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Owen wins lifetime achievement at arts awards

More than a dozen Hamilton artists honoured

Posted: May 14, 2012 10:03 PM ET

Last Updated: May 14, 2012 10:02 PM ET

Banda de Portuguese Hamilton perform at the City of Hamilton Arts Awards at Monday night. (Jeremy Freiburger/CoBALT Connects) Banda de Portuguese Hamilton perform at the City of Hamilton Arts Awards at Monday night. (Jeremy Freiburger/CoBALT Connects)

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A Hamilton artist with a long career in wardrobe, props and set design has been honoured for lifetime achievement at the City of Hamilton Arts Awards.

For nearly 50 years, Richard Owen has worked in professional theatre and television production. He was honoured, along with 18 other artists, at a ceremony at Mohawk College on Monday night.

Owen has done scenery and costumes for children's shows. He has staged operas and ballets, and toured with Broadway shows.

His resume includes such memorable Hamilton staples as Tiny Talent Time, and he has worked with the Hamilton Philharmonic, Hamilton Opera Company and Hamilton Place.

Richard Owen accepts a lifetime achievement award at the City of Hamilton Arts Awards. (Courtesy of Marta Hewson)Richard Owen accepts a lifetime achievement award at the City of Hamilton Arts Awards. (Courtesy of Marta Hewson)

He has also taught welding for sculpture at Mohawk College and owns the Richard Owen Studio at 170 John St. S.

“There is little in the area of music, theatre or visual arts that doesn't have Richard's fingerprints all over it,” said Coun. Jason Farr in presenting the award to Owen.

The sold-out gala drew nearly 500 people, said Jennifer Kaye, the city's manager of arts and events.

“It's important to recognize achievements in the local arts community, especially at a time when our arts community is growing and vibrant and visible,” she said.

The awards “are a chance for the arts community to get together and celebrate,” she said.

Other recipients:

Music

Established artist: Jeffrey McFadden

Emerging artist: Sara Traficante

Arts administration

Established: Emma Rush

Emerging: Christian Cowsill

Arts education

Established: Matt McInnes

Emerging: Becky Katz

Writing

Established: Adam Getty

Emerging: Jennifer Jones

Theatre

Established: Colette Kendall

Emerging: Stephanie Yantsis

Fine craft

Established: Christopher Reid Flock

Emerging: Paul Blair Leithwood

Visual arts

Established: Liss Platt

Emerging: Laura Marotta

Media arts

Established: Nora Hutchinson

Emerging: Aaron Hutchison

Community arts

Established: Vitek Wincza

Emerging: Renee Jackson