It's where the arts spill out into the world and the southern Alberta community gathers for a contemporary, immersive celebration of artistic excellence in the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts.
Vibe Fest and Abbondànza explore the full spectrum of emerging art practices across disciplines. The two events build community connections, celebrate creative innovation and showcase the value of arts education by bringing people directly into the world of contemporary artmaking.
Abbondànza takes place the evening of Friday, April 17, while Vibe Fest runs on Saturday, April 18 from 3-10 p.m. in the University Centre for the Arts.
Showcasing Student Artistic Excellence
Vibe Fest highlights the creative work of students, alumni and faculty, transforming the spaces in the Fine Arts into vibrant, interactive art experiences that are open to the public.
Abbondànza brings together our community's fine art supporters for an elevated evening of curated performance and theatrical expression. The Faculty's signature fundraising dinner and arts gala, Abbondànza raises funds for the Abbondànza endowment, supporting scholarships and experiential learning opportunities for Fine Arts students.
Each year, an art student in the Faculty is chosen as the featured artist, auctioning off an original piece of work as part of Abbondànza and having their work highlighted during Vibe Fest. Last year's featured artist was Leah Evans (BFA - Art '24).
This year's featured artist is Zoe Buckskin. A fourth-year Indigenous Art Studio student, Zoe is the 2025 recipient of the University of Lethbridge Spirit Prize, a unique award created to support the artistic development of emerging Indigenous visual artists.
Zoe Buckskin Creates Artwork for Abbondànza and Vibe Fest
The artwork featured in Abbondànza and Vibe Fest is titled Guided (2024) and was created in a drawing course that Zoe took.
"The project’s theme centred on mapping, and using geometric shapes and patterns, I developed a visual interpretation of framework as part of my personal healing journey," Zoe says.
"Incorporating line work, a restrained colour palette and organic forms, this piece reflects my connection to Blackfoot culture and serves as an act of reclamation through the creation of contemporary Blackfoot art."
Zoe's artistic practice encompasses both traditional and contemporary forms of art, integrating organic and modern materials to create works that reinterpret traditional Blackfoot artforms through a contemporary lens.
"My body of work includes a variety of tactile practices such as beading, sewing and embroidery, as well as welding, brazing and woodworking. I continue to expand my skills and artistic practice exploring larger scales, diverse materials, and greater complexity as I blend Blackfoot artistic traditions with personal expression," she says.
On having her work selected for Vibe Fest and Abbondànza, Zoe says she is deeply honoured by the recognition of her talent.
"Having my artwork displayed on a larger scale is a meaningful experience, and featuring Blackfoot representation in this space feels especially powerful. I am truly grateful for this opportunity."
See Zoe's work and more by Fine Arts students at Vibe Fest, explore all that the Faculty of Fine Arts has to offer and celebrate the immense talents of our students!