TRU Fine Arts Exhibit (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

TRU FINE ARTS

‘TRU just couldn’t see the value’; Graduating bachelor of fine arts students ready exhibit as program winds down

Apr 7, 2025 | 4:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — Early last year, the Thompson Rivers University Board of Governors voted to axe four fine arts programs, citing attrition rates of more than 70 per cent along with rising costs and a space commitment. While arts classes will still be available for some electives, the Bachelor of Fine Arts program will end following next year. This weekend, the second final cohort of fine arts students will open their graduating exhibit.

“We are definitely proud to be fine arts students,” said Dieddo.

Entitled ‘Butterfly Effect’, the TRU Bachelor of Fine arts exhibition features the work of 14 graduating students, across a variety of media including painting, sculpting and drawing.

“Most of what I’m grateful for is the process I’ve been through, because I remember when I came to TRU my works weren’t as advanced as this. Coming into the final year, we have been pushed to the limit so I believe this is how far I can go right now and I’m excited to see where this leads me to,” said Ral Ojah.

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While unexpected, the move to sculpture for Holly Bartels brings a new element into her work — a reason to look closer.

“It focuses on what we leave behind and what we take for granted of ordinary things. I wanted to combine the [two-dimensional] and 3D, so that you couldn’t distance yourself from it,” said Bartels. “Because if you have 2D media, you can look at and just keep going because you aren’t there. It’s not impacting me as much.”

The list of inspirations far too long to name, but the works themselves prove the old adage, ‘a picture is worth 1,000 words.’

“It’s sort of like this person falling off the horse as they are being called by a higher spirit to come down. I sort of wanted this wrapping feeling between an animal and a person and I like that the wolf kind of has this expression of respect or sternness, as opposed to instilling fear or anything like that,” said Dylan Bellamy.

Fourteen students will leave this spring with a bachelor’s degree, the final large cohort for the university with just a handful expected next year. The responsibility of showcasing the program is not lost on those exiting.

“I have come this far and, originally, I was going to just stay for the two-year diploma. Given the circumstances of the program, I’m happy I did stick around to the very end,” added Olivia Rose-Roberts.

His art perhaps an unintentional metaphor, Dieddo standing on giant shoulders of those before him, knowing the path behind will soon lie barren.

“If I’m honest, I think one of the most ignorant and conservative things you can do, in general, is just get rid of the arts. I think TRU just couldn’t see the value that the arts had in their big picture. I think that’s a shame,” said Dieddo. “The fine arts was here and we still have a lot to say and a lot to do in Kamloops.”

The showcase is set to open on Saturday (April 12) with a reception starting at 6:00 p.m. The exhibit will remain open for all to enjoy until April 27.