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NECROPOLIS COMES TO LIFE IN PRINT
Kamloops comic book store manager has published his own creation
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WEDNESDAY, April 26, 2023
BLAZERS PREPARE FOR SEATTLE The WHL’s Western Conference final begins this weekend in Kent, Wash.
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WELCOMING THE NAIG DELEGATES
North American Indigenous Games were in community on weekend
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kamloopsthisweek.com | kamloopsthisweek |
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2023 | Volume 36 No. 17
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TRU to end fine arts program SEAN BRADY STAFF REPORTER
sbrady@kamloopsthisweek.com
Thompson Rivers University has ceased enrollment in its bachelor of fine arts program, with plans to end the program in three years, prompting a petition from faculty to allow the program to continue. Donald Lawrence, a longtime faculty member with the program, called the decision disappointing, discouraging and somewhat shocking. “Depending on who you’re talking to, you’ll hear ranging stories about the program, either it’s not financially viable or a hugely successful program,” Lawrence said. Lawrence, who has worked with his students inside and outside of the classroom, said the community is losing a program that has dispersed artists out in the community and across the world as ambassadors. “I suppose if I’m disappointed or shocked about something, it’s that long legacy
of success, which precedes me in the department,” he said. TRU dean of arts Rick McCutcheon said the program, which includes visual arts courses, are being cut because of consistently low enrolment and financial pressures, citing higher costs than other disciplines. “The resources that are going into this particular program far exceed, by an incredible amount, anything else we do,” McCutcheon said, citing a decade of “very low” course enrollment, which he said is unsustainable. Lawrence acknowledged that enrolment has fluctuated and has dipped as low as four students in a year, but also as high as 26. Despite the numbers, Lawrence said, the program has produced highly engaged and successful students, including artists who have gone on to show their work internationally. See FINE ARTS, A7
The fine arts program at Thompson Rivers University has had a long history, with countless works of art created by students over the years. One of those students is Tammé Fossett, seen here in 2006 during her third year of studies. Fossett continues to create art and will have work on display at this weekend’s Kamloops Arts Council Spring Artisan Sale at Heritage House in Riverside Park. The university is winding down the fine arts program over the next three years, leaving students following in the footsteps of Fossett to seek a fine arts education elsewhere. KTW FILE PHOTO
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