Visual Arts - Training Institutions

Considering that the University of Alberta (U of A) is the only undergraduate and graduate degree granting fine arts program in Edmonton, it acts as a hotbed for the cultivation of professional artists from northern and central Alberta.

Through the department of art and design, students can pursue different routes for cultivating their artistic aptitudes while existing within a larger academic setting. After a portfolio is submitted in addition to general application documents, the most promising students are chosen for acceptance.

Environmental issues poster by Peter Livermore.

Exploration of the department of art and design studio spaces reveals seven disciplines that are available through the department: visual fundamentals, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, industrial design and visual communications design. Adding to the possibilities for specialization, the department also provides education on the history of art and visual culture and museum studies.

Being part of a multidisciplinary learning environment, the department of art and design favours an interdisciplinary approach and allows for the combination of such disciplines as sociology and industrial design to allow for innovative approaches.

A person seeking to dedicate their schooling to the production of art can attain a visual arts degree majoring in a discipline like printmaking. Another individual who may want a different balance between academic and studio work can major in film studies, for example, while focusing on sculpting for their minor in art. Masters degrees in fine arts (MFA), and a PhD program offered in conjunction with another department, are also offered.

Urban living created by design students Jon Wood, Justin Damer and Santiago Medina.

Allowing for the merger of various disciplines produces interesting offspring. The department's alumni join their professors in working in a multitude of areas, both independently and with others. Furthermore, a faculty composed of practicing artists is a definite asset and fuels some of the energy found in the programs.

Aside from providing direct training, the department of art and design exhibits the artwork of visual artists enrolled in its programs, as well as that of the larger artist community. All of the exhibitions take place at the Fine Arts Building (FAB) Gallery that is on campus.

"Wave I" wax sculpture by Agnieszka Matejko.

Like other exhibition spaces, FAB hosts opening receptions and artist talks that are accessible to the public. Previous exhibits at the gallery have been based and student graduation shows, particular disciplines like printmaking, and other eclectically chosen themes like anarchism, miniatures and book design.