Articles tagged with: humanities

  • Community Connections: Healing Through the Arts

    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, Exhibitions, In the Media, News

  • Environmental humanities to take symposium spotlight

    Image caption: The 2023 Visual Arts (VISA) Walker Cultural Leader Series featuring visiting artist Trudi Lynn Smith invited the Brock community to learn about environmental humanities research-creation methodologies. Organized by Elysia French, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts and presenter at the upcoming Humanities Research Institute Symposium, participants harvested amaranth from the VISA plot at Brock’s community garden to be used as artist materials in a subsequent workshop.

    Wednesday, December 04, 2024 | by 

    The relationship between humanities scholarship, ecology and the environment will be front and centre at an upcoming event hosted by the Faculty of Humanities.

    Taking place Monday, Dec. 9, the biannual Humanities Research Institute (HRI) Symposium will shed light on environmental humanities at the University and beyond, including a new minor open to all Brock students.

    Elizabeth Vlossak, Associate Professor of History and Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, said the symposium will highlight the research endeavours of faculty members and graduate students working in this important field.

    “Presentations will explore methodologies and teaching practices to address complex environmental issues,” she said.

    Daniel Samson, Associate Professor of History, said environmental humanities is a sprawling, transdisciplinary field drawing together established areas such as cultural geography and environmental history alongside newer disciplines like ecocriticism and political ecology.

    “Scientific fields are also interested in human roles in nature and exploring the relationship between nature and culture,” he said.

    At the symposium, Samson will share his perspective on how he teaches environmental humanities through the lens of digital public history and 17th- and 18th-century Acadian and Mi’kmaw stories.

    “My students are examining basic questions of resource extraction and sustainability. We can learn important lessons from historic populations on how to live more sustainably by, for example, learning how they produced food with lower energy use, made use of nutrient-rich saltmarshes or maintained healthy soils with manure,” he said.

    At the same time, Samson said, the costs of sustainability need to be addressed. In the 18th-century colonial world of Isle Saint-Jean, present day Prince Edward Island, putting cattle on those marshlands meant destroying Indigenous people’s food resources such as eels and waterfowl.

    “Environmental research usually poses scientific questions, but those questions are seldom free of human roles and human understandings,” he said.

    Elysia French, Assistant Professor in the Department of Visual Arts (VISA), said environmental humanities has been building bridges between academic disciplines —specifically arts and science— for decades.

    These bridges, French said, have paved the way for collaborative responses to pressing environmental and social issues.

    “The interdisciplinary nature of environmental humanities facilitates new and exciting conversations and directs attention, both within and beyond the academy, toward critical environmental happenings shaping our world,” she said.

    At the symposium, French will introduce her ongoing and collaborative project, Ecologies in Practice, which uses creative research methodologies such as arts-based work and podcasting to encourage greater public awareness about environmental issues.

    “This area of knowledge matters as it supports collaboration and alternative methods of research-creation,” she said.

    The symposium runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 9 in Sankey Chamber and includes the following presentations:

    • “Literary Journalism and Ecocriticism” by Rob Alexander, Associate Professor of English Language and Literature
    • “Find the Lad/y: An Ecofeminist Reads a Roman Garden” by Katharine von Stackelberg, Associate Professor of Classics and Archaeology
    • “Separability and Cyclicity: Decoding the Logic of Temporal Representation through the Clock” by Liao Zixuan, PhD in Interdisciplinary Humanities candidate
    • “Teaching/Doing Environmental Humanities: Mapping People, Animals and Resources on 18th-Century Isle Saint-Jean” by Daniel Samson, Associate Professor of History
    • “A Work-in-Process: Collaborative and Creative Methodologies in the Environmental Humanities” by Elysia French, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts

    The symposium will culminate in a panel discussion addressing the present and future of Environmental Humanities at the University. The Brock and wider community are invited to attend all presentations and the discussion panel with no registration required.

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    Categories: Faculty & Instructors, News, Walker Cultural Leader

  • Grads in spotlight for enhancing local arts scene

    Image caption: Brock graduates Deanna Jones (BA ’02), left, and Amber Lee Williams (BA ’20) are two of five alumni who were recently honoured with arts awards from the City of St. Catharines.

    Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | by 

    According to Deanna Jones (BA ’02), a thriving local arts scene allows for people to connect by sharing stories and perspectives in innovative, creative and provocative ways.

    Jones was one of five Brock graduates honoured across five categories for their creative talent and community engagement during the St. Catharines Arts Awards held Nov. 3 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC).

    A Dramatic Arts graduate and actor, writer and director, Jones was the recipient of the 2024 Making a Difference Award. The co-founder of Suitcase in Point Multi-Arts Company is a firm believer in the power of the arts to bring about conversation, build understanding and create expressive outlets for change.

    “A dynamic arts and culture sector also provides opportunities, including paid work for artists who contribute significantly to the local economy and quality of life for people who live there,” she said.

    Jones said her experience at Brock significantly shaped who she is today, especially as the place where she connected with her future creative collaborators.

    “As students, we were provided a platform to take risks and challenge ourselves,” she said. “I continued my education through professional experience and travel in other places and cultures that added to the foundation that was laid at Brock.”

    For Visual Arts graduate Amber Lee Williams (BA ’20), winner of the 2024 Emerging Artist Award, art enriches community.

    “For me, art is about making meaningful connections. It’s a way to share my thoughts and feelings while inviting others to respond and share their own perspectives,” she said.

    Williams said her experiences at Brock, where she felt supported and encouraged by professors and the University community, gave her the confidence and drive to pursue a career in fine arts.

    In addition to her own interdisciplinary creative practice centred in photography, Williams now works with many local community organizations like Niagara Artists Centre and Willow Arts Community delivering workshops and classes exploring photo-based mediums.

    “Art brings joy and meaning to my life, even in the smallest, everyday moments. I am honoured and excited to help expand the arts community in Niagara region — and to give back to a community that has offered me so much support,” she said.

    Linda Carreiro, Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts, said Brock has been successful in providing a strong foundation for students to pursue their careers.

    “This path may take many forms, but we’re always pleased to see when people continue making meaningful contributions to the arts,” she said.

    Jessica Wilson, Culture Supervisor for the City of St. Catharines, said the city is enriched by artists, educators, and supporters whose dedication and creative expression build a vibrant cultural landscape that connects and uplifts the whole community.

    “This year’s Arts Awards recipients exemplify the profound impact the arts have on St. Catharines,” Wilson said.

    “The artistic talent in this city continues to impress me and creates a huge sense of pride in our local artistic scene,” Mayor of St. Catharines Mat Siscoe said. “Their efforts continue to grow our cultural sector and have made St. Catharines the vibrant centre of culture in the Niagara region.”

    The full list of Brock grads who received 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards includes:

    • 2024 Emerging Artist Award — Amber Lee Williams (BA ’20)
    • 2024 Established Artist — Cole Lewis (BA ’04, MA ’08)
    • 2024 Arts in Education Award — Brenna McAllister (BA ’00, BEd ’02)
    • 2024 Making a Difference Award — Deanna Jones (BA ’02)
    • 2024 Patron of the Arts Award — Annette F. Urlocker (BA ’73)

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    Categories: Alumni, In the Media

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

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

    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, Exhibitions, News

  • Groundbreaking artists bring inspiration to Niagara

    Image caption: Award-winning multidisciplinary artist Jani Lauzon (left) and artist and scholar Camille Turner will bring their creative expertise to Brock this fall as part of the 2024-25 Walker Cultural Leader Series.

    Friday, August 30, 2024 | by 

    From nurturing Indigenous-settler reconciliation through theatre creation and exposing silenced Black histories through an immersive art exhibition, Brock is bringing unique, hands-on learning experiences to the campus and wider community this fall.

    As the University kicks off its 60th anniversary celebrations, a new season of compelling cultural events, workshops and lectures launches in September as part of Brock’s 2024-25 Walker Cultural Leader (WCL) Series presented by the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA).

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    Supported by the generosity of the late Marilyn I. Walker, the series enriches local creative and intellectual life by inviting recognized cultural leaders, top researchers, scholars, professionals and visiting artists from all disciplines to Brock’s downtown arts school.

