Thea Sleight (BFA - Art '21) curates a career through care, curiosity and community

Thea Sleight (BFA - Art '21) knows that a life in the arts rarely follows a straight line, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. From studying Art History & Museum Studies to working at the Whyte Museum, Walter Phillips Gallery and now coordinating travelling exhibitions, Thea has followed her curiosity wherever it leads. Along the way, she’s built a career rooted in art, community, connection and a willingness to take big swings.

Meet Thea. Curious. Intuitive. Playful.

What inspires your creative practice?

I would say it mostly boils down to cheekiness, mysticism, transgression and tenderness. My favourite ways to eat these things are through music, books and art, of course! I particularly love the affective ability of language; how certain words in certain combinations can provoke certain emotional and physical sensations.

In general though, I just love talking and spending time with people, both loved ones and strangers. Conversations and encounters often present new ideas or offer alternative angles that I never would have arrived to, so I also think of social time as essential to my creative practice.

Why is it important to support arts communities and foster talent for future generations?

I find this difficult to answer because it feels too obvious to articulate properly or succinctly. I think we can recognize that things are looking pretty grisly out there — quotidian fascistic and genocidal horrors, eco crisis, artificial intelligence, late-stage capitalism, to name a few — but art still feels like ours.

To create from ourselves is to translate, transmute and document our curiosities, sore spots, desires, fears, and exaltations. Art is evidence of consciousness, care and existence. It is a kind of power that cannot be easily extinguished. So to support and protect the arts now and into the future feels obvious, because these are also acts of self-preservation.

Why did you choose to pursue fine arts at the University of Lethbridge?

I had always loved art — both making and consuming it — so when I was younger thinking about what I would like to do with myself in the future, I always imagined a proximity to art in some way.

In my senior year of high school I found myself pulled between pursuing art therapy and art conservation — neither of which felt exactly right — when a teacher told me this fantastic story of an acquaintance of his who went to the University of Lethbridge for art history. After receiving his education, his acquaintance went on to living this gorgeous life as an art consultant, travelling and buying amazing art for clients, before becoming an artistic director somewhere. The story totally grabbed me, and I thought “what sort of things could I myself do with art history?” And so far, I’ve been having a really gorgeous time.

What was your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

I was grateful to receive the Faculty of Fine Arts Dean’s Internship Excellence Award to work at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Though it was 2020, and a strange time to be spending my days in a heritage house in Banff, I think of that time fondly for offering me realism and clarity about what it would mean to work in the arts full-time.

I catalogued around six hundred objects over a four month period, and it reiterated to me the importance of visual culture, archival practices, and the valuable work performed by arts and heritage workers. Having that experience near the end of my degree felt deeply gratifying — that after all this time, I still felt connected to the field I had chosen to place myself in. A really nice memory!

uLethbridge student completes Whyte Museum internship amid facility closures

Thea Sleight was able to safely complete a 12-week, paid internship at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies despite facility closures. The experience confirms she has followed her passions to the career of her dreams.

ULethbridge StoriesKelly Morris

What has your post-graduate journey looked like? How has your degree continued your professional and personal growth?

So far, my post-graduate experience has been steady and enriching! After graduation, I accepted a position at the Walter Phillips Gallery at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Then after a couple years there, I accepted my current position with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition (TREX) Program in southeast Alberta. I’ve found challenge and excitement in the diverse projects and responsibilities that have come with both of these roles, and have met so many fantastic collaborators, community members, friends and colleagues.

I always feel lucky to have gone through the Art History & Museum Studies program because it was essential in helping me develop a strong framework that I continually draw upon in my day-to-day.

Not only did the program encourage me to think, observe and relate critically and creatively, but the embedded aspect of internships within the degree gave me the opportunity to develop practical skills that have allowed me to find work in my chosen field.

My professors have continued to be wonderful supporters and resources, and I’m lucky to still connect with my cohort and fellow alumni as we navigate the arts together.

What is a recent career highlight?

I’m looking forward to sharing my latest curatorial project, Yebeyhia Biom * Hálong * Until Then, featuring a collection of works from Ghanaian fashion designer Halimatu Sadia Mohammed and Filipina/Mestiza textile maker Dinah Gaston — whom I would like to highlight is a fellow graduate of the University’s Art History & Museum Studies program!

The presented collection traces memories and deep familial histories to impart personal stories of identity, migration, displacement, and belonging. Together, they consider the connective properties of textiles in communicating with strangers, new friends, and loved ones in the homeland and across the diaspora.

The exhibition is on view from October 10 - March 27, 2027 at the Esplanade Art & Heritage Centre’s Project Space! If you find yourself in Medicine Hat during that time, come have a look!

What piece of advice would you give to students?

Take big swings and go out on a limb! Trust that you have capital “I” capital “T” ((IT)) and don’t let yourself be intimidated out of trying! Place yourself in discomfort and see what happens.