Select an image to read each candidate’s platform statement.

Vote between October 6-8th at www.auarts-sa.ca/governance#vote!

School of Communication Design (SCD)

Rylie Landry (she/her or they/them) – BDes General Studies Representative

Hello everyone, I am Rylie Landry, a third year Character Design and Illustration student and Co-president of the Cartoon club Toon Town at our School. I’m running for General Bdes representative. I’m past years, I’ve volunteered to set up and run shows, as well as run workshops and events for Toon Town. My goal as Bdes General Rep. is to ease communications between the Student Association and the needs of SCD students. Additionally, I want to bring about more opportunities (such as student, artist talks etc.) that have a focus on Design and Illustration. It would be my pleasure to represent you!

Cole Dube (he/him) – Advertising Representative

Hi there, my name is Cole Dube, and I'm a 3rd year Graphic Design and Advertising Major. I'm interested in applying for the SLC Graphic Design position because I aspire to spread my design expertise and passion with others and collaborate with like-minded individuals on the board.

I would say my experience with Graphic Design and Advertising is quite proficient. I've been studying this field since Grade 11, ever since I started photography as a hobby, and I have been inspired by it since. I have other close friends who are in the same field and have similar ideation processes with whom I often bounce ideas off and work together, which adds to my creative palette.

I'm at AUArts because they offer very unique and specific design classes that no other schools offer. When looking at the University of Calgary and SAIT, their options were quite broad and limited compared to AUArts. I'm here because I want to develop my skillset and learn new ways of thinking in design to better prepare myself for my professional future. AUArts offers classes that mimic real-life workplaces, which I highly value.

My relationship with AUArts is quite strong, I'd say. I enter work into the Gallery Crawl each semester and participate in several exhibitions that the Illingworth Kerr gallery offers. I enjoy studying at school rather than at home because I enjoy the quiet and peaceful environment that it has to offer. I feel like I can get work done more efficiently here.

When it comes to the board, I'm interested in looking into friction points such as unbalanced heating throughout the school, slow wifi, and cafeteria options, as I've noticed a lot of students discussing these issues. If I'm able to collaborate on the board, I wish to help lay out plans to solve current issues and form new initiatives to improve experiences at AUArts.

School of Craft + Emerging Media (SCEM)

Marissa Boutet (she/her) – Ceramics Representative

I’m Marissa Boutet, a ceramics major in my third year at AUArts! My goal is to help organize community based events in the Ceramics department. With experience in co-directing Hawak Kamay Art Collective, a student based group that focuses on Filipino artists, I believe I have the experience and leadership skills needed to curate new community events, as well as fostering a space for community.

I also worked in Show and Sale last year and gained the skills needed to organize large groups of artists during markets. I helped to give them advice about pricing and packaging, checked in on their progress for selling their work, and reassured them of any doubts they had.

Community is my main priority. I believe it is an integral part of ceramics, especially within AUArts. I want to help that community in any way I can, so that future ceramicists can learn how to cultivate their new skills and love of this art form.

Fern Andersen (they/them) – Fibre Representative

I am Fern Andersen, a second year fibre student. At AuArts, I have found myself immersed within all the fibre department has to offer. I wish to be the future fibre representative, and create a community with your feedback! AuArts has been a place I've called home for a long time, having attended by first Con-Ed at 11 years old. With this longstanding relationship, I wish to create a community initiative to give back to this place I love. I feel as though the fibre department could stand to have a "craft club" with frequent meetings, giving everyone not only the chance to meet their fellow students, but allowing everyone to participate in the "crafts" we come up with.

I wish to increase the affordability and variety of food and drink on campus, as we deserve options for vegetarians and other dietary restrictions! A mocha should not cost $7??? Students should be able to feed themselves with healthy, and affordable options! My goal is to improve this throughout my tenure. Thank you for reading, please vote for me so I can be your next fibre representative!

Shiloh Beaton (she/her) – Fibre Representative

Hi!

My name is Shiloh Beaton, I’m a transfer student from Detroit, Michigan honored with the opportunity to become a member of the AUARTS community. Not only am I a student of life, but also a student dedicated to my craft. With 3 years of undergraduate experience in Fashion Studies and Design under my belt, I sought out new opportunities to expand my educational understanding of design. My thirst for knowledge and experience has brought me to AUARTS as I now continue my studies in Fibre and sustainable textiles. Not only have I fallen in love with the campus; as I slowly become acclimated to the student body, I find myself meeting so many kind souls full of new perspectives.

