Jenifer Darbellay Memorial Award

Jenifer Darbellay was an accomplished costume designer in theatre, a painter, illustrator and a beloved member of creative communities in Calgary and Vancouver. Born in 1974, Jenifer graduated from ACAD, now known as the Alberta University of the Arts, with a Diploma in Visual Arts (Textiles, with Distinction) in 1996 receiving the Board of Governors award. The following year, she completed a Bachelor of Fine Art (Textiles). Jenifer designed for many theatres and venues in Calgary, including Theatre Calgary, 

Alberta Theatre Projects and the Grandstand Show for the Calgary Stampede. She won 3 Betty Mitchell awards for her design work while living in Calgary. She then moved to Vancouver and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Design in 2008 from the University of British Columbia. Jenifer painted in acrylics and used watercolours to sketch her costume designs. She often donated her works to help raise money for groups like Alberta Theatre Projects. As a costume designer, Jenifer is known for her work on Control Alt Delete (2008) and The Midnapore Cycle (2010).

On April 26, 2025, Jenifer died after being struck by an SUV during the tragic events of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is survived by her husband, Noel Johansen, their seven-year-old daughter, Darby, their fifteen-year-old son, Ford, their extended families and many friends. Jenifer’s social media bio reads: “A painter. Mommy. Lover of the long game. Voice of Tinker Bell. Strength of Amazons. Wings and Umbrellas Enthusiast. Witchy warrior. Angels.” Friends and family describe Jenifer as selfless — someone who always puts others first, a friend to everyone, and an old soul. She will be remembered for her love of life, friends, family and art.