At the University of Lethbridge, the Faculty of Fine Arts continues to lead with passion, purpose and vision — a commitment fully realized through the success of its 2025 Abbondànza celebration.
More than just a fundraising dinner, Abbondànza (Italian for abundance) has become a cornerstone of the Faculty’s mission to spotlight student talent and support the next generation of artists. For over 20 years, Abbondànza has brought conga lines, sing-alongs, serenading chefs, performances, auctions and more in a celebration of creativity, community and generosity.
The revival of Abbondànza brought friends and arts patrons together to celebrate the arts and take in the awe-inspiring works and spaces present in the Faculty. Together, we set a new funding record that will support the creative and professional development of students for years to come.
Photos by Austin Knibb (BFA - New Media '20).
An Evening of Decadence, Connection and Friendship
From the moment guests stepped on campus, they were warmly welcomed into an atmosphere of celebration in the University Centre for the Arts building. Attendees mingled among student and alumni artworks, with occasional breaks for standout performances from the University Singers and from the Trombone Quartet.
VIP experiences during the event included a behind-the-scenes look at significant artwork from the University's renowned art collection and a tour of the Art Gallery's current Hess Gallery exhibition, Horizon Lines, curated by student Victoria Lasalle, in addition to a historical costume demonstration with the University Costume Shop.
Abbondànza guests were treated to several musical performances over the night, starting with acoustic guitarist Dale Ketcheson, and piano performances from Alumni Association President Cyndi Crane (BMus '95, MEd '01), Robert Habetler and Music faculty Drs. Brad Parker and Deanna Oye, showcasing the musical talent of Fine Arts employees and alumni.
Dinner, catered by Fresh Fork, was a special and curated affair. Attendees shared antipasto plates, dined on a luxurious meal with a nod to Blackfoot culture, sipped exquisite wines and toasted the Faculty of Fine Arts. Pledge challenges throughout the night asked guests to show their support for the Abbondànza endowment, as previous award recipient and alumna Nicole Wilkinson (BFA - Art '18) shared how receiving the award supported her creative and career goals.
Highlights of the evening included performances from previous Department of Drama Mainstage productions; a number from the sold-out show Jesus Christ Superstar, and a David Bowie inspired number from the sci-fi cabaret, AI, Avatars & Aliens.
Capping off the night was a thrilling live auction, where exclusive Fine Arts experiences from each department was auctioned off, including the featured artwork for the event, Mirrored Image of My Mother by artist Leah Evans (BFA - Art '24). As Abbondànza wrapped up for the night, guests were able to check out Vibe Fest, which was running concurrently with Abbondànza.
Photos by Austin Knibb (BFA - New Media '20).
Building a Legacy of Art, Experience and Abundance
This year’s Abbondànza raised a record amount for the endowment, with attendees and sponsors contributing more than $70,000 before and during the festivities. Thanks to the generous matching from the Board of Governors, all net proceeds from this year’s Abbondànza will be doubled, creating new funds dedicated to supporting experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for Fine Arts students.
"Abbondànza unites those who believe in the arts and in arts education," says Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. "This year, we’re continuing that legacy by creating new awards in the endowment for experiential learning — such as internships, artist residencies and practicums — offering our students hands-on, real-world experiences."
"These experiences help our students gain confidence, build professional networks and transition from the classroom to careers in the cultural sector, further shaping their futures and engaging our communities through creative partnerships."
Photos by Austin Knibb (BFA - New Media '20).
Supporting Experiential and Work-Integrated Learning in Students
Internships, residencies and field placements give students the chance to translate their education into tangible career pathways, building practical skillsets that are essential to thriving in the cultural sector. These are not simply awards — they are launchpads. For alumna Nicole Wilkinson (BFA - Art '18), the Abbondànza Award did just that.
"The Abbondànza Award made me feel recognized and seen for my hard work and it gave me the chance to pursue an internship at the Galt Museum & Archives," she says. "That internship turned out to be a turning point in my life. It wasn’t just an opportunity to learn — it was where I found my calling".
"Supporting Fine Arts students creates possibilities far beyond the classroom. It fosters creativity, critical thinking and passion — qualities that shape our communities. Today, I’m fortunate to be working as a Curatorial Assistant with the University of Alberta Museums, continuing the work I started at the Galt Museum. Everything I learned there has been foundational to what I do now, and I carry it with me every day," Nicole adds.
The awards continue to make a meaningful difference for today’s students. First-year Abbondànza Award recipient Jin Lim-Harding shares, "ULethbridge was really my only choice for post-secondary due to its location, affordability and program reputation. I'm so grateful that I can attend and take part in the communities and activities of this institution, pursuing an education in the arts is a dream!"
Photos by Austin Knibb (BFA - New Media '20).
Showcasing Student Talent and Creativity Through All-Access Community Event
This year also marked a new chapter for Abbondànza as it was woven into the inaugural Vibe Fest — a bold, all-access event that opened the University Centre for the Arts to the public, creating a vibrant platform to showcase the work of students, employees and alumni. The combined celebration allowed the Faculty to bring world-class talent into full view and strengthen its connection to the broader arts community in southern Alberta.
From live performances and a costume fashion show to curated works from the University Art Collection, Abbondànza 2025 was a rich celebration of the arts in all its forms — joyful, provocative and inspiring.
Abbondànza and Vibe Fest are an example of ULethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Engage Communities. We proudly engage as a vibrant and present partner as we aim to generate knowledge and build capacity, foster mutual growth, address shared challenges and create pathways for communities to thrive.
At its heart, Abbondànza is about more than raising money, it’s about lifting students to new heights, affirming the transformative power of creative education and building a legacy that grows with every performance, every brushstroke and every note. In that spirit, the future of the arts at ULethbridge looks more abundant than ever.
While we look ahead to next year’s event, the opportunity to support Fine Arts students continues. Your gift to the Abbondànza Endowment helps emerging artists pursue their dreams and grow their talents.