What's Inside?
- A Message from President Peggy Shannon
- A Message from Alumni Association Member-at-Large Ken Rice
- Alumni Events
- Alumni News
- Inside NSCAD
- NSCAD in the Community
- Opportunities

Message from President Peggy Shannon, PhD

As we head into the winter holidays, our students are hard at work on their end-of-term projects. I am particularly excited to share the news of a new major gift to NSCAD. The Arno Family Foundation, started by Michael Arno (NSCAD alum 1982) and Mara Taracieivcz Arno, have generously donated $125,000 to the NSCAD Materials Fund.

The NSCAD Materials Fund is a bursary program that helps students with demonstrated financial need cover the costs of common art-making supplies. I want to thank Michael and Mara and their Arno Family Foundation for their generous gift which will help our students grow their practices and realize their full potential.

And speaking of the holidays, if you are looking for a meaningful gift to purchase for friends and family, look no further! The Creative Entrepreneurship Lab (CEL) will host our annual Winter Makers’ Market on December 2 from 11AM–5PM at our Port Campus on the second floor. This issue of Vivid also has a comprehensive list of alumni who are selling their works at markets around the province.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays.
Peggy Shannon

Message from Alumni Association Member-at-Large Ken Rice

I am excited to be writing this month’s segment on behalf of the NSCAD Alumni Association. I am doubly proud to share with you that while I remain a Member-at-Large with our Alumni Association I am also one of two Alumni Representatives on the NSCAD Board of Governors - Dayna Sharkey (BDes/BFA 1996) is the other. I will often reach out to folks for your thoughts as I navigate questions put forward – I believe strongly in collaboration and welcome your feedback. If you have strong feelings on any subject affecting our Alumni, I ask you to reach out anytime.

During our recent AGM I put forward a motion to update our Bylaws. I am pleased to confirm that the motion was adopted to create an ad hoc Committee who will explore the modernization of the Bylaws to reflect the diversity and geographical representation of our members. As well we will look at modernizing language and processes which reflect an ever-increasing virtual world for which we live and work in. The Committee will consist of members of the University and the Association. We hope to have a document ready for review by the start of the new year and passed at a Special Meeting before the start of our next AGM. Read more here.

Ken Rice (BFA 2005)
krice@nscad.ca

Art Work: TODAY!! Musically Inclined
explore the creative links between music and fine art with singer songwriter Jenn Grant (BFA 2006) and musician Andrew Scott (BFA 1988) of Sloan as they discuss their careers and time at NSCAD University. Nov 21, 2023 1 p.m - 2 p.m (Atlantic) FREE VIRTUAL TALK EVERYONE WELCOME
Register here .

NSCAD in Halifax: Mark the start of the festive season with your fellow alumni at the F.A.B. (Former Art Bar). We are hosting an holiday party! Come join us for music, food, and drink. This is a chance to connect with old friends and make new ones too! Please let us know if you are able to attend rsvp@nscad.ca Tell your friends and share this info with your networks! Dec. 7, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Former Art Bar (FAB), 1873 Granville St., Halifax, NS

NSCAD grad ring sale! Get this iconic piece of NSCAD history by metalsmith Karen Konzuk (BFA 1997) before NSCAD ushers in the new rendition of its grad ring. The new 'make your mark' design launches in Spring 2024. This new alumni ring design unites recipients through shared experience, but also rewards them with a one-of-a-kind object that reflects their personal contribution. Get it here.

Award: Congratulations to Jack Wong (BFA 2014) on his recent win of the Governor General literary award young people’s books— illustrated 2023. His book When You Can Swim is an instant classic for young and old. Read more here.

Award: Congratulations to Nancy Oakley (1998 - 1999) on her win at the Creative NS awards. Nancy won the Indigenous Artist Recognition Award. This award recognizes Indigenous artists who have emerged from their initial training and development and are active in the Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki arts community. Nancy is currently serving as the President of the Craft NS Board. Read more here.

Career: Congratulation to Hannah Craig (BFA 2022) on her new role with Craft Nova Scotia, as the Gallery Coordinator. She has been a fixture at the Centre for Craft NS as its gallery attendant. In Hannah's new role, she will be coordinating, planning, and installing the exhibitions at the Mary E. Black Gallery in Halifax. Read more here.

