Articles tagged with: humanities

  • Art student draws on family history to gift Dalai Lama painting

    Monday, July 28, 2025 | By

    Student presenting the Dalai Lama with a portrait.

    Image caption: Fifth-year Visual Arts student Cho Sherpa (centre) traveled from Toronto to Dharamshala, India, earlier this month to gift the Dalai Lama a portrait in honour of the spiritual leader’s 90th birthday.

    Monday, July 28, 2025 | by 

    When Cho Sherpa decided to travel across the world to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, he was inspired to arrive with gift in hand.

    After working tirelessly to capture his vision, the fifth-year Brock University Visual Arts (VISA) Studio Art student personally delivered a portrait he’d painted of the spiritual leader.

    The once-in-a-lifetime encounter took place in Dharamshala, India, earlier this month.

    Sherpa’s gift was inspired by his family history.

    Fifty years ago, his grandfather built a gate at the entrance to his homestead in a remote Indian village to honour the Dalai Lama when the leader visited the area and passed by homes offering blessings.

    Using rocks and organic materials he painted with care, Sherpa’s grandfather added to his gate every night following a busy day’s work as a merchant. The ornate gate caught the Dalai Lama’s attention during his visit, marking a momentous day for the village.

    Student poses in Brock Badgers wrestling uniform.

    Fifth-year Visual Arts student Cho Sherpa is part of the Brock men’s wrestling team. Being a part of the Brock Badgers community has played a major role in Sherpa’s life. The athlete credits his staff coaches and teammates for uplifting him and teaching him work ethic, discipline and grit — key elements he also applies to his career in the arts.

    “Hearing this story from my mother inspired me beyond words. As we planned to make the trip for His Holiness’ birthday, I knew I had to find my own way to honour him,” he said.

    Painting a portrait was a spontaneous idea for Sherpa, deciding less than a week before leaving that art would be his offering.

    During his studies at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Sherpa — also a proud member of the Brock men’s wrestling team — developed his artistic practice rooted in charcoal drawing, so painting a realistic portrait was a sizable step out of his comfort zone.

    Reflecting on the humble tools his grandfather used, swapping rocks for a blank canvas and acrylic paint with only water for blending, Sherpa let his instincts guide him as he set to work.

    “I started painting, and it was a journey with ups and downs. I was thrilled with the likeness, but as the creative process goes, I experienced some bumps midway through completion I had to overcome,” he said.

    As Sherpa worked through “over painting” areas on his piece, helped along by his VISA community and professors who provided feedback and guidance, he drew on his minor in Philosophy while immersing himself in podcasts and readings about the Dalai Lama’s teachings.

    The previous two years had been tough for Sherpa, recovering from injuries from a car accident and dealing with mental health challenges.

    “I felt like I was disappearing, so I started searching for connection. The Dalai Lama represents love and peace, and those lessons resonated with me,” he said. “The more I painted, the more I found meaning.”

    By its completion, Sherpa clocked more than 40 hours on the piece, often painting straight through the night.

    In Dharamshala, well-wishers brought offerings for the Dalai Lama, including Tibetan Buddhist prayer scarves known as “khatas,” but Sherpa stood out from the crowd with his canvas under his arm.

    He found people watching him with kind curiosity as he gave the Dalai Lama the painting and shook his hand. While he was always taught the Dalai Lama is a powerful spiritual leader, Sherpa was struck by his humanity.

    “Because I had overpainted some of the portrait, it had interesting texture. He ran his hands over those areas over and over as he smiled, as if my winding creative journey was his favourite part of the painting.”

    Sherpa wanted the portrait to be the best work he had ever done.

    “In the end, I think it was.”

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    Categories: Current Students, In the Media, News

  • Dean’s legacy of leadership leaves lasting impact in Humanities

    Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | By

    Photo of Carol Merriam and James Allard

    Image caption: Ten years of dedicated service as Dean of Humanities will draw to a close for Carol Merriam (left) on July 1 as James Allard takes on the role of Interim Dean.

    Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | by 

    Carol Merriam believes deeply in the magic of teaching, and that helping create that magic for other people is time well spent.

    On July 1, Merriam will close the chapter on 10 years of service as Dean of Humanities as the Faculty welcomes James Allard, Associate Professor of English Language and Literature and Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Affairs and Curriculum, as Interim Dean.

    Katharine von Stackelberg, Associate Professor of Classics and Archaeology, has been appointed as the next Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Affairs and Curriculum for the Faculty.

    Merriam arrived at Brock in 1994 as a part-time Classics Instructor. Over the next three decades, the Latin poetry expert would dedicate herself to teaching and service.

    Playing an active role in the Brock University Faculty Association (BUFA), Merriam served as President and Vice-President, and also led the Department of Classics and Archaeology as Chair for a three-year term.

    In 2010, Merriam became Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies before being appointed Dean in 2015.

    “Universities have a special place in our cultures and civilizations, and it’s been a true privilege to help shape the future and build community,” she said.

    Merriam’s motivation has always been clear: to help others get the most out of their university experience.

    “Supporting students, faculty, junior faculty, instructors, staff and colleagues —that’s what it’s all about,” she said.

    At the helm of Humanities when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Merriam guided the Faculty through the challenges of sudden, remote learning. She established the cherished “Friday Blast” Faculty-wide communication, a tradition that continues to bring colleagues together.

    “We had to learn quickly and rise to the occasion with the goal of teaching and supporting our students — and each other — as best we could,” she said.

    Merriam’s time as Dean saw growth for Humanities, including the opening of Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, setting the Faculty on a trajectory to flourish in creative research and activities.

    “With the presence of a dedicated fine and performing arts school, Brock is taking a leadership role in arts education in Canada and making it possible for our community to have significant impact,” she said.

    Reflecting on the road ahead for Humanities in a rapidly changing world, Merriam said the disciplines help people see different possibilities, take different directions and forge new paths.

    “Studying literature, history, art and philosophy teaches us how people have understood good, evil and value. Languages help us understand the world and remind us that there is always another story — it all comes down to the value of individual human spirit.”

    As he prepares to take the Faculty’s helm, Allard said Merriam’s thoughtful and engaged leadership serves a reminder that the Humanities have always played and will continue to play a vital role in shaping how we live, work and thrive in uncertain and even chaotic times.

    “Carol demands respect for and shows us how to take seriously the power of imagination, of empathetic curiosity, of a deep appreciation for shared histories in our research, our teaching and our commitment to the University,” he said.

    Merriam expressed hope for the future and the University’s role in advancing reconciliation efforts.

    “Through our collaboration with Brock’s Concurrent Teacher Education programs, educators will bring an inclusive perspective in subjects like Canadian History and Canadian Literature because of the knowledge and expertise offered by our Indigenous faculty members,” she said.

    Reflecting on her roots in Classics — to which she will return to once again to teach Latin — Merriam shared pride in the department reimagining the discipline.

    “Across the Faculty of Humanities, in every department and centre, the opportunity to work with such amazing people dedicated to our work and students, has been a true honour.”

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    Categories: Announcements, News

  • Rising Brock star makes feature film debut in pop musical ‘Juliet & Romeo’

    Monday, May 12, 2025 | By

    Photo of Max Parker in Marilyn I. Walker Theatre.

    Image caption: Artist Max Parker, a third-year Brock student studying at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, plays Benvolio in Timothy Scott Bogart’s new pop musical ‘Juliet & Romeo’.

    Monday, May 12, 2025 | by 

    A new take on a Shakespeare classic has set the scene for Max Parker to take Hollywood by storm.

    The third-year Brock student is ready to make his mark with moviegoers in his breakthrough role playing Benvolio in Juliet & Romeo, which premieres in theatres across Canada later this month.

