The André Biéler Lecture Series: Art, Ecology and Responsive Environments

October 1st 2026

The Queen's Bachelor of Fine Art program was founded nearly 60 years ago by André Biéler—a Canadian painter and teacher, the first director of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, and the organizer of the 1941 Kingston Conference at Queen’s that helped set the Canada Council for the Arts in motion. To honour his legacy, we launched the André Biéler Lecture in 2025. The 2026 lecture featured internationally renowned artists Marlene Creates and Philip Beesley, both of whom began their journeys at Queen’s. Creates and Beesley sparked fresh thinking about the connections between art and the environment. Their talks inspired thoughtful questions and lively conversation, making the evening a true success. Attendees shared:

“Marlene Creates and Philip Beesley treated us to a magical Biéler Lecture. The whole inspiring event proved that art nourishes and enlivens our spirits.”— Pierre du Prey, Professor and Queen’s Research Chair Emeritus

“Over the course of his life, Andre Bieler carved a path for artists in Canada to be seen, heard, and supported.

The Andre Bieler Lecture reminded me of the critical role of art in questioning the status quo, providing an answer to world events, and perhaps especially, the hope that lies in artistic creation. I found the Andre Bieler lecture to be mind-expanding and heart-enlarging.”— Chancellor Shelagh Rogers, Queen’s University

“Congratulations on your talk last night! It was fantastic

Thought provoking

The whole evening was quite wonderful” -Andre Sorensen (grandson of André Biéler)