St. Mary’s University Partnership Expanding

Having St. Mary’s University as a neighbour to Fish Creek is a unique opportunity that offers many possibilities for residents. Before the pandemic, concert outings to the SMU Choir were one of the most looked-forward-to events at Fish Creek.

Now the partnership is expanding to include the Art History Department, hopefully the drama department, and possibly teaming with SMU on research related to aging.

- Jill LaForty, United’s Music and Partnerships Director 

Pop was an art form that rejected what it saw was the ‘angst’ (the poetic inner world of the artist) of the post-war era, for the all-pervasiveness of pop culture. It was an art that took everyday objects, consumer packaging and celebrities and elevated them to the level of fine art.

- Dr. Boyle, Art History Lecturer at St Mary's University

I learned an awful lot about contemporary art. Hugh Balkwill said, "My image of pop art was just Andy Warhol but the presentation covered the evolution of it." It was very interesting.

- Ralph Brinkhurst, United Resident

United has several wonderful working artists on staff who lead hands-on art projects and offer talks around a variety of subjects to residents. Professor Boyle’s talk added a different dimension that complements what we are already doing. She brings an art historian’s eye to the table. That’s the beauty of the partnerships; being able to bring specific expertise into the community as further enrichment.

- Jill LaForty, United’s Music and Partnerships Director