    The musical, from acclaimed filmmaker Timothy Scott Bogart, boasts a star-studded cast, including Rebel Wilson as Lady Capulet and Jason Isaacs as Lord Montague.

    Majoring in Studies in Arts and Culture (STAC), including courses in Dramatic Arts (DART) at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Parker said his studio work at Brock helped him to hone his acting skills.

    “My classes helped me realize the physicality in acting to prepare me for a role like Benvolio; a character who is always worried, weary and cautious,” he said. “I would not have played the role to the best of my abilities if it hadn’t been for all my training in the arts and at Brock.”

    Driven to grow as an artist, Parker was signed by his acting agent in 2022 and thrown into a world of creating audition tapes while also studying full time at the University’s downtown arts school.

    An accomplished musician whose debut album, including a chart-climbing single, was followed by the 2024 release of the song “Rush,” Parker’s musical ascension has rocketed over the past few years.

    Currently working on a self-written and produced project, Parker also continues to work alongside award-winning Canadian and American producers such as Derek Hoffman (Arkells), John Nathaniel (OneRepublic) and Justin Gray (Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne), who is also a music producer alongside songwriter Evan Bogart (Beyoncé) for the film’s soundtrack.

    It was a special moment when he broke the news to Associate Professor Danielle Wilson and retired Associate Professor Gyllian Raby that he had been cast in the feature film, which resulted in rescinding his role in the DART mainstage production that year.

    A dedicated, straight-A student his whole life, Parker was heartbroken to let them down.

    “They stared at me for a minute before erupting with joy and said, ‘you are going to act in a movie!’ I am forever grateful for their warmth and positivity, that vote of confidence will always stay with me,” he said.

    Parker took key lessons with him while shooting on location in Italy, harnessing meditative and body breathwork skills from Wilson’s voice and speech class, which helped him stay grounded.

    “Professor Wilson let me know she was just a phone call away, and that really shows how caring Brock is,” he said. “I felt comfortable, safe and supported to have this life-changing experience.”

    Parker also drew on his studies in STAC, devouring diverse reading materials that deepened his connection to artistic creation.

    “Truthfully, 75 per cent of the job in acting for film is waiting in your trailer. Breathwork, meditative exercises and reading allowed me to be ‘on’ when I was called to set,” he said.

    In the film, Benvolio’s character is the peacekeeper, Romeo’s right-hand man, but anxious and cautious about the famous feuding families central to the plot. Parker relied on his practice to achieve heightened moments of emotion expressed through movement and facial expressions.

    “My theatre skills gave me the foundation to make creative choices so I could channel those emotions for BenvoIio’s character,” he said.

    Parker said Brock helped show him how much one can learn from others about their experiences and create lasting friendships in the process.

    “Jason Isaacs, for example, was just looking for someone who would play tennis with him. I told him I’ve played since I was a kid and then taught tennis, and we ended up playing together off set. You learn quickly that human connection is what brings artists together,” he said.

    Parker said believing in his abilities was his key to success, adding he “had confidence knowing my Brock family was in my corner.”

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    Categories: Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, In the Media, News

  • Weaving histories into new creative works

    Thursday, April 10, 2025 | By

    Photo of students working in 5th floor studio.

    Image caption: Fourth-year Visual Arts students Karen Guichelaar (left) and Sabrina Luckasavitch have created new bodies of artwork as part of their Honours Thesis exhibition, entitled Off the Factor Floor, on show at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

    Thursday, April 10, 2025 | by 

    Every time fourth-year Visual Arts (VISA) student Kearah Holmes touches one of the intricate, hand-sewn items made by her great-grandmother, her connection to her ancestry — and artistry — deepens.

    Gwen Revill, Holmes’ great-grandmother, worked as a seamstress at the historical Spirella Corset Company in Niagara Falls.

    “Textile work has been handed down in my family through generations through dressmaking and sewing. My artwork is inspired by my roots and the creative energy of connecting physically with materials,” she said.

