Articles tagged with: Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts

  • Co-op sets stage for Dramatic Arts student’s future career

    Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | By

    Photo of DART student Liam Farrell

    Image caption: Liam Farrell, a third-year student studying Dramatic Arts at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, completed two co-op work terms that have shaped his career path in building community through the arts.

    Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | by 

    Whether he’s on stage, behind the scenes or working with youth, Liam Farrell knows his calling is to build community through the arts.

    A third-year Dramatic Arts (DART) student at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Farrell has explored different areas of the theatre industry through co-op work terms that have been pivotal in shaping his skills and career direction.

    Over the summer, Farrell completed a work term with Carousel Players, an award-winning professional theatre company for young audiences in downtown St. Catharines.

    Supporting drama educators and bringing performances to life for young campers was an experience he will never forget.

    “I was mentored by artistic professionals and had the chance to meet, and be inspired by, incredibly creative kids,” he said.

    Farrell, whose passion for performing arts encompasses acting and all aspects of creative production, helped support youth of all abilities during his time at Carousel Players.

    “Being part of their inclusive community helped me grow in adaptability and empathy,” he said.

    Photo of Liam Farrell laughing with a child at a Carousel Players camp.

    Over the summer, third-year Dramatic Arts student Liam Farrell gained valuable industry experience in the arts thanks to a co-op work term with Carousel Players, an award-winning professional theatre company for young audiences.

    Facilitated by Brock’s Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) team, which connects students with relevant work terms and offers a range of resources to support career development, these experience shed new light on Farrell’s studies.

    “I applied ideas and approaches from my classes that deepened my understanding of arts education and my connection with the local arts community here in Niagara — the experience solidified my desire to work in theatre,” he said.

    Farrell also gained valuable experience during his 2024 work term as an actor with Pirate Life Theatre in Hamilton where he honed his problem solving skills while learning about organizational logistics and administration.

    Quentin Dus, Talent Partnership Consultant with CCEE, said experiences like Farrell’s demonstrate how they can open doors for students to explore their potential and the impact of strong partnerships between Brock’s co-op office and community partners.

    “Watching Liam thrive in his co-op role at Carousel Players as well as Pirate Life Theatre previously has been incredibly rewarding. His growth and success speak volumes about his talent, adaptability and passion for the dramatic arts,” Dus said.

    Looking to the future, Farrell aims to work with professional theatre companies, locally and abroad, and contribute his knowledge and experience to strengthening communities and building bridges through the arts.

    “I’m grateful to Carousel Players for their mentorship, and I’m excited to carry these valuable experiences forward in my career.”

     

     

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    Categories: Current Students, News

  • 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

  • Cross-cultural collaborations in game audio at heart of public talk

    Monday, January 13, 2025 | By

    Photo of John Robert Matz at his workstation holding numerous Brass instruments

    Image caption: John Robert Matz, a Chicago-based performer, arranger, composer and music educator will visit Brock for a series of events exploring video game audio as part of the 2024-25 Walker Cultural Leader Series presented by the Department of Music.

    Monday, January 13, 2025 | by 

    Chicago-based performer and video game composer John Robert Matz will bring his expertise in creating game scores that highlight diverse voices to Brock during an upcoming public lecture.

    Matz will share his journey composing the score for Awaceb’s Tchia, an award-winning 2023 action-adventure video game inspired by the developers’ familial and cultural ties to New Caledonia, a French territory in the south Pacific Ocean.

    Nina Penner, Assistant Professor of Music, said the talk will shed light how modern Western composers can respectfully highlight Indigenous art forms and explore models of ethical collaboration that support the resurgence of Indigenous cultures.

    “While Matz is not from New Caledonia himself, he collaborated with local musicians and actors to accurately represent not only its Indigenous musical traditions but also the choral traditions that arose in response to French colonization and the modern popular genre of Kaneka music,” she said.

    Penner added that Awaceb’s work on Tchia is also an example of how “a small ‘indie’ studio can prioritize music and sound, even on a small budget.”

    Part of Brock’s 2024-25 Walker Cultural Leader (WCL) Series presented by the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Matz will speak at The Film House in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on Monday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

    Matz, who is also a music educator, will also facilitate a two-day sound jam on Saturday, Jan. 18 and Sunday, Jan. 19 in Rankin Family Pavilion in partnership with the Department of Digital Humanities. The game-making jam session will explore how to use sound — music, sound effects, and voiceover — in innovative ways.

    Penner, who is teaching a new Game Music course this winter (MUSI 3P45), said the purpose of the jam is to get people thinking about sound earlier in the creative process while connecting people interested in creating audio for games with game designers.

    All events are free and open to Brock students, faculty and staff as well as the wider Niagara community. Registration is required to attend. For details, please visit the Walker Cultural Leader Series website.

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    Categories: News, Walker Cultural Leader Series

  • 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

  • Brock’s arts impact takes centre stage

    Friday, November 22, 2024 | By

    Photo of Associate Dean Linda Carreiro, Minister Stan Cho and Mayor Mat Siscoe in the MWS green room

    Friday, November 22, 2024 | by April Jeffs

    Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho (second from left) toured the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) along with St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe (third from left) on Thursday, Nov. 21. Visual Arts Professor and Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts Linda Carreiro (left), Provost and Vice-President Academic Arja Vainio-Mattila (second from right) and Dean of Humanities Carol Merriam (right) highlighted how Brock’s state-of-the-art facilities and world-class resources and instruction provide a strong foundation for students to pursue their career goals and make meaningful contributions to the arts by helping to grow a vibrant centre of culture in both Niagara.

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    Categories: 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

  • Exhibition builds bridges for community members

    Thursday, May 25, 2023 | By

    Katherine Sunita engages with her artwork Invisible Contents with Shauna MacLeod

    Image caption: Exhibiting artist Katherine Sunita (left) engages with her artwork Invisible Contents with Shauna MacLeod, Founder/Director of Willow Arts Community as part of an exhibition now on show at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

    A new exhibition is celebrating the work of local artists while breaking down barriers for individuals facing stigma and social isolation.

    ‘Visible: An Exploration of Intersecting Identities,’ which showcases work by Willow Arts Community members, is now open at the Visual Arts Gallery and Student Exhibition Space at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA).

    The exhibition explores themes of intersecting identities and overcoming personal challenges through creative expression. Original works include paintings, sculpture, interactive videos and listening stations.

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

    The partnership between Brock University and Willow aims to provide an enriching gallery experience for community members. For Shauna MacLeod, Willow Founder and Executive Director, the ability to publicly showcase artwork is significant and allows diverse perspectives to be shared.

    “This is an incredible opportunity for us to celebrate the original work of 41 Willow Arts members. This partnership provides a highly visible platform that helps us reduce stigma and break down barriers for the members of our community,” she said. “The artwork is exceptional, and the people we are proud to support are able to be visible in new ways.”

    Sonya Marie de Lazzer, Gallery Co-ordinator at the MIWSFPA, co-curated the exhibition alongside MacLeod and was struck by the uplifting and positive energy surrounding the experience.

    “From the early discussions of this show to the final exhibition coming together, there is so much spirit. We hope to continue to dream big with Willow, cultivating this special friendship,” she said.

    The exhibition runs until Tuesday, June 6 and is open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the MIWSFPA, 15 Artists’ Common, St. Catharines.

    More information about Willow Arts Community can be found on the organization’s website.

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    Categories: Announcements, Department/Centre News, News, Uncategorised

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