Alberta University of the Arts

Alberta University of the Arts Alberta University of the Arts is a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development.

Alberta University of the Arts is located in Calgary on the North Hill overlooking the Bow River and the downtown skyline, in a 245,000 square foot building that was designed in 1973 specifically as an art college. AUArt's close proximity to downtown, via light rail transit, is a distinct advantage to our students, providing them with easy access to Calgary's galleries, museums and cultural events

. AUArt's is committed to a solid studio-based experience for students in fine art, design and new media - an experience balanced with relevant, complementary liberal studies and practical theory. The result is a rigorous studio program, which produces innovative thinkers, creative problem solvers, and visually talented students. AUArts creates a learning environment rich in character and extensive in quantity, quality and professional capability for its student body of artistic thinkers. AUArts studios are extremely spacious and classes are small, allowing for regular one-on-one interaction. Faculty and space-per-student ratios are among the best in the country. Within this environment, students receive the techniques, tools, intellectual stimulation and encouragement to discover and develop their own personal voice and passion. At AUArts, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with, and learn from, some of Canada’s most exciting artists and designers. With a vibrant community of award winning faculty, internationally recognized alumni mentors, and students who are as passionate about art and design as you are, you can’t help but be inspired.

See the canoe differently. 🛶Canoe Perspectives explores the canoe through more than 40 works spanning nearly 200 years. ...
09/01/2026

See the canoe differently. 🛶

Canoe Perspectives explores the canoe through more than 40 works spanning nearly 200 years. Featuring prominent artists including Frances Anne Hopkins, Alex Colville, Illingworth Kerr (former instructor) and Ken Danby, the exhibition invites visitors to discover the many perspectives, memories and meanings inspired by this iconic vessel.

📍 The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario
📅 Now to April 30, 2027

Image credit: Portage, c. 1930, Illingworth Kerr (1905-1989)

https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/canoe-perspectives

Bookends | Elaine Cameron-WeirJoin us at the Illingworth Kerr Gallery for the opening reception of Bookends, a major new...
08/28/2026

Bookends | Elaine Cameron-Weir

Join us at the Illingworth Kerr Gallery for the opening reception of Bookends, a major new exhibition by internationally acclaimed Canadian sculptor Elaine Cameron-Weir (BFA '07, Drawing), curated by Tak Pham.

Presented in celebration of AUArts’ centennial, Bookends marks Cameron-Weir’s first solo exhibition in Canada in more than a decade and brings together recent and new work exploring ritual, belief, identity and belonging.

📍 Illingworth Kerr Gallery
📅 September 17 | 5–8 p.m.

Image: A WAY OF LIFE, Lisson Gallery, 2024. Photography courtesy of the artist © Elaine Cameron-Weir

https://www.auarts.ca/event/bookends-opening-reception

🌄 Sunrise Sketch & Pause at Lake MoraineJoin AUArts alum Dawn Saunders Dahl (BFA ’99, Ceramics) of Listen Studios and Al...
08/28/2026

🌄 Sunrise Sketch & Pause at Lake Moraine

Join AUArts alum Dawn Saunders Dahl (BFA ’99, Ceramics) of Listen Studios and Alyssa Caron of Bloom to Fruit Alchemy for a special Sketch and Pause Workshop at Lake Moraine’s Rockpile.

Begin with meditation and reflection, letting go of perfectionism before putting pencil to paper and sketching the landscape from a place of calm and inspiration.

📅 September 12, 2026
⏰ Shuttle pickup: 4:15 a.m. in Canmore
📍 Lake Moraine Rockpile

https://www.auarts.ca/event/sunrise-sketch-and-pause-at-lake-moraine

We’re sharing highlights from our 100-year journey — explore the full timeline at auarts100.ca. 1986: 3 wheels down 🚲 No...
08/27/2026

We’re sharing highlights from our 100-year journey — explore the full timeline at auarts100.ca.

1986: 3 wheels down 🚲

Not every milestone happens in the studio.

During the Alberta College of Art’s 60th anniversary celebrations in November 1986, Ken Honeychurch, Van Ahn and Joanne Lyons took competition to a new level — racing tricycles in a moment of pure campus joy.

Discover more moments (serious and spirited) from our first century at auarts100.ca.

