Education News Autumn 2019 | Page 11

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT : HUMANITARIAN AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

AWARDS

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT : HUMANITARIAN AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

new community : other cancer survivors . She realized that she wanted to use her art to give back to her family , friends , other survivors , her doctor , and social work team for all the “ amazing ” care and support she received . Channelling her artistic talent , she teamed up with photographer Kiriako Latridis to launch the " Five Stages Art Show ," exploring the grief she experienced throughout her cancer journey . The incredibly successful show raised a total of $ 47,000 for cancer care through Hospitals of Regina Foundation and $ 16,000 for the Allan Blair Cancer Centre .
Urzada with opportunities to grow as an individual , an artist , and as a part of a larger community .
Her time at the University of Regina provided Urzada with , “ a place to explore , make mistakes , and be creative .” A proud University of Regina alumna , Urzada is honoured to have been nominated for this award and thankful to have her work recognized in this way . Urzada ’ s connection to the University will continue ; she is planning to return to her alma mater to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree .
With the cancer in remission , Urzada launched Arthouse , a small business where she is able to work as a commissioned artist , as well as facilitate arts-based programs and free art classes for cancer patients and survivors .
By University Advancement and Communications . Photo credits : University of R Photography
Brianne Urzada BEd ' 12 / BA ' 12
Life threw Brianne Urzada a curveball when at 23 she was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin ’ s lymphoma . While undergoing chemotherapy , the arts educator realized she could not control her cancer , but she could control how she recovered .
Over eight months and six rounds of chemo treatment , Urzada discovered a
“ I see the same resilience in other survivors that I recognize in myself and a strong sense of community and understanding develop ,” observes Urzada who , in May 2019 , hosted a solo exhibition , " Someone You Know ," featuring painted portraits of 12 women from the Arthouse classes .
Growing up on a grain farm , Urzada learned the value of community and how a tight knit group of neighbours can foster a sense of communal compassion , generosity , and accountability . Earning her Arts Education and Arts degrees at the University of Regina provided
Education News | Page 11