With equal parts talent, discipline and generosity, Kiara Pike (BFA - Art ’26) has emerged from the University of Lethbridge a compelling young artist. Drawn early to Art Studio, she distinguished herself through both her academic excellence and her commitment to uplifting others.
From mentoring peers to volunteering with the Art Society, Kiara has helped make creative spaces more accessible across campus. Gaining recognition during her studies through awards, exhibitions and a prestigious residency at the Gushul Studios, Kiara’s journey not only encompasses artistic achievement, but demonstrates a deep commitment to community and curiosity.
Meet Kiara.
Medal won: Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal
Program: Bachelor Fine Arts - Art | Major: Art Studio
Describe your ULethbridge experience in three words.
Interdisciplinary. Community-oriented. Fun.
What drew you to your program?
Throughout my entire life, I have been drawn towards creating and making art. I decided to pursue the arts in university to learn more about making art in a professional sense. Through the University of Lethbridge’s Fine Arts programming, I learned to love art practices I knew nothing and very little about, opening doors to multiple new experiences.
I chose to take Art Studio at ULethbridge for their interdisciplinary approach to courses. Here, I was able to pursue multiple art studios and art practices, developing my primary practices of printmaking and lost-wax bronze sculpture.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?
I had many memorable ULethbridge experiences, especially being actively involved in the ULSU Art Society and facilitating art workshops for the student body. Although I would say that my most memorable experience at university was helping out with the bronze pour in the Winter 2026 semester. Physically pouring the molten bronze with Studio Technician Trent Hoover was one of the most exciting things I’ve done and has inspired me to continue to pursue bronze work.
Did you have an experiential learning opportunity that deepened your work?
In 2025, I received the Gushul Residency Prize to stay at the Gushul Art Studio in Blairmore, Alberta. This opportunity allowed me the time and space to create which deepened my relationship with what it means to be a contemporary, practicing artist. Living in Blairmore during the residency was peaceful and engaging, connecting to why I was making art. The body of work I made during this period was on display at ULethbridge and was exhibited at Casa from March - May 2026 as part of the Retrieval Cues show.
Images courtesy Kiara Pike.
Were there any courses, professors, or experiences that changed your perspective?
There were many experiences and professors that changed my perspective from when I started my university degree. Professor Katie Bruce introduced me to the art of printmaking, a studio practice that I fell fast in love with.
Katie is an important mentor to me in both life and art, encouraging creative risk and new discoveries, promoting depth of thought and inquiry, while teaching me to become comfortable with the unknown.
A course that changed my perspective was professor Mandy Espezel’s Painting in the Expanded Field. This course challenged my idea of space, learning to experiment with scale and opening the door to what I made in the latter half of my program.
I also think that the Art Studio Technicians, Mary-Anne McTrowe and Trent Hoover, had a very positive influence on my university career. With them to support my large-scale and constructively challenging ideas, I was able to build my interest in and learn more about steel and bronze sculpture.
What does this academic recognition mean to you?
To be on stage receiving the Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal Award was a momentous occasion. It means a lot to me to receive this level of academic recognition. This award reaffirms my decisions to pursue a career I am passionate about and has been a gratifying conclusion to my undergraduate degree.
What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at ULethbridge?
One of the most important lessons I learned at ULethbridge was from professor Katie Bruce: To be comfortable with the unknown. I also learned more about the importance of conversation and talking about your ideas, thoughts, and questions to those around you.
I think that, in part, success comes from who you choose to surround yourself with, and I am grateful to be surrounded by supportive, inquisitive, and creative friends and mentors to talk to and bounce ideas off of. Being open to new experiences and learning opportunities at university paved the way for deep and contemplative conversations, appreciating the mundane, new, and unknown.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be pursuing a graduate program in fine arts in the near future. I hope to continue working in the arts community of Lethbridge, engaging with the new friends and mentors I have made during my time at university. I will continue developing my current body of work, researching, bird watching, and making art.
What advice would you give to those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge? What would you tell your first-year self?
Community is your best friend. Attending public programming events and becoming involved in ULSU clubs introduced me to new people and opportunities. Try a bit of everything while at university, you never know what you end up discovering about yourself.
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