    Holmes’ textile artwork is part of Off the Factory Floor, a new exhibition showcasing the Honours Thesis work of VISA Studio Art majors on show at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSPFA) and the Niagara Artists Centre.

    The exhibition title was inspired by the late Marilyn I. Walker, a renowned fibre artist and philanthropist, and the MIWSPFA’s location in the former Canada Hair Cloth Building.

    Walker’s gift to Brock of $15 million in 2008 transformed the historic downtown St. Catharines textile factory into a state-of-the-art learning facility, which will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its opening in September.

    “There was something so beautiful about creating art in a building that used to be a textile factory transformed into a place creativity and learning through the arts; the VISA 4F06 group wanted to honour the vision of Marilyn I. Walker,” Holmes said.

    The experience motivated fourth-year student Karen Guichelaar, a process-based artist who generally works with paint and sculpture, to step out of her comfort zone during the year-long capstone course.

    “Our professors encouraged us to explore new mediums, and the creative freedom was exhilarating and inspiring; I never thought of myself as a textile artist, but I gave it a try,” she said.

    Guichelaar’s body of work, comprised of five pieces that use fabric, embroidery thread and safety pins, each capture a different human facial expression reflecting the complexity of dealing with loss, and finding hope.

    “What stands out most was speaking with people at the opening reception who were impacted by my work and took time to share their own stories. Exhibiting work in a gallery setting was a valuable experience,” she said.

    Amanda Burk, Chair of the Department of Visual Arts, said the Honours Studio exhibition is always an exciting event and important milestone for students.

    “Our fourth-year students, guided by two of our excellent faculty members, have invested a full year into developing a substantial body of creative work that will help them launch their careers and presence in the art world. This exhibition is an enormous accomplishment, and we are very proud of everything they have achieved,” she said.

    The exhibition also includes diverse bodies of artwork created by fourth-year students Daniella Alexander, Anthony Clarkson, Cleah Fast, Sabrina Luckasavitch and Christie Hoang. Pieces range from painting and photography to sculpture and digital media installations.

    In reflecting on the process of creating art over the past year alongside their peers, Holmes and Guichelaar were moved by working in the dedicated studio space on the bright fifth floor of MIWSFPA overlooking downtown.

    “We would all take the time to help each other out and give critiques and share ideas. Having the dedicated, safe space to experiment and create while sharing our ideas was a truly impactful experience for all of us,” Holmes said.

    Off the Factory Floor runs until Saturday, April 26 at MIWSFPA’s Visual Arts Gallery at 15 Artists’ Common and the Niagara Artists Common in St. Catharines. The gallery is open to the public and free of charge Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.

    More information about the artists and work can be found in the exhibition catalogue.

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    Categories: Current Students, Events, News

  • Creative bursary helps Music student set stage for success

    Thursday, March 13, 2025 | By

    Photograph of Joslyn Dunlop singing on stage at Recital Hall, accompanied by a pianist.

    Image caption: Soprano Joslyn Dunlop (right) performed a Department of Music student solo recital on stage at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre accompanied by pianist Erika Reiman (left) in 2024. Now in her fourth and final year of the Brock’s Music program, Dunlop will once again take the stage to perform in an exciting lineup of performances in March.

    Thursday, March 13, 2025 | by 

    Joslyn Dunlop is no stranger to the spotlight.

    The fourth-year Music student, a soprano, has been singing since she was a child and fell in love with performing after watching community theatre musicals in her hometown of Chatham-Kent, Ont. Now the accomplished singer is the one delighting audiences — and taking her performance skills to the next level.

    Dunlop will perform in the upcoming Department of Music (MUSI) Student Solo Recitals, which run from Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 23 at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC).

    Her proposal to direct and perform with a chamber ensemble featuring professional musicians as part of her solo recital earned her the 2023-24 Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary.

    Established to assist students with a unique opportunity such as travel, internship or training to benefit thesis or capstone projects, the bursary made it possible for Dunlop to purchase the scores for a chamber ensemble piece, Dog Tales by Jenni Brandon.