    MIWSFPA Director and Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts Linda Carreiro said the significant impact of arts and culture at Brock, and society at large, is highlighted by the work of renowned visiting artists and scholars in this year’s lineup.

    “It’s always such a pleasure to host cultural leaders with deep knowledge and expertise who are so willing to share their talents with the local community,” Carreiro said. “Our Walker Cultural Leaders provide not only examples of artistic excellence, but this year’s series also facilitates important conversations about respectful and meaningful collaboration, inclusion, reconciliation and redress.”

    The series begins Saturday, Sept. 7 with creative workshops, led by celebrated Montréal-based visual artist Marc-Alexandre Dumoulin, exploring art making and how art is defined.

    In October, award-winning artist and scholar Camille Turner, whose work combines Afrofuturism and history, will bring her Afronautic Research Lab project to the MIWSFPA Visual Arts Gallery in an immersive exhibition. She will also provide a workshop, Afronautic Research Methodology, to students and members of the public on Saturday, Oct. 5, with advance registration required.

    Gemini award recipient Jani Lauzon, a multidisciplinary artist of Métis, French and Finnish ancestry, will take the stage at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s Film House on Wednesday, Oct. 2 for a public talk alongside Kaitlyn Riordin. The two co-authored the play 1939, which takes place in a fictional residential school in northern Ontario.

    Lauzon will continue to work with Dramatic Arts (DART) students, faculty and theatre production staff throughout the year in workshops on Indigenous productions in preparation for an upcoming DART mainstage production led by Métis DART faculty member Matthew MacKenzie.

    In the winter, Chicago-based composer, performer and music educator John Robert Matz will be in residency at Brock for a “sound jam” in partnership with Digital Humanities where participants will create video game prototypes using sound in innovative ways.

    Matz will also give a public lecture at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre about his experience of being invited to compose the score for the game Tchia (Awaceb2023) by members of New Caledonia, offering perspective on ethical, cross-cultural collaborations with Indigenous communities.

    Many of the WCL Series events are open to the public. Visit the MIWSFPA WCL website for more information on the visiting speakers and registration information.

    “Marilyn I. Walker’s generous gift continues to support impactful programming for our students and for the public who take part in the events,” Carreiro said.

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    Categories: News, Walker Cultural Leader

  • Exhibition builds bridges for community members

    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: Events, Exhibitions, News, Uncategorised

  • Visual Arts offering learning opportunity in Spain


    Originally published in The Brock News | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 01, 2023 | by 

    Brock University students have the chance to study and explore in Spain this summer through a course being offered by the Department of Visual Arts alongside Chair and Associate Professor Amy Friend.

    VISA 3M05 Art Studies Abroad in Spain is a full credit spring course open to all eligible Brock students that takes place both on campus and in Bilbao, Spain.

    The course is an exploration of unique cultural events and regional settings in Bilbao and surrounding areas, featuring artist exhibitions, talks, participatory workshops/seminars and activities with various institutions. The immersive experience develops knowledge of arts, cultural programming, tourism, media and communications, with a focus on community interaction for social and economic benefit.

    To be eligible to participate in the course, students must have a minimum of 5.0 overall credits and a minimum 60 per cent overall average or permission of the instructor. There will be about 10 days of intensive study abroad with an online pre-travel component. Students are expected to pay their own expenses, including additional materials, which they must supply. Funding is available for eligible students through Brock International.

    The course will take place from May 23 to June 22. Students will be in Spain from June 6 to June 14.

    The deadline to register for the course is Wednesday, March 8. For more information, please contact Friend at afriend@brocku.ca

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    Categories: 4F06 Honours Exhibition, Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Events, Exhibitions, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Walker Cultural Leader

  • Student-run podcast provides guidance, inspiration for future artists

    The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines is home to the student-run podcast, Dear Marilyn, named in honour of the late textile artist and philanthropist.

    Originally published in The Brock News | TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022 | by 

    What started as a passion project for two Brock University students in search of career tips has become a robust podcast series providing invaluable insight to the next generation of creators.

