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Mya Trombley, Alumnus of the undergraduate History program in the College of Arts at the University of Guelph standing in front of the Gryphon statue on the U of G campus

U of G Graduate Highlights the Overlooked History of Black Women in the Cosmetics Industry

Many are familiar with Rihanna and her makeup brand Fenty Beauty, which made headlines for its groundbreaking shade range in foundation. Fewer, however, are familiar with the names of pioneers like Viola Desmond and Madame C.J. Walker, who developed cosmetics for Black women in early 20th century North America. University of Guelph History graduate Mya Trombley, the College of Arts’ 2025 nominee for the Winegard Medal, the University’s most prestigious undergraduate honour, is working to change that.  

Canisia Lubrin, assistant professor, School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing, University of Guelph, and coordinator, Creative Writing MFA (Guelph-Humber)

Redefining Writing: Canisia Lubrin Receives the Danuta Gleed Literary Award for "Code Noir"

Canisia Lubrin, assistant professor, School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing, College of Arts, University of Guelph, and coordinator, Creative Writing MFA (Guelph-Humber), has received the Danuta Gleed Literary Award for her publication, Code Noir. The Writers' Union of Canada website notes the award "[recognizes] the best first collection of short fiction by a Canadian author published in 2024 in the English language." 

 

 

Left to right: Sophie Lane, Sofia Mayer Piriz and Stefanie Menezes presenting at the Three-Minute Thesis College Heat at the University of Guelph on April 11, 2025

Three-Minute Thesis College Heat: College of Arts Graduate Students Explore Language, History and Teaching

What is Surzhyk and why is it important? How can we learn from past mistakes? How can the arts improve teaching in higher education? 

All of these questions (and more) were recently answered by College of Arts (COA) competitors at the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT ®) College Heat on April 11, 2025, held in the Alumni and Heritage Centre in the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Kimberly Francis, professor and director, School of Fine Art and Music, College of Arts, University of Guelph, stands on stage at War Memorial Hall, holding a bouquet. Beside her is the "Little Shop of Horrors" student ensemble standing around Audrey II, the symbolic carnivorous plant from the production.

"Little Shop of Horrors": The College of Arts’ First-Ever Musical a Huge Success

How far would you go for success? Seymour, a shy plant owner, finds himself keeping a big, dark secret with his prized plant that only grows from feeding on human blood. 

From February 28 through March 2, 2025, the School of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM) and the School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing (SOTEC) in the College of Arts (COA) at the University of Guelph presented the College's first musical theatre performance of Little Shop of Horrors at War Memorial Hall to over 1,200 attendees. 

University of Guelph community members walking on campus

University of Guelph Choir Presents Considering Matthew Shepard in Tribute to LGBTQ2IA+ Community

On Saturday, April 5, the University of Guelph Choirs, in collaboration with the College of Arts and the School of Fine Art and Music, will present “Considering Matthew Shepard,” an oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson, at Harcourt Memorial United Church in Guelph. The performance, featuring U of G Choirs, Alumni soloists Lesley Bouza, soprano, and Jordan Scholl, bass, and the Guelph Chamber Players orchestra, will follow a pre-concert discussion at 7:45 p.m. that invites audience members to engage with the work's themes of justice, compassion and remembrance.