by Jannat Bhullar

On November 14, 2022, a new exhibition was displayed in the Art Gallery at TRU’s Old Main building, titled WHY WE COLLECT, presenting “students artworks from the personal collections of TRU Visual Arts Faculty.” The variety of artwork on display showcases the diversity TRU offers to its Fine Arts students and is a fun way to expose students to the department. With the emerging change in the job sector and the aspiration of the young generation, blooming artists must be provided with the practice and education they need to flourish as artists in the future.

The Fine Arts department at TRU revolves around the cores of studio and art theory. The institution offers an additional option of pursuing a stream program in Gallery Studies, as mentioned on the department website. The Fine Arts Program embeds an interdisciplinary approach with the program’s structure, providing students with the advantage of being well-versed in the practicality of their field of education in connection to the history of art studies. Besides the focus on Fine Arts, curation and exhibition installation are other crucial sides of the program that use the dedicated campus space and the Kamloops Art Gallery. When walking towards the stairs in the Old Main Building parallel to the Admissions Office, a dedicated space used as the Art Gallery is on the left side. The concept of providing students with an exhibition state also helps facilitate practical understanding and working of the Gallery Management curriculum involved in the program. 

The course website states that the operation and usage of the art gallery for students on campus help understand the economic structure and the impact of art communities through observation of a dedicated space within the limited exposure of on-campus students, making the practical learning process easy to grasp. The supervision of faculty professionals in the field contributes immensely to the artist’s growth. As a dedicated space for students of the Visual/Fine Arts Department, the conceptualization of making the gallery display is a way to appreciate and nourish the talent and hard work the students depict in the program.

With a new theme every two weeks, the Art Gallery display stems from encouraging students to propose exhibitions for the Gallery and submit their work for scheduled shows. The Visual Arts Program uses studios dedicated explicitly to learning and practicing drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography and etching. The present student exhibition consists of illustrations made using graphite on paper, paintings made of acrylic on canvases, printed photographs, screen prints, etching and mixed media models, intaglio frames, bookwork, and resin cloth. Apart from the Gallery on campus, students can also display their work locally alongside their peers and professors. 

The creation of art is a talent developed and nurtured over the years to reach a level of refinery that the artist can be proud of. Displaying one’s skill to an audience is an experience that builds the repertoire and confidence of the artist. Exposure to the working of the actualities of the field on a smaller scale helps students grasp and learn the more minor details that go into the creation of an exhibition well appreciated and received by the people. 

Learning in the program is encouraged by employing a critical perspective that helps appreciate and interpret the works of art from the chronological age to the ongoing contemporary age. Moreover, the work of artists from across Canada is presented at the Gallery who come to TRU as part of the Visiting Artist Program. As per the website, starting in 1989, TRU has invited esteemed artists across Canada to present their work through the Visiting Artist Program. Its addition has initiated instilling innovation in students through studio visits and artist talks. The uniqueness of TRU’s Fine Arts Program is also embedded in its incorporation of initiatives toward inclusivity. The students in the program are exposed to boundless possibilities presented through a curriculum that provides exposure to the current and traditional art mediums and processes. An interdisciplinary approach, the advanced teaching of using different materials, objects, techniques, and ideas, create the student’s transition to an acclaimed artist at TRU.  

Adjustable as credits, the Study Abroad Program allows for international exposure and exhibition chances for students while they continue to work towards completing their education and gaining their degree. The scope of creative production at TRU is fueled by the positive environment and attitude surrounding the discipline. Faculty members focus on providing consultations and suggestions for student work and incorporation of improvements. Funded research projects in the field allow students to look deeper into what intrigues them and create a path for building strong community connections. 

Exploration and experimentation in arts are possible when provided with advanced facilities and faculty experts. Therefore, the availability of a detailed structured arts program with study abroad opportunities at TRU allows for local and international connection creation. In addition, students seeking interest in the discipline are encouraged to follow their passion and challenge the limitations of creativity through on-campus exhibition projects.

With opportunities being created for students on-campus and internationally, the initiatives taken for their future with the project and space symbolize TRU’s mission statement according to the TRU World website states that the institution thrives to inculcate professional learning into the programs offered, preparing the students for the world and their work environment. Moreover, in line with the institutional, TRU works towards student success by recognizing individual potential, cultivating global mindedness in students and collaborating with others through principles of inclusivity, and respect for one another. 

A combination of drawing, painting, photography printmaking, sculpturing and intermedia models, the exhibitions present several art forms. Blended into one room, the creation and assembly of all the pieces result from the dedication and hard work the students put into completing the canvases, models or frames. A representation of the diversity of art styles, bringing together differential pieces to create a uniform presentation, requires connectivity through a neutral title. 

Art is a medium allowing artists to convey to people their perspectives of the world and share what the world looks like inside their minds. The peer recipient of the occasional exhibitions at TRU is a way of getting interactive feedback for student work inside the institutions. With varying displays throughout the semester, an environment of healthy competition is established in the department that encourages students to surpass their capabilities and produce artwork that imprints their reined skills onto the viewers. Through the years, art has been subjective to individuals, yet, with the emergence of modern society, art has been integral to many industries, allowing individuals passionate about the discipline to learn, explore, and create what they perceive as reality. Thus, a formalized education in the field today opens new doors and opportunities for individuals who express their existence through art.

The interpretation of the artwork displayed is straightforward however, the interpretation of art is always influenced by an individual’s beliefs, opinions, and values. Thus, one’s ability to receive and decipher a presented piece is always essential in understanding and interpreting the message in the form of art. The differential perspectives on the meaning of present artwork students with yet another challenge to create a piece that is appealing to the eyes and transparent with its message.

Looking at the bigger picture, through the streets of downtown Kamloops, one can see the artistic tone set on the roads through paintings or calligraphies made on the walls of the buildings or inside the alleyways. A raw talent that can be nourished to perfection when provided with guidance. With new ways of creativity making their way into the traditional idea of industry and job availabilities, an education in the field of arts will open new doors for individuals drawn to the discipline. The merging of creativity and visual arts into the job sector has opened new gates for graduates across the globe. 

The preceding gallery exhibitions on the grounds of TRU have been a place of attraction for students, faculty, and staff. However, with the coming back of things offline, a more significant viewership and feedback can be delivered if the Kamloops community gets involved. The new WHY WE COLLECT exhibition succeeds the previous display based on individual mapping on the theme of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion that involved students, faculty, and staff in the project. Join the faculty and students at the WHY WE COLLECT Gallery Exhibition Reception on the last day of the exhibition, November 24, 2022, from 5 pm onward at the Old Main Building to show students support for their hard work and dedication to their artwork.

The TRU ART gallery in Old Main is a dedicated space for student artwork display with a different theme presented every time. Go check out their latest exhibition, WHY WE COLLECT! #TRU #ArtGallery #FineArts #WhyWeCollect #StudentWork Check it out: https://youtube.com/shorts/zSdULqXtMjM