Fine Arts program receives major equipment donation

Students in the Fine Arts and Visual Arts (FAVA) program at Nipissing University are benefiting from new professional‑grade studio equipment, thanks to a generous donation.

A new UV exposure unit has been installed in Monastery Hall, significantly improving the screen‑printing process used in coursework, independent projects, and outreach activities. The purchase of the unit was made possible by a generous donation from Professor Emeritus, Dr. Dennis Geden, and his wife, Sandie, in memory of Dr. James Redpath, former Chancellor of Nipissing University, and longtime supporter of the arts and Nipissing’s FAVA program.

The UV exposure unit is integral to the screen-printing process of making stencils using photographic emulsion and ultraviolet light. It replaces an aging unit, enabling students to create screens for printmaking with greater speed and ease.

“This equipment is going to have a big impact for students” says Katelyn Adams, fourth-year student at Nipissing University and Chair of the University’s Art Society.  “As a printmaker, I’m excited to use this for my own work, in addition to making use of it for the Fine Arts Society events. It’ll make a great addition to the studios at Monastery Hall.”

The exposure unit will be used in the screen-printing course, as well as upper-year courses such as Advanced 2D Studio, and Directed Studio Research and Professional Practice. Additionally, FAVA runs numerous outreach workshops in screen printing each year for high school students.

“There is a remarkable difference in the consistency and predictability of results with a professional grade unit like this one,” said Laura Peturson, Associate Professor of Fine Arts and Visual Arts. “It will influence the level of ambition and complexity in student projects.”

The program’s faculty, staff, and students extend their warmest thanks to the Geden family for their generous donation.