Alumni & Friends

VIVID: The NSCAD University Newsletter for Alumni and Friends

VIVID VOLUME 23, June 2013

Design on display

Posters by NSCAD students are used to illustrate the tough issues that the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission deals with on a daily basis. The posters were unveiled at a national human rights conference held recently in Halifax.

See the poster galleries:

- Cultural Diversity »
- Cyberbullying »
- Disability Issues »
- Freedom of Speech »
- Race Relations »
- Transgender Rights »
- Honorariums and Special Mentions »

A friend to NSCAD

When Joan DeWolfe died in May 2012, she left half of her estate, including her extensive art collection, to NSCAD University. Her legacy is destined to help young artists, from children to graduate students, pursue their passion for art at NSCAD.

Artists receive honorary degrees

Editorial cartoonist Bruce MacKinnon and feminist artist Martha Wilson received honorary doctorate of fine art degrees at NSCAD University's graduation ceremony. Held May 18 at the Cunard Centre, highlights of the colourful ceremony included the valedictorian address by Elise Boudreau Graham, Martha Wilson's surprising red dress and a lively graduation procession led by Samba Nova.

See Eliot Wright's graduation photos »

Artist for a Day - 2013 edition

Artist for a Day couldn't have been more spectacular than last year's edition--or so we thought! Artist for a Day, held May 11 at the Port Campus, was an overwhelming success, a show of NSCAD community spirit. A legion of volunteers greeted visitors who painted, printed, drew, dyed, watched movies, made movies, played with clay and created art out of noise.

See photos »

In related news, NSCAD University won two Prix d’Excellence Awards from the CCAE. NSCAD Admissions won Gold for Best Student Recruitment Viewbook and University Relations won Bronze for Best Special Event for last year’s inaugural Artist for a Day. The Prix d’Excellence is the annual awards program of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education, recognizing outstanding achievements in alumni affairs, public affairs, communications, marketing, development, advancement services, stewardship, student recruitment and overall institutional advancement.

Alumni profile: Elizabeth Williams

One-hundred-and-six-year-old Elizabeth Williams looks back at her days at the Victoria School of Art when "women held the fort." Many thanks to Joan Bruneau (BFA 1988) for sharing her aunt's remembrances.

“She never married and valued her independence,” says Joan, who teaches part-time at NSCAD and marks her 19th year at her studio-showroom Nova Terra Cotta in Lunenburg. “Every Saturday, Elizabeth would bring out the manila paper, tempera paints and pipe cleaners when she babysat me and my sister. She had us making art at a very early age and continues to inspire my wanderlust with her travel books and stories. Her engagement in others and infectious love of life continues to inspire those who know her.”

Alumni profile - Jason Buxton

Back when Jason Buxton was a 21-year-old student at NSCAD in the early 1990s, he didn’t fully appreciate what his teacher, Jerry Ferguson, had to say. It was only when he was older and had developed discipline that the hard-nosed professor’s words resonated.

“As young art students we seemed to think that we could stand in front of the easel and divine inspiration would rain down,” says Jason, whose first feature film, Blackbird, continues to gather accolades for the director.

“Jerry would say that art making is 95 per cent perspiration, five per cent inspiration. I didn’t get that then, but I certainly do now."

Announcing Dine by Design East

NSCAD has been chosen as the benefactor for an exciting new fundraiser coming to Halifax in the fall. Presented by East Coast Living magazine, Dine by Design East is a showcase of interior design, cuisine and creativity to be held Oct. 2 to 6 at Olympic Community Hall. Ten fabulous dining rooms will be available for public view over five days, with a special gala evening on Thursday, Oct. 3.

Find out more »

For the latest student, faculty and alumni news, be sure to "like" our NSCAD University Facebook page and join our NSCAD Alumni group or follow us on Twitter @NSCADUniversity.

And what are you up to these days? Drop us a line (and a visual, if you wish) and we'll share your news on the NSCAD website. All submissions should be addressed to nscad.ca.

What's going on at NSCAD?

It hasn't been easy, but NSCAD University is on its way to sustainability. In fact, there is much to celebrate, says NSCAD President Dr. Dan O'Brien. Read the blog post »

A summary of what happens at the latest Board of Governors' meeting is now posted after each meeting. Here's the latest »

Class Notes

In this edition of Class Notes, we bring you news of: Eliza Au (BFA 2005), Doug Bamford, (BFA 1995), Becka Barker (BFA 2000), Melissa Bennett (BFA 2004), Jason Buxton (BFA 2003), Ying-Yueh Chuang (MFA 2001), Marcia Connolly (BFA 1995), Andrea Dorfman (BFA 1995), Eric Fischl, Christine Goudie (BDes 2007), Yang Hong (MFA 2005), Garry Neill Kennedy, Katherine Knight (BFA 1980), Deidre Logue (BFA 1986), Bruce MacKinnon (DFA 2013), Sarah Maloney (BFA 1988), Fenn Martin (BFA 2006), Ryan McGrath (BFA 2001), Grant McRuer (BFA 2013), Caroline (Wilson) McLeod (BFA 2004), Susan Mills, Arianne Pollet-Brannen (BFA 2009) Echo Railton (BFA 2004), Will Robinson (BFA 2005), Su Rogers (BFA 1984), Mike Sharpe (BFA 2006), Karen Smith (BDes 1989), Scott Smith (BFA 2007), Heidi Stoddart (MA 1997), Paul Syme (MFA 2002), Sandy Stewart (BFA 1981), Khanhthuan Tran (BFA 1999), Michael Uhlarik, Dr. Jayne Wark (BFA 1979), Nick Webb, Martha Wilson (DFA 2013).

In Memoriam
Remembering NSCAD Professor Emeritus Anthony (Tony) Mann, 85, who passed away April 19, 2013, in Ashreigney, Devon, England, following a brief illness. Read more »

Show your NSCAD pride
To draw attention to the ingenuity of art and design graduates, the NSCAD Alumni Association launched the I AM NSCAD campaign. Logos are available in various sizes and types suitable for applications like your website, Facebook, Instagram, email signatures, or any size application you want with the vector version - from button to billboard! Don't forget to tweet, share, instagram... using #IAMNSCAD.

Seeds Gallery

Located at NSCAD University's Port campus, Seeds Gallery is a year-round shop for student and alumni work. Our goal is to provide a commercial venue for students and alumni, to promote a diverse range of artistic practices, and to enhance the Halifax art community.