University of Saskatchewan Studio Art MFA Thesis Exhibitions, Class of 2024

Photos (left to right): Leanne Read, Aurora Wolfe, Demilade Otayemi, Jordan Bidyk, and Jean-Sébastien Gauthier. Promotional image by Gabby Da Silva, 2024.

The Studio Art Program at the University of Saskatchewan proudly presents six thesis exhibitions by MFA candidates: Leanne Read, Demilade Otayemi, Jordan Bidyk, Jean-Sébastien Gauthier, Aurora Wolfe, and Yang Lan. This year, solo exhibitions will take place in both the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery, and The Gallery at The Frances Morrison Central Library.

We will also present our third annual group exhibition of the graduating class, AIRING. Curated by Gordon Snelgrove Gallery coordinators Molly Amelia and Gabby Da Silva, AIRING will examine the research paths of the graduating candidates in relation to one another, while simultaneously granting public presence to the cohort as a whole at The Gallery at The Frances Morrison Central Library.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Leanne Read: Reverberations
Gordon Snelgrove Gallery
July 29 – August 9, 2024
Artist’s Talk and Reception: Friday, August 9 | 6:30 – 10:00pm
Instagram @leanne.dawn.art

MFA Group Exhibition: AIRING
The Gallery at The Frances Morrison Library
August 2 – August 9, 2024
Reception: Friday, August 2 | 4:00 – 6:00pm

Demilade Otayemi: AJAKUBO (Whirlwind)
Gordon Snelgrove Gallery
August 12 – August 22, 2024
Artist’s Talk and Reception: Thursday, August 15 | 6:30 – 9:00pm
Instagram @demidhemian

Jordan Bidyk: LINE OF SIGHT
The Gallery at The Frances Morrison Library
August 14 – August 24, 2024
Artist’s Talk and Reception: Saturday, August 17 | 2:00 – 4:30pm
Instagram @jordan_bidyk

Jean-Sébastien Gauthier: Monument to Dust
Gordon Snelgrove Gallery
August 26 – September 6, 2024
Artist’s Talk and Reception: Thursday, August 29 | 6:30 – 9:00pm
Instagram @jsgauthierart

Aurora Wolfe: coyote dreams of easy prey
Gordon Snelgrove Gallery
September 10 – September 20, 2024
Artist’s Talk and Reception: Thursday, September 19 | 6:30 – 9:00pm
Instagram @aurorawolfe

Yang Lan, From Above, From Within exhibition installation. Photo by Carey Shaw, 2024.

Past Exhibitions

Yang Lan: From Above, From Within
Gordon Snelgrove Gallery
May 14 – May 25, 2024
Artist’s Talk and Reception: Wednesday, May 15 | 6:00 – 9:00pm
Instagram @yanglan_artwork

Gordon Snelgrove Gallery
Department of Art and Art History
Murray Building, University of Saskatchewan
3 Campus Dr, #191, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A4
Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, and occasionally Saturday 12 – 4pm
gordon.snelgrove@usask.ca
1 (306) 966-4608

Facebook @gordonsnelgrovegallery
Instagram @snelgrove.gallery

The Gordon Snelgrove Gallery is located in the Murray Building with the Department of Art and Art History and is both a teaching facility and a public gallery. It provides a venue for new work, public talks, residencies and short-term studio space for artists, curators and collectives within the department, across campus and the broader arts community. The gallery is managed through the University of Saskatchewan Art Galleries and Collection and is a significant player in the local arts ecology. The Snelgrove’s intensive and diverse program of events positions it as a major site of direct exchange for artists and public. The Gordon Snelgrove Gallery is a crucial venue for new work by artists and curators both within the Department of Art and Art History and the wider community. Frequent public presentations by visiting artists, panels and screenings position it as an important hub in the arts ecology of Saskatoon.

Situated on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis on the Canadian Prairies, the University of Saskatchewan Department of Art and Art History seeks to share the cultural richness, history and contemporary artwork of this unique location.

Accessibility: While all galleries are accessible with either first-floor entrance or elevator, accessible washrooms, wide unobstructed paths and elevator access. If you require accessibility support to visit the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery, we ask that you contact us at 306-966-4208 to make arrangements in advance. Accessible access is possible through the Murray Library.

The Gallery at The Frances Morrison Library
311 – 23rd St E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J6
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, and Sunday 1 – 5:30pm

Accessibility: The Gallery at the Frances Morrison Library is fully accessible with elevators, accessible washrooms, wide unobstructed paths and a first-floor entrance that is near an elevator to take you to the second floor where the gallery is located.

Image descriptions
1. A collage of 5 images, with a white border across the top and bottom. From left to right: the first image is a close-up of a wooden stick sculpture with various felt circles on each stick. The second image is of two long, red beaded, messy strings on a black background. The centre image is a wavy traditional Nigerian pattern in various shades of green. The next image is a painting on wood of an abstracted building featuring shades of purple, green and grey. The last image on the right is of a man in a green t-shirt with black hair and safety goggles as he polishes a large round metal sculpture.
2. Installation view of two large paintings in a white walled gallery space. The painting on the right features green foliage and a blue sky. The painting on the left features a bright blue sky, clouds, with brown and green hills along the bottom.