    Supported by accomplished singer and Instructor Leanne Vida, who leads Voice Masterclasses and lessons at Brock, Dunlop conducted outreach and put together an ensemble including Doug Miller, principal flute with Niagara Symphony Orchestra; Zoltan Kalman, clarinetist and Brock Big Band and University Wind Ensemble conductor; and MUSI pianist Erika Reiman.

    “While singers often perform with an accompanying piano, it can be challenging to get comfortable with an ensemble; it’s an amazing experience to sing alongside instrumentalists — acoustically, it changes everything,” Dunlop said.

    Over the past four years studying Music at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Dunlop was inspired by watching professional singers perform in front of large orchestras, captivated by how their voices soared.

    “Starting with small ensembles are the musical building blocks for larger scale performances,” she added.

    Associate Professor Karin Di Bella, who teaches performance classes helping guide students such as Joslyn in their solo recitals, said it has been rewarding to see Dunlop develop into the soloist she is today.

    “The Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary has also afforded Joslyn the valuable opportunity to enhance her administrative skills in submitting a detailed project plan, organizing complicated schedules and communicating effectively with all stakeholders to ensure a successful performance,” she said.

    Dunlop will first perform her selections for voice and piano, followed by her solo performance with the chamber ensemble performance of Dog Tales on Saturday, March 22 on the Recital Hall stage.

    In addition to Dunlop, fourth-year students will showcase their musical talents including Marcus de Torres, guitar; Joshua Brown, alto saxophone; and Bailey Williams, Aimie Pagendam and Kendall Simon, sopranos, accompanied by pianist Erika Reiman.

    Dunlop said singing will always be a part of her life as she pursues a career in ensemble music performance.

    “The Music program at Brock and Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary have allowed me to grow personally and professionally. From my first interview with the professors, I have always felt welcomed and supported; it’s been such a great way to experience university,” she said.

    Dunlop is also a member of Brock University Choir which will perform “Song, Dance and Sweet Romance” to kick off the MUSI spring ensembles concert series on Saturday, March 29 at PAC.

    “We are thrilled to share a robust lineup of public performances in the coming weeks showcasing the talent and hard work of our Brock music community,” said Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Department of Music Chair and Associate Professor.

    “Our year-end ensemble concerts hold a special significance for students like Joslyn and other graduates as these final performances add to the many lasting memories of friendships formed through music-making during their time here at Brock,” she added.

    The Brock and Niagara community are invited to take in all the spring ensemble performances including the student recitals, Brock Big Band, The University Wind Ensemble and The University String Orchestra later this month. For details including ticket information, please visit the MUSI website.

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    Categories: Current Students, Department/Centre News, News

  • Community Connections: Healing Through the Arts

    Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | By

    Photo of delighted attendee viewing art in the VISA gallery.

    Image caption: Willow Arts Community member Jo Barham experienced the inspiring artwork of local artists earlier this year at “unscene,” a community exhibition at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts Visual Arts Gallery in collaboration with downtown St. Catharines organization Willow Arts Community.

    Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | by 

    This article is part of a monthly series celebrating Brock’s rich history of community engagement and enduring commitment to the mutual exchange of knowledge and resources within the Niagara community and beyond. To read other stories in the series, visit The Brock News.

    For Dani RJ Hummel, creating art is as necessary as breathing; it’s where everything comes out.

    “Producing artwork helps me work through my trauma and gives the pain somewhere to live outside of my body. My creative practice has taught me to approach life with curiosity and allowed for so much growth as an artist — and a person,” they said.

    A member of Willow Arts Community (Willow), Hummel has showcased their artwork over the past two years in community partnership exhibitions at the Visual Arts Gallery within Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) — the next of which, unscene, opens May 29.

    Located in downtown St. Catharines, Willow is an arts and peer support organization providing low-barrier opportunities for artists with lived experiences of mental illness or substance use in Niagara.