As a transfer student getting to know my environment and peers is incredibly important to me. I’ve noticed that I've encountered some difficulties socially breaking the barrier and would love to change that! Becoming an SLC representative for the Fibre department would not only help to keep me immersed within the student body at AUARTS, I would also be given the voice to advocate for my peers. Being seen, heard and understood within an educational environment promotes so much room for growth and inclusivity, which I think is an essential point in creating a brave space for positive change. The Fibre department offers such a unique outlet for creative expression that I would love to see more of. All our journeys that brought us to AUARTS are a warped loom of stories waiting to be woven into a beautiful textile of interconnectivity that deserves to be more openly embraced. As SLC representative I would take the initiative needed to collaborate with my peers and make that become an everlasting reality here for the Fibre department of AUARTS.

Jana Go (she/her) – MADT (Media Arts) Representative

Hi, my name is Jana Go :)

I'm a Media Arts major, a Second Year student. I love watching films and creating stories, and in my free time I work on video projects with my friends, while battling out my stress from assignments and exams, writing down story ideas, or spending hours on editing.

I grew up mostly in Dubai, coming to Calgary as an international student came with a lot of challenges, but I like experiencing what's new and unfamiliar to me. In my time here I'm taking every opportunity I can to explore Calgary's film space: from underground film festivals, volunteering for Calgary International Film Festival and going to creative pop-up events, I want to take advantage of how rich the film and creative space is here. I want to dive into the world of film and media because there is still so much I still want to learn and explore. And I know I’m not the only one.

I’m running for Media Arts Rep because I want to create opportunities for students. Out in the world many are working on passion projects in their own corners: writers looking for directors, cinematographers looking for gaffers, directors looking for cast and models. What if we students had a place to find each other? What if we had a space to collaborate for our projects, like putting auditions out for students who want to participate in video and film projects? A place where we can share what we’re working on, help collaborate in projects, geek out over a movie together, and even movie sessions. I wanna build something together—ideally starting a Film Club, events to connect with other students, and creative discussions.

I like spending hours on editing a video, understanding cinematography, and just deep diving into the world of film because im working towards my dream to be a director. I know it will not be easy, I’m still figuring it all out too. But I think we could figure it out together, and make some really beautiful, weird, and wonderful things along the way. And thats why I'm at AUArts, I want to grow not only as an artist, but as a person.

My experiences and knowledge:
-Volunteering at Calgary International Film Festival
-Going to Calgary Underground Film Festival watching indie films
-Video and film projects where I'm working with my friends, shooting at different locations, giving instructions and outlines.
-Internship at Marketing department for Keolis in Dubai Metro where I created posters and advertisements.

School of Visual Arts (SVA)

Alastar Carnahan (they/them) – Drawing Representative

Guten tag AUArts Community,

I am Alastar Carnahan, sometimes The Countex, and I’m running for Drawing Representative. I’m a 3rd year Drawing student with a focus on sensual dark fantasy surrealism and storytelling. I’m passionate about fostering community, creating supportive environments, encouraging creative collaboration, and opportunity accessibility.

Over the past 4 years, I’ve been actively involved in an expansive assortment of classes from all programs, which has given me exposure to the interests and concerns of students from all around the school. I’m invested in being a representative who hears your

concerns and acts on them.

If elected, my priorities will include:

• Community – I want to bring people together to create a better sense of community that can share values of joy and euphoria through expression.

• Collaboration – I want to connect the students across programs to foster more intersection between art mediums and create opportunities to grow.

• Accessibility – I will advocate for inclusive exposure opportunities that will allow space for self advocacy regardless of circumstances.

I believe in connection — and I want to work with you to build a student government that represents all voices, loud and timid alike.

Let’s make our student experience better together. Vote Alastar Carnahan for Drawing Representative!

Aline Nasselquist (she/her) – Drawing Representative

My name is Aline Nasselquist and I am interested in applying for the position of SLC Drawing Representative. In high school I was a frequent member of my student leadership counsel and since graduating I have been in leadership positions in the workplace rather consistently. I am majoring in Drawing at AUArts and studying photography as a side passion, I believe it is important to have a vast number of connections within the school system. My relationship with AUArts is that of a current student, current IKG gallery attendant, and past photo doc days digitech. I am interested in making living costs more affordable for students by increasing donations to the student pantry, starting a free clothing drive, and bringing in what I call a "student run, art supply garage sale" where students can sell or trade supplies at low or no cost. My goals are to ease financial burdens during a time where living costs are rising so students are able to focus more energy on their studies.

