Our weeklong summer Personal Interest courses provide focused studio time, hands-on learning and a dedicated space for creative expression.
Explore our summer offerings:
100 Drawings in a Week
Abstract Painting Week
Figure for the Week
and more!
Register now at www.auarts.ca/personalinterest
Step into House of Secrets
A new series by Karin McGinn (BFA ’15, Fibre), this exhibition explores female empowerment, performance and escapism through staged, theatrical scenes transformed into paintings.
Christine Klassen Gallery
Now to May 16
https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/house-of-secrets
What advice would our students give to future AUArts creatives? Here’s one perspective:
“Let your imagination soar and learn as much as you can while you’re here. Take the opportunity to participate in the various school galleries. Get to know your classmates and profs.”
Work-In-Progress Conference — April 24 at Alberta University of the Arts
The Work-In-Progress conference brings together faculty and graduate researchers as well as artists, designers and cultural workers from across Calgary.
Tickets: $20 / Free for students
https://in-progress.ca/about
Spirit of Locations — A Journey 🎨
Discover this exhibition by renowned Canadian artist Les Graff (Dip '59, Painting) now on view at Leighton Art Centre.
📅 Now through June 7, 2026
📍 Opening reception: April 18, 1–4 p.m.
www.auarts.ca/exhibition/les-graff-rca...
For more than 20 years, AUArts alumni have helped define the bold visual identity of the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF).
This year’s festival poster is created by Associate Professor Nick Johnson.
auarts.ca/article/designing-the-un...
Celebrating one year of leadership at AUArts
One year ago, Dr. Janis Goldie stepped into her role as President and CEO of AUArts — bringing with her an ambitious, inclusive vision for the future of art, craft and design education.
www.auarts.ca/news/next-chief-executiv...
For MFA Craft Studies candidate Jesi Yager, transformation isn’t just a theme — it’s lived.
See her thesis, “Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly” — Frida Kahlo, at Illingworth Kerr Gallery until April 18 and Adapt at Marion Nicoll Gallery until April 20.
auarts.ca/article/prof...
You’ve heard of Marion Nicoll (1909–1985) for a reason. A leading figure in abstract art in Alberta, her impact helped shape modern art across Western Canada — and it started here at AUArts.
www.auarts.ca/article/mari...
Summer university prep at AUArts offers a structured, supportive way to explore your interests before committing to post-secondary education.
Skip the guesswork and get a head start www.auarts.ca/precollege
AUArts Abstract | April 2026
mailchi.mp/auarts.ca/au...
Free student memberships, bold new exhibitions and alumni shaping Calgary’s creative scene.
Sign up for the AUArts Abstract:
auarts.ca/abstract-new...
Following the Fault Line
Materials like honey, salt, bitumen and fire transform the Bible into a site of change — exploring tensions between faith, land and inheritance in this exhibition by Alana Bartol.
📍 Leighton Art Centre
🗓 April 11 – June 7
www.auarts.ca/exhibition/f...
Spring art classes start soon!
We’re excited to introduce a lineup of brand-new courses this season:
Curious? Explore the full lineup at www.auarts.ca/personalinterest
Evening and weekend art classes for adults. Open to all skill levels, age 17+.
Applications are open for the 2026 AUArts Summer Residency Program — a 10-week opportunity for artists to develop their practice with dedicated studio space, full facility access and a supportive creative community.
📅 Deadline: April 15, 2026
www.auarts.ca/article/appl...
We’re sharing highlights from our 100-year journey!
1931 — Diploma programs take shape
The Art Department formalized its diploma programs, establishing three distinct streams:
• Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting)
• Commercial Art
• Applied Arts + Crafts
Discover more milestones at auarts100.ca.
August Klintberg is an Associate Professor at AUArts. In his new exhibition “Bouquet”, Klintberg transforms small flower drawings made from memory into large, luminous neon sculptures.
www.auarts.ca/exhibition/b...
This week, we recognize Orland M. F. Larson (1931–2026), a pioneering goldsmith and educator who helped define jewellery and metalsmithing at Alberta College of Art in the 1980s.
Larson brought a bold and expansive vision for craft education to ACA from 1980 to 1991.
www.auarts.ca/article/hono...
Spring 2026 Personal Interest art courses are open for registration!
Explore eight weeks of hands-on art classes designed for all skill levels, aged 17+. From drawing, painting and glassblowing to jewellery and fibre arts, there's something for everyone this season.
www.auarts.ca/personalinterest
In celebration of Alberta University of the Arts’ 100th anniversary, Contemporary Calgary is offering free annual memberships to all current graduate and undergraduate AUArts students through 2026! 🎉 🎨
📸 Photos by Mitra Samavaki
www.auarts.ca/news/contemp...
Hot Scrap 🔥
Through feminist performance and Dada-inspired strategies, Sondra Meszaros reclaims and reframes representations of women — challenging dominant narratives through collecting, archiving and re-presenting imagery.
🗓 March 27 to April 30
📍 Norberg Hall
www.auarts.ca/exhibition/h...
We were pleased to welcome The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages, along with MP Corey Hogan, to campus today to see how AUArts students and faculty are pushing the boundaries of art, craft and design.
🎶 Congratulations to Canadian music icon Joni Mitchell, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Juno Awards.
Before becoming one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time, Mitchell spent time studying visual art at the Alberta College of Art.
www.cbc.ca/music/joni-m...
We’re seeking artwork donations for a wearable-art–themed silent auction in support of the Jenifer Darbellay Memorial Award, honouring AUArts alum Jenifer Darbellay (Dip ‘96, Textiles / BFA ‘97, Textiles).
Deadline: March 15, 2026
www.auarts.ca/news/call-fo...
We’re proud to see alumni and former students featured in the current Northeast Mini Galleries exhibition, HOME/LAND. Participating artists include Amanda Reber (former student), Christina Yao (BDes ’24, Photography) and Mariella Villalobos (BDes ’10, VCD).
calgaryartsdevelopment.com/public-art/p...
AUArts alum Joel Heyland (BDes '18, VCD) is helping students at Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge grow something truly special 🌱
Joel is inspiring students to take their learning outdoors — planting, harvesting and giving back to their community.
www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
Congratulations to Jarret Hartnell (BDes ’19, VCD), whose debut graphic novel Shout Kill Revel took home 3 awards at the 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards!
Hartnell’s bold visual style and imaginative storytelling continue to make waves in Alberta’s creative scene.
www.cbc.ca/books/albert...
RISE UP Calgary has launched its 2025–26 funding program supporting local artists, venues and community groups to bring bold, unforgettable experiences to life.
🗓️ Applications close Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.
riseupyyc.com/2025-2026-in...
In the new CBC podcast Forged, artist and host Adrian Stimson (BFA ‘23, Painting and Chair of Board of Governors) investigates the vast art crime network behind fake Morrisseau paintings, revealing how forgery has shaped the legacy of a cultural icon.
www.cbc.ca/arts/commoti...
Show + Sale 2025 Winter Market ✨
📅 Nov. 14+15
📍 AUArts Main Mall
Show + Sale returns for its 34th year! Discover a vibrant collection of paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, jewellery and more — all handcrafted by Calgary’s next generation of artists.
www.auarts.ca/event/show-s...
✨ Faces and Places ✨
Step into Calgary’s creative identity from the 1970s to today in this exhibition celebrating the artistic communities shaped by AUArts students, faculty and alumni.
Image: Chris Cran
📍 Illingworth Kerr Gallery
📅 Sept. 19 – Nov. 22
www.auarts.ca/exhibition/f...