    Produced for students by students, the popular podcast Dear Marilyn is now in its second season of connecting the student community with professional artists, with plans to continue production on an ongoing basis.

    Created in 2021 by Dramatic Arts (DART) students Danielle Letourneau and Luca D’Amico, the podcast name honours celebrated textile artist, philanthropist and arts advocate Marilyn I. Walker. In 2008, Walker made a historic donation to Brock that led to the creation of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA).

    Letourneau, the podcast’s producer who is now in her fourth year of study with a concentration in Drama and Education and minor in History, says that she has often felt anxiety about entering theatre as a profession.

    “I started this podcast to give students like myself a resource for practical job advice,” Letourneau said. “The arts industry is not always considered the most conventional career path, but we do it because this is what we love; the arts nurture our souls.”

    Supported by Dean Carol Merriam of the Faculty of Humanities through the Dean’s Discretionary Fund in 2021, the Associate Dean of Fine and Performing Arts and MIWSFPA department Chairs, the Dear Marilyn team invites local and surrounding artists from a range of artistic disciplines to share their stories.

    Co-hosts Hayley Bando, a second-year Dramatic Arts major with a concentration in Production and Design, and Chloe Racho, a third-year Music major with a minor in French Studies, are thrilled to be part of the project.

    “We are honoured to help bring these diverse perspectives about professional journeys in the arts to the Brock community,” Bando said.

    Recent podcast guests include actor, writer and producer Thet Win, voice actor Keegan Vaillancourt and singer-songwriter Glenn Marais.

    MIWSFPA faculty have been supportive since day one, with Karen Fricker, Associate Professor of Dramatic Arts, championing the podcast idea in its early stages.

    “I was happy to support Dear Marilyn initially because it’s a great idea, and a positive student-led project during the hard time of the pandemic,” she said. “I looked forward to each episode and was entertained and educated by the hosts’ sparky exchanges with guests.”

    DART Associate Professor Gyllian Raby guided the grant proposal for Dear Marilyn resulting in the expansion of the podcast to include all four departments at the downtown arts campus (Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Arts and Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture).

    “What’s not to like about Dear Marilyn? It relates directly to our mission to create experiential, professionalized learning for students producing, hosting, editing and broadcasting,” Raby said. “And, it’s entertaining and insightful.”

    DART Associate Professor Danielle Wilson has been working with the team on the second season. Episodes are edited by Alex Sykes, a fourth-year DART student with a concentration in Production and Design.

    Available on Spotify, the next episode goes live this week. For the latest news, follow Dear Marilyn on Instagram.

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    Categories: Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, News, Podcast, Uncategorised

  • Graduating art students mount Honours Thesis exhibition

    Pictured above: “Grand-Maman,” a Polaroid emulsion on mylar image by student artist Charelle St-Aubin will be included in the upcoming exhibition “Resurfacing.”

    Originally published in The Brock News |WEDNESDAY, APRIL 06, 2022 | by 

    An upcoming exhibition will showcase the artwork of seven graduating Brock University students, marking a significant milestone in their artistic careers.

    The Visual Arts (VISA) 4F06 Honours Thesis Exhibition, “Resurfacing,” will take place simultaneously at the Visual Arts Gallery and Student Exhibition Space at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) and Niagara Artists Centre in downtown St. Catharines from April 12 to May 12.

    “Resurfacing” explores diverse themes, including issues of identity and resiliency, expressed through various materials and approaches that comprise painting, photography, mixed media and sculpture.

    Taught by Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Troy David Ouellette, with guest curator and writer Shannon Anderson, the fourth-year course is the culmination of two semesters of creative and academic work for students. Participating artists include Rabia Choudhary, Naomi Egbunike, Sarah Formosa, Julie Luth, Kimberley Rogers, Cherilynn Tilley and Charelle St-Aubin.

    The public is invited to attend the opening reception at both gallery locations on Tuesday, April 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. with opening remarks at the MIWSFPA beginning at 5 p.m.

    For more information, please visit the VISA 4F06 Current Exhibit web page.

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    Categories: 4F06 Honours Exhibition, Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Events, Exhibitions, Faculty & Instructors, News