    The partnership between Brock and Willow aims to provide an enriching gallery experience for community members.

    MIWSFPA Visual Arts Gallery Co-ordinator Sonya Marie de Lazzer said this community driven work is important because it centres and empowers local voices and perspectives.

    “By creating a shared space for expression and connection, together we are encouraging public dialogue and expanding opportunity for conversation, reflection and empathy in our community,” de Lazzer said.

    For Leigh MacLeod, Willow Founder and Executive Director, the ability for members to publicly showcase artwork is significant.

    “I have the privilege of getting to know our Willow members and seeing their creativity and perspectives expressed through their brilliant art; working with the MIWSFPA allows more people to witness and connect to these experiences,” they said.

    For Hummel, showing their work in a professional gallery setting was not something they always thought possible; on one hand it has been exhilarating, but on the other, it has been uncomfortable.

    Hummel has developed their artistic practice and now leads educational initiatives at Willow, including supporting others with creative writing courses and leading projects with community partners.

    “It’s been incredible to share my art and creativity with the world,” Hummel said.

    MacLeod said Hummel’s experience resonates with other Willow members and that the partnership with MIWSFPA has allowed for their diverse perspectives to be heard by the community in meaningful ways.

    “Our members are often marginalized individuals who do not have access to the same opportunities because of their lived experiences with mental illness or substance use. Whether they face financial, social, psychological or health barriers, we strive to remove real obstacles so folks can access enriching and meaningful opportunities,” MacLeod said.

    Planning the exhibition begins several months before the opening reception when de Lazzer visits Willow offering an open information session. She provides details to members such as gallery floor plan, available space, electricity options, ceiling mount options and technological capability.

    “Before artists begin or complete the work that will be exhibited, everyone has a chance to visualize the space and ask any questions about the process,” she said.

    On installation day when Willow members bring their work to the gallery, de Lazzer said the collaborative nature of the process is thrilling.

    “We see all the artwork in the space and begin to play with layout. Artists are always invited to be there and be part of those discussions,” de Lazzer said.

    Guiding the process with her curatorial expertise, de Lazzer ensures that accessibility and inclusivity are addressed.

    “We want to make sure we are incorporating accessibility features like text placement, audio components or clear pathways to move through the space itself, so everyone can enjoy the artwork,” she said.

    In addition to mounting the exhibition, Brock graduates work on an ongoing basis with Willow to deliver artistic workshops and sessions including interdisciplinary artist Amber Lee Williams (BA ’20), multidisciplinary artist Skye Rogers (STAC ’22) and musician Joe Lapinski (BA ’99), among others.

    MacLeod said for Willow, the arts are vital to people’s survival.

    “When we speak of recovery, it is not as a finish line, but an ongoing journey of knowing you belong somewhere. Seeing our members shine with their work at the MIWSFPA gallery is a profound honour,” MacLeod said.

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    Categories: Events, News

  • High-profile NYC events shared through lens of student artist

    Wednesday, November 06, 2024 | By

    Photo of VISA student Cleah Fast installing her photos in the VISA Gallery

    Image caption: Fourth-year Visual Arts student Cleah Fast, recipient of a 2024 Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary, is displaying her artwork in a new multimedia exhibition now open at Brock’s Visual Arts Gallery.

    Wednesday, November 06, 2024 | by 

    While backstage at an iconic music festival and in the front row at New York Fashion Week, Cleah Fast couldn’t help but feel a spark — or rather, flash — of creativity.

    The fourth-year Brock Visual Arts (VISA) student and multidisciplinary artist has channelled her recent experiences at high-profile New York City events into an exhibit, Through the Lens, now on show at the University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA).

    The exhibition features Fast’s large-scale photography, painting, sound installations and mixed media alongside video art created by Brock faculty, students and staff.

    Fast’s creative path was propelled forward when she received a 2024 Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary, an award that assists students with a unique opportunity, including travel, training or masterclasses to support their final-year capstone project.

