Arts council presents annual awards

The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council held its 28th annual awards show and gala on Saturday night in St. John's.

NLAC Executive Director Reg Winsor said the awards applaud the professional and innovative work being done by artists and arts organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The arts awards gives us an opportunity to come together to celebrate the many creative talents that make up our dynamic provincial arts and cultural community," Winsor said.

Artists of all disciplines are recognized through the presentation of six awards.

The CBC Emerging Artist Award was presented to filmmaker and writer Wanda Nolan.

The Memorial University Arts in Education Award was presented to musician Susan Quinn. In her acceptance speech Saturday night, Quinn dedicated the award to Sister Katherine Bellamy, who Quinn said was a significant influence in her life as a musician and teacher.

Visual artist Scott Goudie was the recipient of the Cox & Palmer Arts Achievement Award, while the BMO Bank of Montreal Artist of the Year was presented to musicians, The Once.

Visual arts curator Patricia Grattan and the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council were inducted to the Fortis Properties Arts Hall of Honour. The award honours a person, group or organization that has made a lifetime contribution to the cultural life of the province.

The Patron of the Arts Award was presented to John and Peggy Fisher, owners of Fisher's Loft in Port Rexton.

Nominations for the awards are submitted by the arts community, arts organizations and the general public.

Saturday's ceremony was held at the D.F. Cook Recital Hall, and was hosted by Republic of Doyle's Krystin Pellerin.