INSPIRING CREATIVITY in the Arts

How do you measure the impact of Lakehead University on the cultural life of the regions it serves? One way is to track the success of its graduates like Elizabeth Buset (HBFA’09) who is currently enrolled in a master’s degree at Alto University School of Art & Design in Helsinki, Finland with the support of an Ambassadorial Scholarship from the Rotary Foundation.

For decades, visual arts students like Buset have exhibited their work at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery during the annual Lakehead University Juried Student Exhibition. Similarly, Lakehead University music students have benefited from Lakehead’s longstanding partnership with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.

David Karasiewicz is a Lakehead visual arts graduate and director of Definitely Superior – an artist-run art gallery in Thunder Bay. He sees strong linkages between the two organizations – each enriching the other. The creativity of Lakehead visual arts students, he says, “fuels” the Gallery while, in turn, the Gallery provides opportunities for budding artists to exhibit their work and learn from other visiting artists. This symbiotic relationship enriches the cultural life of the region, he says.

In Orillia, Lakehead University partners with the local Mariposa Folk Foundation in the presentation of "ArtsU," a series of creative workshops that precede the annual Folk Festival weekend.

Lakehead students, faculty, and staff are involved with the Stephen Leacock Museum and participate in the annual Leacock Medal for Humour Awards. In addition, the campus supports the activities and art shows of the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH), and many Lakehead students are involved with local arts organizations, including OMAH, as part of their community placements and volunteer work.

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