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.

🌿 Celebrate art, nature and creative community at SURFACE AND SOW | KOAC 2026 Fall Fundraiser on September 12.This after...
09/05/2026

🌿 Celebrate art, nature and creative community at SURFACE AND SOW | KOAC 2026 Fall Fundraiser on September 12.

This afternoon garden gala features a special exhibition co-curated by AUArts alumni Ash Slemming (BFA ’17, Print Media) and Shelby Charlesworth (BFA ’17, Painting).

Explore artworks, archival discoveries and studio materials from the collections of Harry Kiyooka (Honorary MFA ’18) and Katie Ohe (Dip ’60, Sculpture; Honorary MFA ’18), alongside an exclusive preview of KOAC’s annual Fine Art Auction.

Enjoy art activities in the gardens, live DJ music and refreshments in support of KOAC’s artist residencies, public programs and the stewardship of its unique sculpture park and ecologically significant landscape.

📅 Sept. 12, 2026
🕑 2–6 p.m.
📍 Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre

https://www.auarts.ca/event/surface-and-sow-koac-2026-fall-fundraiser

🎨 Experiment and make art together in our new Parent & Child programming for children ages 3–8 and their caregivers!Each...
09/04/2026

🎨 Experiment and make art together in our new Parent & Child programming for children ages 3–8 and their caregivers!

Each class explores a new theme or medium through hands-on projects that encourage creativity, curiosity and quality time together. ✨

Parent & Child Art Studio runs for four weeks, with new classes starting each month.

Learn more: https://www.auarts.ca/continuing-education/kid-and-teen-programs

🎨 A reminder for AUArts students!To celebrate 100 years of AUArts, Contemporary Calgary is offering free annual membersh...
09/04/2026

🎨 A reminder for AUArts students!

To celebrate 100 years of AUArts, Contemporary Calgary is offering free annual memberships to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate AUArts students throughout 2026.

It’s a chance to explore exhibitions, connect with Calgary’s creative community and discover inspiring work by artists from here and beyond. ✨

Don’t miss out!

https://www.auarts.ca/news/contemporary-calgary-celebrates-auarts-centennial-with-free-membership

📸 Photos by Mitra Samavaki

09/03/2026

The ability to draw what you see is a foundational skill for any artist.

This Fall, strengthen your visual perception in Observational Drawing! Learn to translate spatial relationships, angles, light, texture and tone into your drawings through guided exercises and projects. You’ll also explore how to simplify complex subjects, focusing on what’s essential to capture the character and presence of your subject with clarity and confidence.

Register by September 21 at: https://www.auarts.ca/observational-drawing

Personal Interest courses run evenings and weekends on our campus in Calgary, AB. Learn more at: www.auarts.ca/personalinterest


Alberta University of the Arts

From the studio to the streets of Calgary! 🚌✨Jillian Fleck (BFA ’12, Painting) is an award-winning graphic novelist whos...
09/03/2026

From the studio to the streets of Calgary! 🚌✨

Jillian Fleck (BFA ’12, Painting) is an award-winning graphic novelist whose work explores the weird, fantastic and deeply personal through comics and visual storytelling.

Jillian brought their creative perspective to the Calgary Art Bus with Wrestle Bus, celebrating Calgary’s rich legacy as the home of Stampede Wrestling. Through bold illustrations and unforgettable local figures, the project highlights how Calgary’s creativity has helped shape an art form with a worldwide impact.

https://calgaryartsdevelopment.com/public-art/projects/art-bus-2026/

09/02/2026

Continuing Education instructor, Maedeh Mosaverzadeh (mayimosaver on instagram) was Calgary Public Library's Newcomer Artist in Residence! 👏

Her closing exhibit, "Recipes from Home", features a series of illustrated recipes and mixed-media art exploring the ways food can be a source of comfort and connection during uncertain times.

Recipes from Home
September 1 - 30, 2026
Calgary Central Library, Cafe Display, Level 1M.

Opening reception is Thursday, September 3 at 5:30pm.
Register here:
https://www.calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/newcomer-artist-recipes-from-home-opening-reception-for-final-exhibit


Alberta University of the Arts

09/02/2026

Calling all creative minds! 🎨 

What can you do with the AUArts Centennial Bandana created by Priya Shukle Priya Shukle? 👀 

Wear it. Style it. Decorate it. Photograph it. Show us what you can dream up! ✨ 

📸 Grab your bandana from AUArts Bookstore and share your original photo in the comments below. 

❤️ The entry with the most likes wins a free AUArts Centennial Hoodie, valued at $50! 
Enter by Sept. 18. Show us what you’ve got! 💫 

By entering, participants grant AUArts permission to share and repost submitted photos across AUArts channels. 

🎥 Video footage by Matthew Springer Matthew Springer 

Ready to celebrate 100 years of AUArts? 🎉 Join us on October 1 for an evening of creativity, connection and celebration....
09/02/2026

Ready to celebrate 100 years of AUArts? 🎉

Join us on October 1 for an evening of creativity, connection and celebration.

Explore the campus, reconnect with the AUArts community and experience exhibitions, activities and activations featuring students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Register now and discover more ways to engage and celebrate in the weeks ahead.

📍 Alberta University of the Arts
1407 14 Ave NW, Calgary

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

🔧🔥 Fix, Fire, Forge celebrates the technicians who support studio art programs at AUArts and Red Deer Polytechnic, as bo...
09/01/2026

🔧🔥 Fix, Fire, Forge celebrates the technicians who support studio art programs at AUArts and Red Deer Polytechnic, as both mentors and makers.

Featuring sculpture, installation, jewellery, film, fibre and more, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the creative practices and material mastery happening beyond the classroom.

We’re proud to see AUArts technicians and alumni among the participating artists, including Brett Hollingsworth (BFA '09, Jewellery and Metals), Bridget Fairbank, Dara Humniski, Jane Trash (BFA '04, Print Media, Jolie Bird (BFA '98, Textiles), Kyle Whitehead (BFA ‘07, Media Arts), Logan Lape and Nate McLeod.

📍 Alberta Craft Calgary Gallery at cSPACE Marda Loop
📅 Sept. 5 to Oct. 31
🎉 Reception: Sept. 12, 2–4 p.m.

https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/fix-fire-forge-yyc

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

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1407/14 Avenue N. W
Calgary, AB
T2N4R3

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