Artwork donations are being collected for a silent auction in support of the Jenifer Darbellay Memorial Award. The fundraiser will take place in March 2026.
Jenifer Darbellay was an AUArts alum (Diploma Textiles 1996 / BFA Textiles 1997) who graduated with distinction and received the Board of Governors' Award.
Jenifer was an accomplished costume designer in theatre, painter, illustrator and a beloved member of creative communities in Calgary and Vancouver. 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.
The Jenifer Darbellay Memorial Award has been initiated by Jenifer’s former classmates as a tribute to Jenifer's life and work as an artist and costume designer. The award will directly support AUArts students pursuing a concentration in Fibre.
Jenifer's classmates are raising funds for the Jenifer Darbellay Memorial Award with a wearable-art themed silent auction to be held this spring on April 9, 2026. They are currently accepting donations of original, creative work that aligns with their theme, including handmade wearables in all mediums and fashion/costume themed paintings, photographs or illustrations. Jenifer Darbellay’s own creative work often incorporated florals and exuberant colour. Her favorite flowers were lilacs, cosmos and cherry blossoms. Submissions in this spirit are encouraged to make this event a colourful and beautiful tribute! Please send an email to jolie.bird@auarts.ca for more information.
All works must be delivered no later than March 15, 2026, to:
Jolie Bird
c/o Fibre Program, School of Craft & Emerging Media
Alberta University of the Arts
1407 14 AVE NW,
Calgary AB, T2N 4R3
