportunities and Events
Message from President Peggy Shannon, PhD
After almost three weeks on the island of Hydra in Greece with NSCAD students, I am hugely impressed by the global and inventive ideas presented by our students. During an action-packed summer program, they met with documentary film makers, animators, jewelry designers, environmentalists, mask/costume/scenic designers, fine artists, and other creatives, all the while building upon their own individual practices. They also hiked, swam, and did a lot of Greek dancing – all through a heat wave! Each student left inspired and full of ideas. I look forward to their exhibition in September at NSCAD.
I am also looking forward to meeting with alumni and NSCAD supporters in London and Berlin this week. Our June west coast tour which included alumni receptions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and impactful meetings in San Diego and Coronado was very fruitful. I had the opportunity to spend time with Lucy Leonowens, who shared many wonderful stories about her great grandmother, Anna Leonowens.
This week is Pride Week in Halifax and I want to wish all our 2SLGBTQIA+ community a happy and
safe week of celebrations.
Peggy
Message from Sunil Sarwal (BDes 2002) Alumni Association President
Classes are winding down and, as we push into the sticky heat of late July, we’re winding things down for a while at the Alumni Association too.
During the last year we helped with the second installment of the Film Festival, and served on the jury for the design committee for the new alumni ring. We fielded reports and concerns from alumni on a variety of matters, most notably about racism, and took those concerns to the Board of Governors and the President, making sure the voices of alumni were heard and listened to. We’ve also helped a number of alum (especially recent graduates) get connected to other folks in cities around the world, and helped to promote shows, awards, and new jobs from all of you. It’s been great having a chance to showcase all the amazing work being done by NSCAD alumni and I’m proud we had that opportunity.
Our next meeting will be September 20th at 6pm (Atlantic), for our Annual General Meeting. The meeting is open to all of you, and will be held via Zoom. It’s where we will discuss and plan our goals for the coming year based on your feedback. It’s also the time new members can join, and run for open positions on the Alumni Board if they wish. I hope you’ll attend – it’s a great chance to have your voice heard. You can sign up for the AGM here. Read more here.
Housing Help for NSCAD Students in September
NSCAD is seeking expressions of interest from alumni in the Halifax area – on a bus route – who have space to rent a room or apartment to a NSCAD student. As of today, we have 30 students in need of housing. Please write to Trina (alumni@nscad.ca) if you are interested and able to help out during the coming academic year which runs from September 2023 – April 2024.
Alumni Association AGM: The virtual AGM is the perfect time to connect with alumni and learn what the NSCAD University Alumni Association Board of Directors has working on to help advance the interest of NSCAD alumni at home and around the world. At the AGM the Board members will discuss the past year and elect representatives from the year ahead. Want to lend a hand for upcoming events, start a chapter, or stand to become a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors?
We are accepting
nominations now. Join us on Sept. 20, 2023, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Zoom. Register
here
NSCAD in Europe: Calling all Europe and UK based alumni. President Peggy Shannon will be visiting Berlin and London in July to meet with alumni, supporters and potential partners. She will be hosting a meet and greet in each city and would love to see you there. Please let us know if you are able to join us rsvp@nscad.ca
– Please share with your networks.
Berlin – TODAY! Tuesday, July 25, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 3 Schwestern Berlin Kreuzberg, Art Center Bethanien, Mariannenplatz 2, 10997 Berlin, Germany
London – Friday, July 28, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Benugo @ BFI Southbank, 0 Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XT, United Kingdom
NSCAD Alumni South Shore: Save the Date Join us for a gathering of alumni, enjoy drinks, snacks and conversation. The works of former faculty member Robin Muller and Carol Hansen (BFA 1982) will be on display! Captain's House Gallery, 33 Central Street, Chester Sept. 9, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. RSVP@nscad.ca
Exhibition: There are Spirits in the Forest by Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy (1975). Exploring themes of family, spirituality, struggle and strength, he uses the layering of symbols and mark-making to create depth and texture in his works. Until Sept. 10. La Guilde 1906, 1356 Sherbrooke St. W. Montreal, QC. Read more here. Listen to an interview with Alan here.
Exhibition: Landscape and Stories, curated by Emily Falencki (BFA 2001), featuring the work of Cinthia Arias Auz (BFA 2016), Tim Brennan (BFA 1995), Kayza Degraff-Ford (BFA 2021), Ursula Johnson (BFA 2006), Ryan Josey (BA/BFA 2016), Sarah Maloney (BFA 1988), Amanda Rhodenizer (BFA 2006), Will Robinson (BFA 2005), Jenny Yulia Shi (BA/BFA 2015) and former Gallery Director Melanie Colismo. Until Sept. 2. The Blue Building Gallery, 2482 Maynard Street, Halifax, NS. See more here.
