The MacEwan Art Collection has acquired seven new artworks that will be on display in the John L. Haar Library for students, staff and faculty to enjoy. The works highlight figurative work, so that the many students who study and gather in the library will see themselves reflected in the Black and Indigenous faces – and the stories – that these artists have depicted.

The featured pieces were created by four accomplished alumni who are making their mark in the global art scene: Braxton Garneau (Fine Art ’17), Kablusiak (Fine Art ’13), Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet (Fine Art ’17), and Preston Pavlis (Fine Art ’19). Their work has been exhibited internationally and acquired by collections across Canada and around the world. Their talents have been recognized through multiple nominations for prestigious awards.

“These stunning pieces of art are a reflection of how important our students and alumni are to us at MacEwan University,” says Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor. “Through these works, our students will be inspired to reach for their goals – a key element of our strategic vision, Teaching Greatness. Having these artworks installed in the library where thousands pass by each day will truly help make the space a cultural hub on our campus.”

MacEwan’s Mitchell Art Gallery collaborated with the library to acquire the works. Everyone on campus can look forward to the collection increasing and to more art being displayed in the new School of Business building when it opens in 2027.

“We are incredibly proud of the artists who are now part of the MacEwan Art Collection. We celebrate their great successes in the art world, as well as the meaningful contributions they are making to their communities,” says Dr. Trimbee. “Seeing their work will act as a reminder of our alumni’s accomplishments and serve as encouragement to today’s students.” 

Meet the artists and see images of the works on display in the John L. Haar Library (all photos courtesy of Blaine Campbell):

Braxton Garneau

Braxton Garneau is a visual artist based in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton). A MacEwan University alumnus, Garneau graduated in 2017 with a Fine Art diploma. He works across mediums such as painting, printmaking and installation using a wide range of materials such as asphalt, sugar cane and raffia. His work has been acquired by numerous public and private collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which acquired his work Pitch Lake (Pietà) in 2024 through the Northern Trust Purchase Prize at EXPO Chicago.

Pierrot Grenade
Asphalt and acrylic on canvas with cloth and sugarcane
2023

Kablusiak

Kablusiak is a multidisciplinary Inuvialuk artist and curator based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary). They are a MacEwan University alumnus who graduated with a Fine Art diploma in 2013. Their practice explores Inuit queerness, sexuality, comedy and nostalgia as well as feelings of displacement and loss. Kablusiak has been recognized through numerous awards such as the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award (2020 & 2023), the Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award (2021 recipient, 2023 shortlist) and the Sobey Art Award (2019 shortlist, 2023 recipient).

Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet

Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet is an artist based in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton). She is a MacEwan University alumnus who graduated with a Fine Art diploma in 2017. Working in a variety of disciplines including painting, printmaking, drawing and installation, her art explores intergenerational grief, memory, family history, loss and enfranchisement. Ligtvoet is the recipient of multiple awards, and her debut graphic novel, We Were Younger Once (2022), was nominated for the Doug Wright Award for emerging talent.

These Bottles Have Been Empty for Years
Acrylic and graphite on canvas
2021

Preston Pavlis

Preston Pavlis is a multidisciplinary artist based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax, Nova Scotia). He is a MacEwan University alumnus who graduated with a Fine Art diploma in 2019. His interdisciplinary practice combines collage, quilting, painting and embroidery to create large-scale figures that represent moments of tension and contemplation. Pavlis has taken part in multiple solo and group exhibitions globally and his work can be found in art collections across North America, Europe and Asia.