Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) honoured the ceramics and paintings of the late Robert Weghsteen and his wife, Joanne, through an exhibition entitled “Kiln and Canvas” and a scholarship that continues their creative legacy.
Inspired by their imaginative upbringing, the Weghsteen family created the Robert Weghsteen Memorial Graduate Scholarship at ECU to support graduate students with a ceramics-focus to develop their creativity. Since its inception in 2017, the scholarship has helped seven students pursue their artistic vision, ensuring that the Weghsteens’ legacy continues into ECU’s second century.
For Kevin Bertram, Development Officer, the scholarship highlights the importance of elevating emerging ceramicists at ECU.
“It’s amazing that there’s a focus on ceramics. It’s sometimes overlooked when it comes to awards and scholarships, so it feels special to be able to validate that for students and let them know they’re supported,” said Kevin. “This exhibition was a great opportunity to show students people from a different time and how they made it as an artist family.”
At the exhibition reception, Kevin introduced Joanne and Nicole to Caitlin Ffrench (MFA 2024), a recipient of the scholarship in 2022. For Caitlin, it was a moment to thank the Weghsteens for supporting her artistic journey.
“Honestly, it really helped with my imposter syndrome. I started doing ceramics in 2019 as part of my practice because I wanted to do something with my hands. Ceramics became part of my practice, especially as a land-based artist working with mineral pigments. It just made sense,” said Caitlin.
“Receiving this award, which is specifically for ceramic artists, shifted that imposter syndrome for me. I kept thinking, ‘Oh, I’m just playing with dirt.’ But then I realized, ‘Yes, I’m playing with dirt, and it’s part of my practice.’ And that’s exciting.”
Caitlin advises the next batch of ceramicists and artists at ECU to think of their work as connected to the land, much as Robert and Joanne’s work is tied to the region.
“It’s incredible because what you’re doing isn’t just making a cup or a pot or some sort of piece, but it’s also that you’re engaging with the land in a way that feels as if you’re developing a kinship. You actually have hands in the earth, and you get to hold the land.”
The Artists Behind the Scholarship
Robert and Joanne shared a connection to the Vancouver School of Art, now ECU. Joanne studied painting there for three years before pursuing further studies at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, England, where she met Robert. They married in 1953 and returned to British Columbia, where Robert became a ceramics instructor at the Vancouver School of Art, mentoring generations of artists.
Creativity characterized the Weghsteen household. From their old chicken farm in Langley, with its large barn and workshop, to afternoon painting sessions with neighbourhood children, art was woven into daily life.
“Growing up, we were never allowed to say we were bored,” said Nicole Weghsteen, their daughter. “If we even hinted at it, my brothers and I would suddenly find ourselves sitting at the table with a piece of paper, pencils, crayons and all the drawing supplies laid out in front of us. And we’d just start drawing. There was always something to make or create.”
Honouring the Weghsteen Couple
In February, the ECU Library mezzanine was transformed into a multidisciplinary exhibition space where Robert Weghsteen’s ceramics and ephemera were displayed alongside the vibrant paintings and prints of his wife, Joanne Weghsteen.
The exhibition emerged when Joanne’s daughter, Nicole, proposed donating some of Robert’s work as the family downsized. In discussions with Kevin Bertram, Development Officer, and Hillary Webb, Systems + Technical Services Librarian, the trio decided to use the Library mezzanine to showcase Robert’s work and highlight Joanne’s role as a painter and printmaker.
“The show was about honouring the artists they both are. Over the years, a lot of my mom’s work was sold and distributed,” said Nicole. “She went to Capilano College and studied printmaking for about a year. She explored many techniques, including silkscreen, block prints, woodcuts, linocuts and etchings. It revealed another side of her creativity.”
Capturing this sense of wonder and fondness for the land was something co-curators Kevin and Hillary kept in mind when selecting certain pieces for the show. From the Super 8 footage Robert shot of his artistic process with the lush forests behind him, to Joanne’s linocut portraits and etchings of the sunflowers around their property, the exhibition illuminated how deeply their creative lives were rooted in place.
“Robert was forward-thinking in documenting the process himself. He would set up a tripod and film himself,” said Hillary. “He had all the editing equipment, splicing it together so that it could run as a complete piece. It’s such a beautiful work because it shows people the whole process from start to finish, and what their spaces looked like.”
These selections helped shape the exhibition, highlighting the partnership between Robert and Joanne, who were equals in their artistic practices and their daily lives.
Through the Kiln and Canvas exhibition and the Robert Weghsteen Memorial Graduate Scholarship, Robert and Joanne’s creativity and generosity continue to shape emerging artists, leaving a lasting mark on ECU as we celebrate our centennial year.
Find out more information on the Robert Weghsteen Memorial Graduate Scholarship and donation details here.
100 Years of Creativity: The Stories that Shaped Us
As part of Emily Carr University’s centennial celebrations and our ‘100 Years of Creativity’ campaign, we are sharing stories that spotlight the creativity, resilience and impact of our community over the past 100 years. These stories feature the people, projects, places and ideas that have shaped ECU, reminding us of our shared legacy while inspiring the future. By revisiting past milestones and sharing new ones, we honour the many voices that built our institution and continue to guide its path forward.
For more information about ECU 100 centennial celebrations, upcoming events and stories, visit our webpage.