Exhibition: CONFLICTED, Pantie chain by Cal Lane (BFA 2001) will be on display as part of this group exhibition. Opening Thurs. July 27 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. C24 gallery, 560 W 24th St, New York, NY. Until Oct. 5, See more here.
Exhibition: BOX UP! Co-Adorn's sixth annual juried exhibition of art jewellery. See work by Vanessa Neily (BFA 2008), Chantel Gushue (BFA 2003), Melissa Morrison (BFA 2003), Meris Mosher (BFA 2008). Until Aug. 1, Studio 21, 5431 Doyle St., Halifax. See more here.
Exhibition: Family Gathering / Gathering Family work by Barbara Lounder (MFA 1984). Works on paper and assemblage sculptures forming a visual narrative regarding her maternal family background. This genealogical narrative is embedded within larger histories of land acquisition, colonization, enslavement and resource extraction. Until Aug. 18, Eltuek Arts Centre, 170 George Street Sydney, NS See more here.
Exhibition: Altered Land by Judith Berry (BFA 1983). "I consider these paintings to be landscapes, although the objects in them often appear more manufactured than organic. Each work employs an aspect of illusion, a reference to three-dimensional space." Opening July 27, Until Sept. 9 Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery, 8 McCain St unit 1, Florenceville-Bristol, NB Read more here.
Podcast: Moonshot hosted by Christine Goudie (BDes 2007).
Highlights the “why” behind incredible entrepreneurial journeys. From unique unicorn startups to seasoned sole proprietors, hear the stories behind some of the world’s most innovative moonshot ventures.
Listen Here.
Documentary: Jessica Wiebe (BFA 2015) was recently featured in an episode of Absolutely Canadian. Jess talks about her military service, ongoing artistic practice and cold dipping in Nova Scotia as a way to heal physical and emotional trauma from a life no one expected her to pursue. Watch Here.
New Role: Halifax is pleased to announce that Jacqueline Hamilton (1991) has accepted the position of Executive Director, Planning & Development, beginning Monday, August 14. She has experience with urban planning and development approvals, heritage conservation, economic development and community services. Read more here.
Tour: Sketching on Sable Island. Join Briana Corr Scott and Geordie Mott (BFA 2000) for a once-in-a-lifetime sketching tour of Sable Island. No previous drawing background is necessary. Sept. 21 Picture Perfect Tours. Read more here.
Classes: Crafting the Garden with Gillian Maradyn-Jowsey (BFA 2017). This workshop celebrates the beauty of botanical life in the home and garden. Using a myriad of techniques from slab and coil building to pinching, students will create one of a kind functional pieces. Aug 14 - 18, Lunenburg School of the Arts, 6 Prince Street, Lunenburg. Read more here.
NSCAD Welcomes Six New Faculty Members as part of the 2023 Cohort Hire. NSCAD is pleased to introduce the new faculty members who joined our community this summer: Associate Professor Jordan Bennett, Associate Professor Lucie Chan (MFA 2021), Assistant Professor Leesa Hamilton, Assistant Professor Anton Lee, Assistant Professor Huschang Pourian and Assistant Professor Vajdon Sohaili. Read more here.
NSCAD Store Relocation
The NSCAD Art Supply store has moved two doors down to 1870 Hollis Street. Now offering a boutique service to our students and alumni. Visit them in store Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. or online
Course: Side Hustling for Creatives,
This Fall, learn how to transition your side hustle into a successful career! This 2-week online program will provide you with a roadmap and the support you need to succeed on your journey, no matter your creative pursuit. NSCAD Extended Studies and CEL. Early Bird discount Register before July 31st Use promo code Fall23EB Oct 12 - Nov 16, 2023 Read more/register here.
Call for Applications: Artist-in-Residence Winter 2024 Term Feb. 12 – May 17, 2024. Residency provides a space for emerging artists, including recent graduates, to enable them to develop and enhance their practice in their chosen medium. Will have 24 hour access to a studio. Lunenburg School of the Arts, 6 Prince St, Lunenburg, NS. Deadline: Sept. 1st, 2023 Read more here.
Call for Submissions: The NSCAD Zine Rack is putting together an orientation week zine for students. The zine will be a limited run of free copies for students that will be available on Sept. 15th. And we are looking for submissions from past & current students for the zine! This is not a paid opportunity. Deadline: Aug. 25 Read more here.
Stay in Touch
We want to hear from you! Please send us your news. What are you working on? Where are you living? What inspires you? Any recent achievements? Use the online form, and tag your work on social media with #keepcreatingNSCAD.
Email us at alumni@nscad.ca if you are interested in being profiled for your work or business.
Header image: Artist: January 1990, Meris Mosher (BFA 2008) Image courtesy of the artist.