Abby Wagner (she/her) – Sculpture Representative

Hello everyone!

I’m Abby, running to represent Sculpture and the amazing students who make it home. Sculpture is at the heart of so many practices, and I see it as a way to bring every department in our school into conversation with one another. That’s why I’m running for Sculpture Department Representative: to strengthen those connections, expand resources for students, and help build a community that is inclusive and sustainable.

During my time at AUArts, I’ve co-curated multiple group exhibitions and become a member of Contextural, a fibre-based collective. These experiences have taught me the value of collaboration across disciplines, building supportive networks, and creating spaces where all voices are represented.

If elected, my priorities will include:

- Working toward a supply grant program to help ease material costs for students

- Connecting students with affordable food programs, repair exchanges, and thrift events.

- Encouraging more students to feel confident stepping into leadership opportunities

I am committed to advocating for affordability, sustainability, and accessibility within AUArts. Vote Abby Wagner for Sculpture Department Representative!

Other

KC Kaypo (they/them or she/her) – BFA General Studies Representative

Hello fellow artists!

My name’s KC Kaypo, I’m a fourth year BFA Drawing student, and I’m running for the Student Leadership Council position of BFA General Studies! I’m focused on advocating for affordable student resources, furthering mental health supports, and generating a space where creatives can truly support each other. During my time here at AUArts, I’ve been grateful to meet so many lovely people across the various fine arts disciplines, and through those encounters I’ve garnered a greater sense of what makes this space so important.

If elected, I aim to:

-Advocate for, and expand, our food and mental health supports.

-Combat tuition hikes and promote affordable resources.

-Support underrepresented students with opportunities and initiatives.

As your representative, I’m committed to listening to your concerns and acting as your voice within the AUArts Student’s Association. Our voices matter, and together we have the ability to improve the student experience for not just ourselves, but future students to come. I look forward to your support in making our visions into reality.

Vote KC Kaypo for BFA General Studies!

Nahanni McKay (she/her) – Graduate First Year Studies (MFA) Representative

Tânisi, my name is Nahanni McKay, a Métis artist and Master of Fine Art candidate here at Alberta University of the Arts. I live in Mohkínstsis, Treaty 7 Territory, where the land’s beauty deeply inspires me. Much of my practice explores the need to decolonize complex systems of law and land.

I am running because I see the lack of Indigenous representation at AUArts. On Native Land, leadership must be rooted not only with relationships and community but land, water, and sky.

I bring experience from across the arts and community. I have served on panels including Indigenous Perspectives in Outdoor Spaces with Coalition Snow, the Banff Mountain Film Festival’s Indigenous Dialogues. But more recently I have left the space of “mountain culture” where I saw little change in the industry and focused on the root of the change. More recent experience has involved being the Chair of the Banff Community Grants Committee. More recently, I have juried for the BUMP Mural Festival and worked on the Banff Lake Louise Tourism DEI Team for their 10-Year Plan.

At AUArts, I’ve been active in workshops, student gatherings, and at the Lodgepole Centre. I want to continue being accessible to students listening to concerns and interests.

Its hard being art student in the current climate that is Alberta. We face heavy challenges like financial pressures, intense workloads, and the demands of sustaining creativity. I want to support student wellness, including mental health, services and professional development.

Art is in everything we do, and as the next generation of artists, we must have the resources to create. I want to help provide opportunities for growth while ensuring that our community remains supportive.

Leadership is not about individual power but about accountability, collaboration, and the responsibilities we carry for future generations.

Maarsii,

Nahanni McKay

Gurpreet Kaur (she/her) - Graduate Second Year Studies (MFA)

My name is Gurpreet , and I am currently pursuing my Master of Fine Arts in Craft Media at AUArts. I am passionate about research-creation practices and about building supportive, thoughtful communities around art and education .

As an MFA student, I believe it’s vital to share information about what’s happening across campus and within our program. We’re a small group, and I enjoy having meaningful conversations about how we can strengthen the MFA experience. Representing and sustaining AUArts’ MFA program feels both like a responsibility and a privilege.

