Notice Board

Condolence Notice — Dr. Joan Stebbins (BFA – Art ’79, DFA ’09)

The University of Lethbridge extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Joan Stebbins, who passed away on Dec. 13 at the age of 84. 

After earning a BFA with majors in literature and studio art, Stebbins was hired by the Southern Alberta Art Gallery as a weekend front-desk person. Within a year, she was invited to assume curatorial work. In this position, she advanced through the ranks and ultimately became Director/Curator. After 15 years, she hired a new director and continued as curator for another 15 years.

For her work, Stebbins was awarded the Order of Canada, Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award. She is credited with turning a small prairie gallery into a nationally recognized institution and introducing southern Albertans to cutting-edge art from across Canada, Europe and the Pacific Rim. For her contributions to the arts in southern Alberta, ULethbridge awarded her an honorary degree in 2009.

An obituary can be found online at Martin Brothers.

This notice will be updated as more information becomes available.