Award: Congratulations Benny Welter-Nolan (BFA 2011), United Way Halifax's Invisible Champion Award recipient. As the Executive Director of Visual Arts NS Benny delivered multiple programs that support and prioritize underserved, equity-deserving artists. Their leadership played a key role in sustaining funding for the arts from the municipality. Benny currently works as a freelance consultant at their firm Shaping Change Leadership Consulting. Read more here.

Book: Congratulations to textile artist Laurie Swim (BFA 1972) on the recent publication of a book on her work, No Ordinary Magic written by NSCAD instructor Carol Bruneau. Read more here.

Podcast: In case you missed it Gabrielle Trach (BFA 2013) did a podcast on textiles and fashion during the pandemic. You can find all of the episodes on her website. Gabrielle's current practice focuses on upcycling and repurposing fashion into raw materials for her work. Listen here.

Exhibition: Pitchpole a multi-media exhibition with video, sound, and sculptural components by Will Robinson (BFA 2005). It investigates and interprets nautically-themed compositional and poetic works associated with Bas Jan Ader’s 1975 iconic work, and tragic transatlantic voyage, In Search of the Miraculous. (Photo: Aaron M. Fraser) Until Dec. 17 Saint Mary's University Art Gallery, 5865 Gorsebrook Ave., Halifax, NS, Read more here.

Exhibition: Elemental, a collection of textile works and paintings by visual artists Marylin Smulders (BFA 2019) and Danny Abriel. Until Dec. 3. Halifax Central Library, 5th floor, 5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax NS. Read more here.

Exhibition: in the garden, a collection of recent works by visual artists Bree Hyland (BFA 2014) and Ian Funke-McKay (BFA 2014) — musings on growth, patience, colour, seasons, and time. Eltuek Arts Centre, 170 George Street Sydney, NS. Read more here.

Retail Show: Dartmouth Makers Winter Market. Support your local community and fellow alumni. Find work by: Leigh-Anne Hiltz (BFA 1998), Geordan Moore (BDes 2007), Megan Archer (1996 - 1998), Kit Holden-Ada (BFA 2009), Sorrel Van Allen (BFA 2020), Kaas Ghanie (BFA 2016), Kate Grey (BFA 2016), Rachel de Conde (BFA 2003), Anna Taylor (BFA 2008) and Erin Hollingshead (BFA 2016). Nov. 24, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Nov. 25, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Christ Church Parish Hall, 61 Dundas St., Halifax Seaport, NS. Read more here.

Retail Show: One of a Kind Winter Show. Support your fellow alumni. Find work by: Allyson Simmie (BFA 1989), Heather Rathburn (BFA 2008), Beth Ardron (BFA 2007), Geordan Moore (BDes 2007), Scott Wilk (BFA 2001), . Nov. 24, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Nov. 25, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Christ Church Parish Hall, 61 Dundas St., Halifax Seaport, NS. Read more here.

Retail Market: See works by local artists including, Undine Foulds (BFA 2021) and Sera Senakovicz (BFA 2009) at the Festive Artisan Market. Admission is free. Dec. 1 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Truro Farmer's Market, 15 Young Street, Truro, NS. Read more here.

Retail Show: A tiny Lucky Rabbit & Co. pop-up revival. See works by Ray Mackie (BFA 1978), Deb Kuzyk (BFA 1983), Marianne Brown Jewellery and Atelier 1605. Dec 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m Comfort Station, 24 Drury Lane, Annapolis Royal, NS Read more here.

Retail Market: Shop the work of 100 Atlantic Canada Makers including: Kaas Ghanie (BFA 2016), Kate Grey (BFA 2016), Peter Eastwood (BFA 1977), . $6 admission in support of small business grants. Kids 10 & under are free. Dec 8, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. & Dec 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pier 22 Pavillion | 1031 Marginal Road, Halifax. Read more here.

