SWIFT CURRENT: Amongst friends, students and staff, Helen Phillippi, artist and Great Plains College University alumna, proudly unveiled her artwork, “Celebratory Constructions”, that has been provided for display in the Swift Current Campus foyer.
Phillippi began her University studies at Great Plains College in 2008 after weighing financial costs and the locations available to complete a Fine Arts degree. The combination of the University of Regina and Great Plains College, which offers University of Regina classes, was a welcome solution to start pursuing her life-long goal.
“The intimate learning environment and the guidance of staff and instructors during my first two years of studies, helped me achieve great results,” said Phillippi.
She has since completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree majoring in visual arts (open studio) in painting and ceramics. In 2012, she achieved scholarships and academic awards including an earned spot on the Dean’s list, the Gene B. Ciuca Memorial Scholarship and Gaynel McCaw Memorial Scholarship in Fine Arts.
Phillippi graduated from the University of Regina with distinction in the fall of 2013 and received the distinguished University Prize in Fine Arts and the Faculty of Fine Arts Dean's Medal.
“The intent of my work is to highlight awareness and stress the relationship and important role aesthetics of public art and architecture play in the communities we live and congregate in,” said Phillippi.
“Celebratory Constructions” was one of the art pieces Phillippi completed during her studies at the University of Regina. Due to the artwork’s size—it is nine feet by eleven feet—she had to store it in the dark for three years. She was keen to find a public space to display it.
“I contemplated on a solution to raise this work out of the darkness. I concluded that if it was to have a greater purpose, it should serve as a symbol of mentorship in an educational institution,” she explained. It was then she approached Great Plains College.
“I feel honoured and privileged to have found a genuine purpose for my work. “Celebratory Constructions” is a reflection of my journey and serves to promote the importance of art education and inspire students of any age to achieve and meet success in their educational goals,” she said.
Great Plains College frequently celebrates the success of their alumni and was eager to display the artwork provided by Phillippi.
“We invest in our students and help them achieve success in their chosen education path. We are honoured that Helen has chosen the college to display her artwork and hope that it will serve her purpose and inspire learners of all ages to achieve their academic goals,” said Karen Richmond, Great Plains College region manager.
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Elizabeth Heatcoat - Great Plains College
Communications Coordinator
Phone: (306) 778-5498
Email: elizabethh@greatplainscollege.ca