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.

KOAC Neighbour Appreciation DayπŸ“… June 28, 2026⏰ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.πŸ“ Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC)🌿 Free guided sculpture ...
06/23/2026

KOAC Neighbour Appreciation Day

πŸ“… June 28, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
πŸ“ Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC)

🌿 Free guided sculpture park tours every hour
🎨 Open studio with artist Toni Cormier (BFA '19, Drawing)
🐝 Learn about onsite beekeeping with artist and beekeeper Patricia Lortie
πŸ–ŒοΈ Drop-in art activity with artist Blake McLeod

No registration required β€” just drop by and enjoy!

https://www.auarts.ca/event/koac-neighbour-appreciation-day

What if Calgary’s jersey barriers became works of art?Through the Urban Layers project, AUArts students teamed up with t...
06/23/2026

What if Calgary’s jersey barriers became works of art?

Through the Urban Layers project, AUArts students teamed up with the University of Calgary and The City of Calgary to reimagine everyday urban infrastructure using creativity, technology and large-scale 3D printing.

Four student concepts have been selected for fabrication, and this summer, Calgarians will see the first installation unveiled downtown.

https://www.auarts.ca/article/urban-layers-auarts-students-reimagine-calgary-streetscape

For Monika Smith (BFA Ceramics '08), creativity has always been about asking questions, exploring new ideas and embracin...
06/19/2026

For Monika Smith (BFA Ceramics '08), creativity has always been about asking questions, exploring new ideas and embracing lifelong learning.

Now, through a transformational legacy gift to AUArts' Centennial Scholarships initiative, she's helping future students pursue their creative potential with confidence and freedom.

"Being in a community of artists was so wonderful," says Monika. "I learned things I could not imagine." πŸ’™

https://www.auarts.ca/article/a-life-fired-in-clay-and-curiosity

What advice would you share with future AUArts creatives?β€œNever be afraid of your own potential. Lean into the unknown t...
06/18/2026

What advice would you share with future AUArts creatives?

β€œNever be afraid of your own potential. Lean into the unknown to find your growth and learn where art and creative thinking can take you.”

The most rewarding opportunities often begin outside your comfort zone. Embrace uncertainty and trust your creative journey.

After Hours Artist Talk: A Branch of Flowering PlumAUArts Associate Professor Natali Rodrigues (BFA '99, Glass) will dis...
06/17/2026

After Hours Artist Talk: A Branch of Flowering Plum

AUArts Associate Professor Natali Rodrigues (BFA '99, Glass) will discuss her artistic and teaching practices, exploring how both are rooted in experimentation, playfulness, material knowledge and skill β€” while leading to very different outcomes.

Through glass and drawing, her work investigates moments of deep connection and transformation, asking how feelings and truths can be expressed through material and mark-making.

πŸ“… June 18
⏰ 7–8 p.m.
πŸ“ AFA Art House (2nd Floor, 150–9 Ave SW)

https://www.auarts.ca/event/after-hours-artist-talk-a-branch-of-flowering-plum

Exhibition: Fairytale FantomsThis exhibition by AUArts alum Sonia Garyayev (BFA '24, Drawing) brings together a collecti...
06/17/2026

Exhibition: Fairytale Fantoms

This exhibition by AUArts alum Sonia Garyayev (BFA '24, Drawing) brings together a collection of acrylic paintings inspired by folklore, illustrative storytelling and the visual language of children's books.

Through richly detailed characters and narrative scenes, the exhibition explores imagination, symbolism and emotional complexity, challenging simplified notions of childhood and highlighting resilience, curiosity, introspection and transformation.

πŸ—“ June 29 – July 27
πŸ“ 2nd Level Gallery, cSPACE Marda Loop

Poster design by Michelle Mah (BDes '25, VCD).

https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/fairytale-fantoms

🌈 AUArts alumni are making an impact through q***r art in Calgary.From vibrant murals and graphic novels by Kat Simmers ...
06/16/2026

🌈 AUArts alumni are making an impact through q***r art in Calgary.

From vibrant murals and graphic novels by Kat Simmers (BDes '17, VCD) to the joyful illustrations, animations and films of Mike Hooves (BDes '16, VCD), these artists are helping shape a more inclusive and creative city through their work.

Photo: Kat Simmers. Credit: Jevon Bailey

https://thescenecalgary.com/art/q***r-art-in-calgary/

***rart

πŸ† Congratulations to Jillian Cote (BFA '24, Sculpture), recipient of a White Hat Award in the Exceptional Server: Banque...
06/14/2026

πŸ† Congratulations to Jillian Cote (BFA '24, Sculpture), recipient of a White Hat Award in the Exceptional Server: Banquets | Events category!

At Heritage Park Historical Village, Jillian is known for going above and beyond β€” whether it's delivering water to volunteers, giving up her spot in the cold so someone else can warm up, or helping a family from Ukraine connect with a piece of home through the park's Ukrainian heritage experiences.

https://www.avenuecalgary.com/sponsored/the-63rd-annual-calgary-white-hat-award-winners/ -cote

We’re sharing highlights from our 100-year journey β€” explore the full timeline at auarts100.ca. 1960/61 β€” A new name, a ...
06/12/2026

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

1960/61 β€” A new name, a distinct identity πŸŽ“

On December 24, 1960, the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art became the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), following the establishment of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton.

Within this shift, the Art Department β€” still part of SAIT β€” took on a new identity: the Alberta College of Art (ACA). It marked a defining step in recognizing art education as its own evolving discipline. A new ACA logo was created during this period, credited to Ken Sturdy and Keith Thomson.

Discover more stories from our first century at auarts100.ca.

Photo: Alberta College of Art logo, designed by Ken Sturdy and Keith Thomson.

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1407/14 Avenue N. W
Calgary, AB
T2N4R3

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