Since its founding, the University of Alberta has commemorated its presidents, chancellors and other significant individuals through commissioned portraits.
The U of A Museums Art Collection currently holds more than 30 such portraits, including the portraits of past university presidents on display in the South Academic Building on North Campus:
“David, it will be an honour to hang your portrait alongside these distinguished leaders.”
— Kate Chisholm, Board Chair
President Turpin’s portrait was unveiled before an uncharacteristically small gathering (due to COVID-restrictions) on June 18, 2020. The portrait was sponsored entirely by generous donors.
The piece was painted by internationally renowned portrait artist David Goatley. It is the third presidential portrait he has painted for the U of A, as he painted presidents emeriti Rod Fraser and Indira Samarasekera. He also painted President Turpin when he completed his term as President of the University of Victoria.
President Turpin’s portrait has been installed in the South Academic Building as part of a newly refreshed exhibition in the hallway outside the President’s Office.
Both the portrait and the sketch on which it is based officially join the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection. President Turpin has been presented with a framed reproduction.
