The culmination of years of creativity, exploration, and artistic growth will be on full display as Nipissing University's Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) graduating class presents its final thesis exhibition at The Capitol Centre's WKP Kennedy Gallery. Running from March 21 to April 4, 2025, this highly anticipated showcase will highlight the diverse and innovative work of emerging artists from the program.
Nipissing student Emily Maville stands in front of her installation at the WKP Kennedy Gallery.
The WKP Kennedy Gallery has been hosting the graduate exhibition since 2012 and continues to offer a valuable experience to Nipissing students through the planning, installation and documentation of a professional show that brings their work to the wider community.
The 2025 exhibition officially opened with a reception on March 21 at 6 p.m., welcoming the public to engage with the artists and their creations. This year's graduating class includes many students with a studio practice rooted in painting, yet their material approaches vary widely. Attendees can expect everything from traditional oil paintings to assemblage and hybrid 2D media that merge painting with printmaking. Each piece represents a year-long exploration of personal themes, techniques, and conceptual development.
Among the featured artists is Emily Maville, whose work draws inspiration from Emily Gwen's 2018 Lesbian flag, with each stripe representing an individual identity. Within the flags, Maville reflects on stereotypes, media portrayals, personal stories, and anecdotes. Through her piece LE$BEAN, Maville aims to portray lesbianism as bold and visible within the gallery, challenging the invisibility of lesbian material culture.
For Maville, the exhibition is both a personal achievement and a shared experience with her peers. "I am so pleased to be able to have my work presented in this exhibition," she shared. "This exhibition is the culmination of the hard work of not only my peers and myself, but our professors and program. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a skilled group of fellow artists and have my work present within North Bay's WKP Kennedy Gallery."
Laura Peturson, associate professor of the Fine Arts program, emphasizes the significance of this opportunity for the students. "The FAVA program is so grateful for the productive collaboration we continue to share with the WKP Kennedy Gallery. The WKP Kennedy Gallery is a highly visible venue with a dedicated clientele who continue to support our students through their interest and attention," she said. "When students engage with a vibrant and robust local arts community, it helps them see North Bay as a viable place to continue to live and work."
The Fine Arts program at Nipissing University offers students a unique and intimate learning environment, where they develop technical skills while being encouraged to challenge traditional boundaries and find their own artistic voice. Through hands-on instruction, mentorship, and access to dedicated studio spaces, students are prepared to contribute to the contemporary art world in meaningful ways.
Featured Artists:
Emma Derochie
Meaghan Fraser
Hannah Leighton
Emily Maville
Jordyn Quayle
Rebekah Stoddart
Aylea Teel
The exhibition is free and open to the public, inviting art enthusiasts, community members, and supporters to experience the creativity and innovation of Nipissing's next generation of artists.
For more information on Nipissing University's Fine Arts program, visit nipissingu.ca/fine-arts.