    Through the support of the bursary, Fast travelled to NYC and collaborated with media company Never Come Home to photograph the Governor’s Ball Music Festival, the biggest music festival on the east coast.

    “I was drawn in by the energy and bonds that take place during cultural events, where so many individual experiences take place and intertwine to create a bigger, collective experience,” she said.

    Fast was inspired to explore these connections from the perspective of youth culture.

    “Shooting the festival for four days with professionals was unlike anything I had ever done; I had never shot anything on that scale,” she said.

    The partnership was so successful, and the media company so impressed with her skills, Never Come Home invited Fast back to shoot New York Fashion Week with them this past September.

    “Without the bursary, this collaboration would not have been able to happen and flourish the way that it has,” she said.

    Linda Carreiro, Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts, said the Medland and Green Inspiring Artists Bursary is a tremendous benefit to students who want to gain professional training and experience outside of the institution.

    “In this case, Cleah was able to access a rare opportunity that enabled specialized skills development and career potential,” Carreiro said.

    During her time in Visual Arts, Fast said she had the opportunity to go beyond her comfort zone and try new things.

    “Access to diverse, creative opportunities were a big reason I chose the Visual Arts program. I love the Marilyn, and I wouldn’t be doing these incredible things without the support and encouragement from my professors,” she said.

    The opening reception for Through the Lens will be held Thursday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Visual Arts Gallery. The exhibition runs until Nov. 23.

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    Categories: Current Students, Department/Centre News, News

  • Dramatic Arts welcomes celebrated theatre leader for mainstage production

    Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | By

    Photo of Director Soheil Parsa working with two students on the stage.

    Image caption: Simone Cinapri (left), a fourth-year Concurrent Education student with teachables in Dramatic Arts (DART) and History, rehearses on stage at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre with guest Director Soheil Parsa and second-year DART student Lennon Paul (right) in preparation for DART’s mainstage production of Scorched.

    Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | by 

    Director and writer Soheil Parsa is bringing his award-winning theatre expertise and artistry to Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA).

    Parsa, co-founder and former artistic director of Modern Times Stage Company in Toronto, is directing Scorched, a bold, innovative play written by Wajdi Mouawad, for the Department of Dramatic Arts (DART) fall mainstage production.

    With set and costume design by DART Associate Professor and Scenographer David Vivian, the deeply political and philosophical play explores fate, retribution and the human capacity for violence and destruction.

    Scorched tells the story of Nawal, a woman who fled a country tormented by violence, and her twins, Janine and Simon, who were raised in Quebec. Following Nawal’s death, the twins must return to their mother’s war-torn country to carry out her last wishes and deliver letters to their father, believed dead, and a brother they didn’t know they had.

    Parsa said Scorched strongly resonates with the events shaping the world today.

    “In this remarkable poetic piece, Mouawad explores the darker sides of human nature, contemporary barbarism, dehumanization in the face of war, friendship, separation, love and loss,” he said.

    Fourth-year Concurrent Education student Simone Cinapri, who plays the role of Janine, said Parsa guided the cast and creative team through the challenging script with patience and wisdom.

    “Beyond developing my skills as an actor, this experience has taught me about dedication, communication and creativity, lessons I will carry with me beyond my time at Brock,” she said.

    Cinapri explored how to bring characters like Janine to life — characters Parsa described as archetypal beings representing the essence of human hope, struggle and failure — as a tribute to women who have been affected by war and sexual violence.

    “By exploring the cycle of violence experienced by immigrant families in the play, I have drawn connections to my own family who faced many barriers to live in Canada today,” she said. “I am so grateful for DART’s dedication to providing memorable learning opportunities through mainstage productions.”

    Vivian, who attended National Theatre School with Mouawad, said the DART students involved in the production have “carried the characters in the play very carefully in our hearts these past few months.”

