News Archives: Celebrating GPRC Fine Arts Alumni: Art Works!
Thursday, November 20th, 2014
The graduates of GPRC Fine Arts programs are profiled in a new series which was revealed at the College today during the visit of nearly 200 high school students to Fine Arts For A Day. Art Works features eight artists of various disciplines who studied at GPRC and are now enjoying success doing what they love best.
The Art Works series was developed for GPRC by the creative team at nine10 Inc., using images by Beauchamp Photography. Carmen Haakstad, Vice President External Relations, spoke about the first public presentation of the series while current and prospective students were lunching in Pillars at GPRC. Several of the featured alumni were also in attendance.
Art works for Sheila Shaw. After 10 years as a stay at home mom, she is following her dream and studying painting and drawing at GPRC. As part of the University Transfer program, she will be transferring to ACAD in Calgary in Fall 2015 to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She also plans to one day open an art gallery specializing in aboriginal art.
Art works for Adam Paananen. As former percussionist of the infectious reggae band Tasman Jude, Adam knows his way around the stage and recording studio. While working to complete the Interactive Digital Design Music Diploma, and playing in various local groups, Adam saw Tasman Jude's first performance at GPRC's Howler's Lounge in January 2013 and later joined the band, recording an album, and touring across Canada and Australia. Although he has moved on from Tasman Jude, Adam's music is a lifelong passion.
Art works for Sarah Biedermann. A guitar player since the age of 11, Sarah still hopes to be a rock star, or maybe a session musician and producer. Sarah started working at GPRC on the janitorial staff, but enrolled part-time and then moved into a joint diploma program: Acoustic Music and Interactive Digital Design. She worked toward both diplomas while teaching guitar and music theory in GPRC's Music Conservatory.
Art works for Kiren Niki Sangra. After finishing GPRC's Visual Arts Diploma in 2003, Kiren moved on to a BFA at ACAD in Calgary. Returning home in 2007, she began her career teaching at Grande Prairie's Centre for Creative Arts. She is now the Creative Operations Coordinator, and manages the CFCA's galleries, events and design work. She will be featuring her latest series, Stargazer, as part of the Grande Prairie Art Gallery's Travelling Exhibition program.
Art works for Matthew Dalen. After developing an interest in music as a member of the Grande Prairie Boy's Choir, Matthew nurtured his passion in GPRC's Bachelor of Music University Transfer program. After finishing at GPRC in 2012, he went on to complete a month long opera studies program in Italy. Next up: graduate school auditions and a career as a professional opera singer.
Art works for Helena (Peters) Mulligan. After finishing her Visual Arts Diploma at Grande Prairie Regional College in 1994, she completed the installation of her "Wisdom" sculptures series on the lawn of the college in 1995. These towering mentor figures took Helena ten months to erect, but the project has been a lifetime in the making. She continues to explore painting and sculpture, showing her work regionally and working in diverse mediums.
Art works for Nan Swanston. Nan was a founder of Image Design in 2000, after completing both Business and Visual Arts programs at GPRC. Now she works daily with talented graphic designer Carmen Vallentgoed Wythe and innovative web developer Marcus Vanstone. This trio of GPRC visual arts grads and their team create compelling graphic and web design for clients throughout the region and beyond.
‘Not only does “Art Work” for all of these fine graduates of our programs,” says Haakstad, “but it is an important enhancement to the lives of all of us each and every day. Imagine a world without music, art, photography, sculpture, architecture and literature. Art Works is a reminder that the people who create art add immeasurably to our society and our quality of life.”
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