As Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) marks its centennial year, a new partnership with ATB Financial (ATB) is transforming ATB’s branch and corporate spaces across Canada into sites of creativity, connection and inspiration.
In 2026, artwork by 14 AUArts alumni will be installed in new and refreshed ATB branches and corporate locations across Canada — transforming traditional banking spaces into vibrant community galleries and supporting Alberta’s arts and culture industry. The featured artists represent a multigenerational, diverse cross-section of AUArts alumni, with graduates from approximately 1968 to 2025.
Bringing art into public life
Installed in high-traffic, public-facing spaces, the works create environments that are engaging, connected and reflective of the communities they serve across ATB locations.
“As we celebrate 100 years of creativity and community, this partnership reflects the importance of creativity across sectors and the impact of our alumni. Their work is redefining culture, industry and public life across Alberta and beyond — demonstrating the influence of art, craft and design, and the role AUArts plays in shaping a creative future.”
- Dr. Janis Goldie, President & CEO, Alberta University of the Arts
Founded in 1926, Alberta University of the Arts has spent a century shaping artists, designers and creative thinkers whose work resonates locally and globally. As the University marks its centennial year, this partnership creates new opportunities to expand and renew connections, showcase the impact of its alumni community, and bring creative work into public spaces across Alberta.
For ATB, the initiative is both a cultural investment and a commitment to community.
"At ATB, we believe that a thriving Arts and Culture sector is the heartbeat of a strong community and economy. As AUArts celebrates its centennial, we are partnering to showcase the transformative power of creativity. This partnership is a long-term commitment to Alberta's creative economy, ensuring that the work of diverse creators — including the vital voices of Indigenous artists — is woven into the spaces where our clients and team members live, work and bank."
- Krista Lauridsen, VP, Head of Real Estate, Facilities, Design & Construction, ATB Financial
This multi-year initiative will continue to expand, embedding Albertan creativity into ATB’s evolving environments and strengthening its role within Canada’s cultural fabric.
Celebrating alumni, strengthening connections
The initiative is also about creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to share their work, gain visibility and engage new audiences. The selected artists represent the depth, diversity and multigenerational strength of the AUArts alumni community.
They include William Armstrong (BFA ’23), Wes Bell (BFA ’11), Vian Esterhuizen (BFA ’25), Leia Guo (BFA ’22), Alexandra Haeseker (Dip ’68), Jenn Kitagawa (BDes ’11), Timothy Kozlik (BDes ’23), Karen Landrigan (BDes ’10), Presley Mills (BDes ’16), Hollis Parrott (BDes ’22), Mary Sanche (BDes ’17), Kristine Thoreson (BFA ’01), Levi Wedel (BFA ’04), and Adrianne Williams (BFA ’07).
“This partnership celebrates the strength of our alumni community and demonstrates what’s possible through collaboration — how initiatives like this spark engagement with AUArts alumni, deepen connections between the creative sector and communities, and bring creativity to day-to-day life.”
- Jessica O’Connell, Executive Director, External Relations, AUArts
A shared vision for the future
The selected artworks explore optimism, the journey ahead and possibility — capturing Alberta’s resilient and empowering spirit. Together, they reflect a shared vision between AUArts and ATB Financial: one where creativity is not confined to galleries. It’s embedded in the spaces where people gather, work and build their futures. By investing in the arts, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to the vibrancy of Alberta’s communities — and to the artists who help define them.
As installations roll out across ATB locations, these spaces will become places of reflection, connection and inspiration for all Albertans.
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Alumni Profile Directory
Submit your bio and images of your work to the AUArts Alumni Profile Directory – this purpose-built digital platform is a showcase for multigenerational alumni from AUArts, ACAD, ACA and PITA.
This visual directory will support alumni at every stage of their creative careers, helping audiences, collaborators, peers, industry and communities discover your work.
Top row (L-R): William Armstrong (BFA ’23), Vian Esterhuizen (BFA ’25), Mary Sanche (BDes ’17)
Second row (L-R): Kristine Thoreson (BFA ’01), Leia Guo (BFA ’22)
Third row (L-R): Alexandra Haeseker (Dip ’68), Adrianne Williams (BFA ’07), Presley Mills (BDes ’16), Timothy Kozlik (BDes ’23)
Bottom row (L-R): Karen Landrigan (BDes ’10), Jenn Kitagawa (BDes ’11), Wes Bell (BFA ’11), Hollis Parrott (BDes ’22), Levi Wedel (BFA ’04)
