Fine Arts Shining Student Kiyomi Scoville

Shining Student Kiyomi Scoville didn't plan to fall in love with art and art history, but found her calling through the University of Lethbridge Liberal Education program. Now nearing the end of her degree, Kiyomi reflects on her educational journey and the experiential learning opportunities she's been able to build her skillset through.

I've had the pleasure of completing two internships, one at the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery as a programming assistant, and another at the Galt Museum in Indigenous curation. Through these experiences, I was able to make lasting connections and gain real world experience in the fields I hope to find a career in. Moreover, during my time in Indigenous curation I was able to delve deeper into my own spirituality and understanding of community/what it means to support and be supported by the people in my community.

Meet Kiyomi. Optimist. Leader. Understanding.
Program: Bachelor of Arts | Major: Art

Why did you choose to pursue fine arts at ULethbridge?

I originally started out in 2018 as a Neuroscience/Mathematics student, but in my second year, I realized I didn't quite have enough passion in the sciences. After taking the Introduction to Art History course (ARHI 1000) as a part of a Liberal Education requirement, I discovered I loved learning about art and it was something I could talk about for hours. I felt like as long as I was passionate and hardworking, I could find success in it, and it was filled with community members I admired.

What inspires your artistic/musical practice?

Sharing stories and creating connections within and outside of my cultural community. During my art degree I realized not a lot of people in Southern Alberta understood the extent and impacts that the Second World War had on the Japanese-Canadian community. I feel a need to bridge gaps between cultures while at the same time honouring my ancestor's experiences. I'm also inspired by own experiences as an ethnically mixed woman and creating my art helps me understand my own identity.

Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge? Has your academic plan changed since you began your studies?

It changed greatly, I originally wanted to go into the medical or mathematics fields. I'm thankful for our Liberal Education program for helping guide me to what I actually wanted to do.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

My internships. I've had the pleasure of completing two internships, one at the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery as a programming assistant, and another at the Galt Museum in Indigenous curation.

Through these experiences, I was able to make lasting connections and gain real world experience in the fields I hope to find a career in. Moreover, during my time in Indigenous curation I was able to delve deeper into my own spirituality and understanding of community/what it means to support and be supported by the people in my community. I'm eternally grateful for these experiences and how they impacted me within and outside of my academics.

How have your professors or instructors impacted your education?

I'm lucky enough to be in a program with smaller classes, meaning that the professors are able to form closer relations with their students.

My professors have acted as mentors and have given me/made me aware of so many opportunities that I might have not pursued without their support. It's important to have someone tell you they believe in you.

Have you received any scholarships or awards? How have they impacted your education?

I've received multiple awards in Fine Arts, from the University, SAAG, Galt Museum and the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS). These awards made it possible for me to pursue projects without the worry of being able to support myself. They also made it so I could spend less time working part-time and could focus more on my academics/projects. The JCLS scholarship also burned a fire within me to continue projects that honoured my ancestors and connect more with my community.

Tell us about your experiential or work-integrated learning opportunities at ULethbridge and how these have enhanced your education?

They allowed me to gain experience and also opened my eyes to other career options within the arts community. I realized how many different jobs exist within fine arts and that I don't need to pinhole myself to only one. They also connected me more with the Lethbridge Community. I was able to interact and work with children, adults, Indigenous Elders and community members, artists and students.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I hope to find work in an art gallery/museum space but have decided to not limit myself to one specific career choice. My time at the University has taught me how much can change and how my path of self-discovery is a continuous process. I believe I will have many different positions and opportunities in my future and it's exciting.

What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

Put yourself out there. Join clubs, attend events, do the internships and create connections within and outside your community, with as many people as you can - you never know who might be able to help you in the future or who you may have an everlasting impact on. Also, never feel embarrassed or too proud to ask for help, whether that's from classmates or professors, we're all continually learning and the more support you have the less overwhelming it feels.