Having served as an SLC member before, I have been part of many valuable discussions that addressed gaps in the MFA program and its structure. Those experiences taught me the importance of listening, raising concerns, and working collaboratively to find solutions. I’m currently developing my thesis, which explores cultural translation, hybridity, and memory through material practices such as weaving, tapestry, ceramics, and glasswork. My research is deeply rooted in community and identity, and it informs how I approach leadership roles. I feel strongly connected to AUArts as both a student and an advocate for the MFA program. My previous involvement with the SLC and AUArts SA gave me insight into how student voices contribute to positive change across the school.

I’m particularly interested in sustaining and strengthening the MFA program—identifying and addressing gaps, improving communication, and ensuring students feel supported throughout their studies. I want to continue fostering dialogue between students, faculty, and administration so that we can build a stronger foundation for current and future MFA cohorts.

Eva Ochoa (she/her) – Undergraduate First Year Studies Representative

Howdy everyone! My name's Eva (pronounced like Emma but with a 'v') and I'm really excited to be here at this school with all you amazing people!

My favourite things to do are draw (obviously), sing, read/write stories, act, and also write songs. I even have a few musicals in the works! My goal here at AuArts is to eventually make my own comics/graphic novels and work in character design. I love making characters and doing that for a job would be amazing!

As a first year student, there are a lot of things I don't know yet- but what I do know even just from these first few weeks, is that it can be stressful. That's why I want to run for this position, to advocate for my fellow first years and make sure everyone has the best experience possible here at AuArts!

I'm also very passionate about accommodations and support for neurodivergent students- being neurodivergent myself (AuDHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia) I understand the struggles of trying to keep up with such a demanding and fluctuating workload.

I also want to help with providing and planning awesome events for the students because I believe the most important part of the university experience is to, yes learn, but also have some fun along the way! The students association has already been doing a great job of providing all sorts of cool activities and supports; I would absolutely love to help them out in any way I can. I'm a great team player, I think outside the box, I'm a good listener, and I'm always open to suggestions! Help me make all of our post secondary adventure one filled with understanding, support, and lots of fun!😁

Jeaya Agustin (they/them) – Undergraduate First Year Studies Representative

Heyo! I’m Jeaya and I’m a first year BDes student. I decided to major in design because of my relationship with art and how I not only wanna use it to express myself, but also provide my skills to others which is why I am applying to be your First Year Undergrad rep!

Leadership Experience:

I have had a colourful leadership experience in school from organizing dances, volunteering for sports games, designing posters, and even playing piano accompaniments. Even in non-leadership activities, I have learned teamwork and innovation through marching band, theatre, play directing, dance, and choir. Despite all of these wonderful opportunities, my anxiety disorder has made the journey challenging especially with the lack of proper support. I want to be that support for those who have struggled and are still struggling finding that push to build connections which I know is especially hard when you’re a first year.

Goals:

Although it is my first year at AUArts and I am new to the possibilities and opportunities through the Students’ Association, I hope to become a voice for my fellow first years and their issues as well as be a helping hand to the SLC. It would be my pleasure to be a student ambassador and to be able to assist in any areas that need me, whether it be helping random students around the campus or being an event roadie/lackey. Not only would my leadership experiences be beneficial, I would also like to provide my own voice as a queer non-binary Filipino immigrant.

It would be an honour to be considered for this position!

Zachariah "Zephyr" Easterbrook (he/him) – Undergraduate First Year Studies Representative

My name is Zachariah "Zephyr" Easterbrook. I respect dogs, hate writing salutations, and LOVE that dress! I'm a current first year student for the BDES program in Character design and Illustration. You might recognize me as that one guy with the SpongeBob hat that made the first year bdes discord!

I'm infamous for my impartial and unbiased opinions. as a first year student I know and understand the difficulties concerning the navigation of our student services first hand. I'm passionate about creating and fostering an easier and more engaging method of navigation for those of us with no idea what's going on. I aim to create a concise, engaging, entertaining, and informative piece of media to help future students and first year students navigate the school online and in person, at least until we get the hang of it.

As a first year student, your concerns are my concerns. if there's an issue plaguing our masses that I have not yet acknowledged or taken care of I'd advise you to annoy me about it endlessly. I aim to create a more comfortable environment for our first year students and a more informed and interested first year student body. also, I'll legalize defenestration. your priorities are my priorities. I want to do anything and everything I can to make this school as easy to function within and exciting to work with as possible.

If you have something about the school you'd like me to address, let me know!

Insta: @z0nkus

disco: Friendship_gun

Email: Zeasterbrook13@gmail.com

2025 - 26 Elections Candidate Statements