they/them • director.sa@auarts.ca

Hey y'all, my name is Gurman and I'm the Executive Director of the AUArts SA. I am a people-first leader and I believe in the value of cooperation and communication for the betterment of arts organizations.

You can often find me at local art shows (when COVID allows), watching trashy reality tv (when it doesn't), and buying more books while still having too many books started. I believe that community organizations are only as strong as their members and I'm excited to meet you all.

she/they • admin.sa@auarts.ca

Hello! My name is Reeny (pronounced "rEE-knee") and I work in the backend of the Student's Association to support the whole team! I grew up in Toronto and graduated from AUArts in 2019 with a BDes in Character Design. While I initially wanted to work as a concept artist, I realized I enjoyed creating process books and organizing team projects way more than my actual assignments. Fast forward to today, I have been in arts + nonprofit admin for a few years and never thought I'd love spreadsheets as much as I do now. (Let's put the fun in FUNction!!!)

In my free time, I play immersive video games that make me wish I could be camping, and chug half a day's worth of water in one sitting because I forget to properly hydrate. I also enjoy throwing frisbees, singing karaoke, and drawing elves.

she/they • communications.sa@auarts.ca

Hi! My name is Robyn, I’m the Communications Coordinator of AUArts SA! I graduated in 2020 from AUArts with a BFA in painting.

I’m passionate about communicating through art and design but I also love communicating through Garfield and Snoopy graphics! Feel free to reach out to me for all your SA Communication needs!

she/her • design.sa@auarts.ca

Hi everyone! I'm Janira and I am originally from Ecuador. I came to Canada to study arts and recently finished my Media Arts degree at AUArts!

I have worked as the International Student Rep in the past, and I am thrilled to be a part of the SA team's digital and printed branding, post-graduation. I hope my designs can bring accurate information, joy and connection to the student body.

When I am not making art, I enjoy admiring make-up packaging, taking a dance workshop and cooking homely recipes! If you'd like to know anything about social media or Ecuadorian food, let's talk!

she/her • socialmedia.sa@auarts.ca

Hi! My name is Carolina Vasquez-Lazo, I am the Social Media Assistant at the AUArts SA! I graduated in 2020 from AUArts with a BDES in Photography! I am looking forward to making sure you have access to all the opportunities at your disposal as students!

My art practice consists of various forms of photography, drawing, and scanning. When I am not working, I am actively collecting cute toys, figurines, and stickers.

they/them • programs.sa@auarts.ca

My name is Sam Rollo, and I am a recent graduate of the Alberta University of the Arts (class of 2022) with a BFA in Print Media. As former director of the student-run print media gallery Galerie Gaulin I have been focused on developing collaborative, inclusive programming that encourages connection through the organization of projects such as the Letterpress Printed Postcard Project, group exhibitions, a Community Protest Mural, and building/installing a Community Zine Exchange at AUArts. I hope to continue this type of work in my current roles.

My artistic practice is based in anti-authoritarianism and community building. I primarily work with collage and silkscreen and use tactics found in agit-prop (agitational propaganda) to represent “business as usual” as dystopian while conveying a push for an alternative condition. In my studio practice I am a firm believer in knowledge/skill sharing, peer to peer support, and providing mentorship opportunities whenever possible.

they/them • mng.sa@auarts.ca

My name is Bex, and I’m the new coordinator of the Marion Nicoll Gallery. I'm a textile-focused artist and researcher with a background in print media, whose artistic practice is motivated by a desire to find and reflect the light of humour and hope through life’s shadows.

I believe strongly in the importance of play, and my goal as an administrator is to introduce experimentation and freedom to the institutional form, balancing tradition with novelty. My recent work at TRUCK artist resource centre has focused on equilibrating access to creative materials and opportunities, space, knowledge, and mutual support.

I am a reader, crafter, and dedicated learner who is inspired by the natural world and lives by an ethos of earnest and defiant whimsy.

she/her • showandsale.sa@auarts.ca

Hi, I’m Leia! I’m the AUArts SA Show + Sale Coordinator for this year. Along with my day job, I am a professional photographer and glassmaker located in Moh’kinsstis (also known as Calgary, AB). I graduated with a BFA in Glass in 2022 and am currently working on a BDes in Photography for 2022-2023.

I believe that every artist should feel confident about their worth and be able to live sustainably off an art practice, no matter what kind of art they make. I’m passionate about giving back to the AUArts community through mentorship, open discussions on commercial practices, and passing on the tips and tricks my mentors taught me. When I’m not in office, you can find me in the photo seamless, in the hotshot in the basement, or at home with my cats and jamming on my guitar.

she/her • salehelp.sa@auarts.ca

Hello! My name is Kendra, and I am the AUArts SA Show+Sale Assistant. I'm from London, Ontario and am currently a third-year Ceramics major. As the Show+Sale Assistant I get to work with an amazing team and engage with emerging artists at AUArts.

My art practice focuses on my heritage, childhood, and nostalgia. I bring these themes into utilitarian ceramics and I want viewers of my art to have a personal connection with my pieces. When I'm not creating art I enjoy watching movies, exploring Calgary and the mountains, and also cooking!

she/her/any • services.sa@auarts.ca

Hey there! I’m Vanessa, the services assistant here at the SA. I’m here to help you navigate your insurance needs and connect you with any other resources to help you thrive as a student here. Outside of my work in office, I’m also an illustrator and animator who recently graduated out of the character design program in 2024.

My practice revolves around anything and everything fun, whimsical and colourful. Cartoons have always fueled this central part of my art, as I’ve always been a huge fan of animation and continue to center this sense of free spirited movement and play in my work today.

Outside of art, I really enjoy going to aquariums, the beach and taking long long naps. Feel free to contact me with any questions!

he/him • office.sa@auarts.ca

I’m a queer glass artist and recent graduate of the AUArts MFA Program.