U of L Fine Arts studio moves online
By Yoos, Cam on April 13, 2020.
Greg Bobinec
Lethbridge Herald
With the closure of the University of Lethbridge campus in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Faculty of Fine Arts continues their annual celebration of their art students, by hosting the first online Art Studio exhibition catalogue.
The annual Art Studio Open House is a culmination and celebration of the research and creative exploration done by U of L Art Studio students throughout the year. Traditionally the day-long public event invites family, friends and community members to explore the studio spaces of undergraduate and graduate art students filled with sculptures, painting, drawing, printmaking, installation, digital media, ceramics, and photography among other art forms.
“While it is always better to enjoy art, and our art community, together, we are honoured to share the work and award recognition for the 2019/2020 Art Open Studio online,” says Mary Ingraham, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
“These talented students have the dedication, education, and instincts to be the best in their field. All have worked extremely hard to get this far, and we can’t wait to see where they go from here.”
Beyond viewing the work of the students, the annual event also includes an awards ceremony, celebrating academic excellence in a variety of areas, as well as the announcement of many prestigious residency and scholarship awards. For the 2019-20 academic year, 30 students were recognized for their success, receiving letters of recognition and financial support.
With a variety of awards to recognize student success, the Department of Art also chooses one piece of student artwork to purchase for their on-campus collection. This year, the honour of the Student Art Purchase Award went to Wendy Hales Jorgenson.
Although many of the students were looking forward to the end of the year celebration of their hard work and creative exploration, many are grateful for the opportunity to share their work on a new platform with a larger audience.
“While I miss the Art Open Studio, I am excited to have our work shared on a new platform with more people than ever,” says Alicia Barbieri, graduating Art Studio student.
“I think sharing the hard work of all the students is important, especially in times like these. I hope the catalogue can be a sendoff for all the graduating students who are missing their opportunity to say good bye to an amazing community and program.”
The online Art Open Studio is open for the public to look through and learn about artists as well as their inspiration and drive for their work. The online Open Studio as well as more information on the award and scholarship winners can be found at uleth.ca/fine-arts/open-studio-catalogue.
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