Workshop: The Tactile Notebook and the Written Word with Sandra Brownlee (BFA 1971). The main objective of this 3-day workshop is to support students in establishing a dynamic, tactile notebook practice that is meaningful and rewarding. Motivated by haptic consideration they will use their senses to stimulate and awaken perception, guide the making process, and enhance the way they communicate both visually and verbally. Dec. 13 – 15, 10:00am – 4:00pm Register here.

Award: Congratulations to Simon McNally (BFA / BA 2003) whose film For Christ Sake Debuted at the Toronto Independent Film Festival and won 'Best Short Film (Festival Director Award).' The film was also selected by Weihnachts film festival Berlin. Read more here.

NSCAD masters student Shima Soltani demonstrated the power of design thinking as part of a winning team at this year’s Halifax Innovation Challenge. Shima and her team worked on a challenge called “Building Client Relationships and Trust with Al RBC.” They were asked how the bank might safely and ethically use data & Artificial Intelligence to provide best-in-class financial solutions, advice, planning and recommendations to support the diverse needs of all of our clients. Read more here.

Donation: More NSCAD students than ever will benefit from the NSCAD Materials Fund thanks to a $125,000 donation from the Arno Family Foundation. Started by Michael Arno (BDes 1982) and Mara Taracieivcz Arno, the Foundation focuses on supporting local organizations that are providing services to individuals and communities in need, via the arts, education, medical research, and environmental initiatives. Read more here.

Student Retail Show: Come out for the NSCAD Winter's Maker Market! NSCAD student vendors sell art, ceramics, jewelry, painting, prints, photos, textiles and more! Perfect for holiday gifts and in support of local, up-and-coming artists and makers. All profits go directly to the students. Brought to you by NSCAD's Creative Entrepreneurship Lab in conjunction with SUNCAD- for students, by students! Dec. 2, 2023 from 11 a.m - 5 p.m. NSCAD Port Campus. 1107 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS.

Save the Date for #GIVINGTUESDAY on November 28^th.Did you know almost 60% of post-secondary students experience food insecurity
and represent the fastest growing group in food bank visits? This is why NSCAD is once again collaborating with the J & W Murphy Foundation to improve food security for students. Funds raised this year will be directed to the SUNSCAD Food Bank & the NSCAD Food Security Bursary used to provide grocery cards to students in need. Help us meet our $7,500 goal on November 28^th! Learn more here.

Call for Entry: Coming Up Next
celebrates the creativity, innovation, and skill of emerging artists entering the field of contemporary Craft in Canada. This call is opening to emerging craft artists across Canada. Membership is not a requirement for entry. Deadline: Jan. 16, 2024 at 11:59pm (MT) Read more here.

Call to Artists: Temporary Floating Public Art 2024, Harbour Square Park Basin, Toronto. Artists are asked to develop work that explores water as a connector. They should consider the histories and importance of these waterways and their role as geographical, ecological, political, economic, social, and spiritual connectors. Deadline: Dec. 18, by 2:00pm (EST) Read more here.

Call for Proposals: Nuit Blanche Toronto 2024. Submissions must respond to the 2024 theme – Bridging Distance. This theme encourages artists to recalibrate and reconnect with Toronto, the world and each other in public spaces – exploring the multifaceted ways we experience, understand and bridge distance through contemporary art. Deadline: Jan. 21, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (EST) Read more here.

Call for Submissions: Have you ever wanted to share your experience and/or help inspire future creatives?
Now is your chance! NSCAD Alumni and CEL have frequent engagement opportunities and are looking for interested alumni. We are dedicated to providing opportunities to engage, celebrate and support you at every stage of your career. Sound like something you are interested in? Read more here.

Call for Submissions: 2024 Middlebrook Prize for Young Canadian Curators. Awarded annually to an emerging Canadian curator under 30 with the aim to foster social innovation and curatorial excellence in Canada. Submissions are assessed based on artistic quality as well as conceptual strength of the proposed exhibition. Deadline: Jan. 26, 2024, at 5 p.m. (ET). Read more here.

Work at NSCAD: NSCAD is hiring! Check out our careers page to see the open opportunities .

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, Undine Foulds (BFA 2021) image courtesy of the artist.