Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Library is full of books — and now also brushstrokes.
On display throughout the university’s four library locations are 49 artworks created by students from various fields of study.
“When we launched this initiative, our goal was to make our library spaces more inviting, representative and inspirational for the KPU community,” says Todd Mundle, University Librarian at KPU. “By providing these spaces, we hope to inspire students and provide a venue to showcase their creative work to a wider audience.”
What began in 2023 has blossomed into a vibrant student art exhibition, supported by the Office of the Provost and made possible by members of the KPU Library Art Committee. The initiative aims to foster student creativity and strengthen community within the university.
The 17 participating students this year represent numerous programs at KPU, including information technology, criminology, fine arts, Traditional Chinese Medicine, graphic design, psychology and business.
Second-year fine arts student Frida Monlui has two artworks on display at the KPU Richmond library. “Blooming” is a painting depicting a person surrounded by pink cherry blossoms enjoying a moment in the breeze.
“What inspired me is that beauty is at a hand’s reach. You don’t need to go too far to see beautiful things. In Richmond, the city I was born in, we can be surrounded by beautiful nature, and I wanted to appreciate and pay tribute to the nature by doing this painting.”
Her second piece, “A Memory,” is an oil painting portrait on a wood panel, representing a memory of a faded friendship. Through her art, Monlui hopes to help and inspire others in their life journeys.
“I feel that as the world becomes more AI dominated, the humanity, which is the basic principle that we ought to have, is sadly fading. I’m passionate to help people connect to themselves through art and hopefully that’s what the future holds for me.”
Fine arts student Susan Pellaers has paintings installed at KPU Richmond and KPU Tech in Cloverdale. Pellaers has also shown her work in some community shows and through opportunities created by the student-run KPU Arts Collective.
“The main part of being an artist is having your work seen. Art is that outlet I have to say what I need to say, and hopefully other people will connect to it,” she says. “I hope students can see the artistry, the skill level, in those paintings. But the artwork can still communicate something and make you feel something. I hope it inspires people.”
Pellaers says she’s always considered herself a painter, but never found the opportunity to pursue a career in it. Having returned to university as a mature student, Pellaers has placed a new importance on spending time creating art.
“I’m a stay-at-home-mom. I always felt guilty when using my time to paint. I wasn’t really prepared for how much I would learn in this program. It gave me permission to create and spend my time on art,” she says. “The fine arts program has been so welcoming.”
Students across all campuses and programs are welcome to participate in the KPU Library art initiative, and all mediums and varieties of artwork are encouraged.
The artwork can be viewed throughout campus libraries during regular library hours.