Choosing to study at the University of Lethbridge was both a practical and purposeful decision for Art Pre-Education student Kennedy Chinn. Wanting to stay close to home while building a strong academic foundation with a broad range of skills, she found balance in a program that encourages both artistic exploration and interdisciplinary learning.
"There are lots of opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, but it still maintains the small-town connections you can’t find elsewhere. Lethbridge has a 'big fish in a small pond' feel."
Kennedy is driven by the genuine enjoyment of the artistic practice. From ideas to execution, to problem-solving and experimenting, she thrives in the challenge of experimenting with new materials and approaches.
Kennedy's creative process is driven by her belief that art is a powerful way to communicate perspective and connect with others.
"Art has a balance of community and independence that I love; you are working towards your own goals alone, and then you can share that part of yourself with the world later."
Kennedy's mural in progress.
Creating Meaning Through Public Art
Kennedy’s artistic journey expanded into public art through a mural mentorship opportunity with the City of Lethbridge, where she created a mural within the City Centre transit hub, a bustling space for the community. Previously focused on painting detailed works on canvas, Kennedy says she embraced the challenge of working at a larger scale and in a public setting.
Her mural, Passing Spaces, reflects on the overlooked moments of everyday life. Inspired by the idea of "liminal spaces," Kennedy designed a detailed hallway scene that mirrors the experience of moving through transitional environments. The piece encourages viewers to slow down and recognize the beauty within routine moments, especially in spaces often passed through without a second thought.
"Something unique about public art is how it embodies the space it’s in. While other forms of art can be displayed for the public, this is a work created for it," Kennedy says.
"I also had to make note of what perspective it will be viewed from — it’s within a locked but windowed room, so the design had to translate well obstructed. I landed on the idea of a highly detailed hallway to parallel the bus station, as hallways are seen as something to quickly 'pass through'."
Passing Spaces, courtesy of the artist.
Creating art in a public setting brought new meaning to Kennedy's work. It removed traditional barriers between artist and audience, allowing community members to witness both the process and the final piece.
"Public art is important — it makes art accessible, and it feels so much more personal. Artists, including myself, tend to be anti-social creatures due to the nature of the work; hiding away in a studio. Public art is created with people in mind. It gets rid of the barrier that gallery entrance fees or curation can have."
A Passion for Learning and Creating
As she continues her studies, Kennedy is focused on becoming an interdisciplinary artist and educator. She embraces every opportunity to learn new skills, believing that each experience contributes to her creative and professional growth.
"I like the idea that everything you learn and do comes back to you in some way — and it’s becoming proven true more and more. Pursuing art on the side is such a privilege and I plan on doing as many projects as I can."
With a "Jack-of-all-trades" mentality, Kennedy has explored a wide range of creative outlets, from writing and directing theatre productions, to working as a journalist, producing murals, and conducting research on storytelling. Her love for learning and problem solving continues to guide her path, along with a desire to collaborate and contribute meaningfully to the creative community.