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A Red Deer Polytechnic instructor is being recognized for excellence in teaching across Alberta.
Marnie Blair, a Visual Art instructor at the Polytechnic, has received the 2026 Distinguished Instructor Award from the Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association (ACIFA).
The prestigious award honours outstanding post-secondary educators for their commitment to students, teaching and learning.
Committed instructor
“Marnie’s commitment to fostering creativity and technical skill in her students is extraordinary,” said Dr. Robbie Halonen. “Receiving nominations from both colleagues and learners speaks volumes about the impact she has on our academic community.”
Blair, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Lakehead University and a Master of Fine Arts from University of Calgary, says her passion for teaching shapes her approach in the classroom.
“At its core, teaching is about creating the conditions for students to take risks, fail, find their voice and build something meaningful,” she said.
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International experiences
Her work is also influenced by international study experiences at the Royal College of Art (London, England), and Studio Art Centres International (Florence,Italy), helping bring global perspectives into her teaching.
Blair’s role has also led to interdisciplinary collaboration through RDP’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre, where she integrates art with health, humanities and emerging technologies.
“The polytechnic model is a great fit for my practice as an artist,” Blair said. “My research sits at the intersection of art, women’s health, medical humanities and technology.”
She received the award at the 2026 ACIFA Conference, held May 3 to 5 in Jasper Alberta, where she also delivered a presentation titled Collective Care and Creative Risk.
** With information from Red Deer Polytechnic.
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