    “Digging deep into the histories and destinies of a multi-generation family led by women of great humanity has been simultaneously a privilege and a challenging responsibility for the artists of DART,” he said.

    Scorched opens Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines. Performances will also take place Saturday, Nov. 2, Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.

    General admission tickets are available for $25 and tickets for students and seniors are available for $20. Visit the DART event website to reserve tickets.

    The public is also invited to a mini symposium on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre for an engaging conversation with lead creatives from the production and guest scholars from Brock’s Faculties of Humanities and Applied Health Sciences.

    Content Advisory: The production contains mature content and is only recommended for individuals aged 16 and up.

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    Categories: Current Students, Department/Centre News, Walker Cultural Leader Series

  • Mental health experiences explored through community art

    Wednesday, May 29, 2024 | By

    Photo of gallery exhibit with vinyl text "unscene" displayed prominently

    Image caption: A new art exhibition, titled “unscene,” is showcasing the work of Willow Arts Community members at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts gallery. Now in its second year, the collaborative exhibition showcases a diverse range of work including paintings, sculpture and multi-media installations.

    TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 | by 

    A new art exhibition is exploring themes of presence and belonging in the local St. Catharines arts community for individuals with lived experiences of mental illness and substance use.

    Featuring work of Willow Arts Community (Willow) members, “unscene” is now open at the Visual Arts Gallery and Exhibition Space at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA). The exhibition runs at MIWSFPA until Saturday, June 15.

    Through their work, participating artists reflected on their connection to the arts scene in downtown St. Catharines as well as how their voices are heard, and experiences perceived, by the wider arts community.

    All are invited to attend the opening reception at the MIWSFPA on Friday, May 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. The reception will include a live performance by The Willow Choir performing a song written by Willow community members and composed by Willow choir conductor Sarah Jerrom.

    Located in downtown St. Catharines, Willow provides low-barrier opportunities for community members to engage with peer-to-peer arts education and fosters a safe space for creative exploration.

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    Categories: Events, Uncategorised

  • Celebrating literary diversity in Niagara with SAFRAN 2024

    Friday, April 05, 2024 | By

    A group of people sit a long table in the MIWSFPA lobby engaged in Discussion.

    Image caption: Brock Professor Jean Ntakiturimana of Modern Languages, Literatures & Cultures, (right) at the Sunday morning long table about the world of publishing, hosted by Binta Wague of les Éditions Touana (Toronto , centre-right, in green). 

    Brock University recently welcomed the Salon du Livre des Francophonies du Niagara (SAFRAN) 2024 for a diverse and dynamic weekend of events and performances celebrating literary creativity and diversity in the Niagara region.

    Hosted by Brock’s Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture (STAC) and Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures (MLLC) in collaboration with SOFIFRAN, the event was held from March 21 to 24 at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, with an opening ceremony at the Film House in the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre. With the important collaboration of the Maison de la culture francophone du Niagara, the event coincided with the UNESCO World Poetry Day, World Puppetry Day and International Francophonie Day.

    Director of the Salon du livre and MLLC Instructor, Nafée Faigou, hosting the opening ceremonies at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

    “It’s been an absolutely remarkable celebration of language and culture, beautifully led and produced by Director of the Salon du livre, Nafée Faigou and Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi, Director General of SOFIFRAN,” said Professor David Vivian, Director of the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture. “Our learning community is so much richer for having hosted SAFRAN.”

    Guests and community members from the Niagara Francophone community and beyond were treated to a diverse offering of cultural interactions including entertaining and thoughtful puppet shows by Le chemin qui marche from Quebec, workshops for youth on robotics and AI and compelling roundtable discussions  in the MIWSFPA venues.

    A highlight was the publisher’s fair in the MIWSFPA lobby, igniting important long-table discussions amongst publishers and authors that celebrated the Francophonie of the region, including both Franco-Ontarian and new Franco-Canadian voices.

    For more information about the event, please visit the STAC website.

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    Categories: News, Uncategorised

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