Make time for art this Fall! 🍂 Explore your creative side this October with a Personal Interest course at AUArts. With h...
08/27/2026

Make time for art this Fall! 🍂

Explore your creative side this October with a Personal Interest course at AUArts. With hands-on courses in drawing, painting, jewellery, fibre arts, ceramics, and more, there’s something for every interest and skill level.

Personal Interest courses are open to adults aged 17+ and meet once a week from October to November.

Explore the full lineup and find your next course:
www.auarts.ca/personalinterest

You’re invited to celebrate 100 years of AUArts! 🎨 On October 1, Alberta University of the Arts will bring our community...
08/26/2026

You’re invited to celebrate 100 years of AUArts! 🎨

On October 1, Alberta University of the Arts will bring our community together for an evening celebrating a century of creativity, community and artistic excellence.

Join alumni, students, faculty, staff, supporters, partners and friends at AUArts to explore our campus, experience interactive activations and exhibitions, and celebrate the people and communities that have shaped the University over the past 100 years.

📅 October 1, 2026
🕓 4:30–9 p.m.
📍 Alberta University of the Arts

https://www.auarts.ca/event/auarts-centennial-celebration

Out of the StudiosAUArts alumni Claire Becq (BFA ’12, Ceramics) and Jesse Stilwell (BFA ’12, Painting) are among the 19 ...
08/25/2026

Out of the Studios

AUArts alumni Claire Becq (BFA ’12, Ceramics) and Jesse Stilwell (BFA ’12, Painting) are among the 19 artists featured in this exhibition at Christine Klassen Gallery.

Part of the 500 Collective, the exhibition brings together new work from artists working across a range of practices, offering an opportunity to see what’s happening in their studios and discover new perspectives.

📍 Christine Klassen Gallery
📅 Now through August 29, 2026

https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/out-of-the-studios

Shaping the future of AUArts As we celebrate 100 years of creativity, innovation and leadership in art, craft and design...
08/25/2026

Shaping the future of AUArts

As we celebrate 100 years of creativity, innovation and leadership in art, craft and design education, we’re looking ahead to AUArts’ next chapter.

This fall, we’re launching an inclusive and collaborative strategic planning process to help shape the vision and priorities that will guide AUArts over the next five to ten years.

The process will create opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, partners and members of our broader community to share their perspectives and help shape the future of AUArts.

Learn more about the strategic planning process:
https://www.auarts.ca/news/auarts-launches-strategic-planning-process

Transfigure: Radical Intersectional Printmaking Guild Member ExhibitionHeather Huston (Associate Professor, Print Media)...
08/25/2026

Transfigure: Radical Intersectional Printmaking Guild Member Exhibition

Heather Huston (Associate Professor, Print Media) is among the artists featured in Transfigure, a group exhibition exploring transformation through printmaking.

Presented by the Radical Intersectional Printmaking Guild, Transfigure considers personal, political, cultural and technical shifts — from major life changes and evolving ideologies to new approaches to printmaking, digital integration and artistic practice.

📍 Fourteenfifteen Gallery & Alpaca
1415 4th St SW, Albuquerque, NM
📅 Now through August 28, 2026
🎉 Closing reception: August 28, 6–8 p.m.

https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/transfigure

Showing soon at cSPACE Marda Loop: From Campus to Community Spanning four floors of gallery space, this exhibition celeb...
08/21/2026

Showing soon at cSPACE Marda Loop: From Campus to Community

Spanning four floors of gallery space, this exhibition celebrates the deep connection between AUArts, cSPACE and the artists who continue to shape Calgary’s creative community.

Explore the work of AUArts alumni and see how the ideas, practices and connections developed through an arts education extend far beyond campus.

The exhibition celebrates 100 years of AUArts and 15 years of cSPACE Projects, bringing together two milestones rooted in creativity, community and connection.

Join us for the closing reception and panel and connect with participating artists and members of Calgary’s arts community.

📍 cSPACE Marda Loop, 1721 29 Avenue SW
📅 Sept. 9–28
🎤 Closing reception + panel: Sept. 25, 6–9 p.m.

https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/from-campus-to-community-auarts-x-cspace

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1407/14 Avenue N. W
Calgary, AB
T2N4R3

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