Mayor's Arts Awards span diverse art forms

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      In a true picture of the range of work going on in this city, this year's Mayor’s Arts Awards recipients range from trumpeters to Indian classical dance virtuosos to public artists.

      The awards, to be given out October 7 by Mayor Gregor Robertson, are unique in that the winning artists (chosen by a group of peers) then choose an emerging talent in their category to receive a prize.

      In performing arts, barata natyam veteran Jai Govinda chose street-influenced rising star Shay Kuebler in the dance category; trumpeter, pianist, drummer, and composer Brad Turner chose pianist/composer Matt Choboter in music; and celebrated costume designer Nancy Bryant chose set, lighting, and costumed designer Marshall McMahen under theatre.

      Meanwhile, under the umbrella of studio arts, sculptor Espeth Pratt selected Laura Piasta under visual arts; public artist Al McWilliams chose Cedric, Nathan, and Jim Bomford (the trio behind the floating Deadhead sculpture); nature-inspired community artist Paula Jardine chose mental-health worker and creative facilitator/performer Candice R. Curlypaws; textile-installation artist Mary Lou Trinkwon chose contemporary fibre artist Marie Horstead in the craft and design category; filmmaker, writer, director, and producer Karin Lee selected filmmaker, writer, and actor Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers; and writer Daniel Francis chose Michal Kozlowski for literary arts. Under culinary arts, fifth generation charcuterie craftsman John van der Lieck selected Roger Ma, chef de cuisine of Boulevard restaurant.

      The honourees and emerging artists for the Mayor’s Arts Awards receive a $3,000 cash prize. The lifetime achievement recipient receives a $1,000 cash prize.

      Elsewhere, legendary musician, writer, and collage artist Al Neil took a lifetime achievement award; Marnie Carter, pianist, fundraiser, and founder of the Marnie Carter Music Scholarship at the University of British Columbia received the philanthropy award; Julie McIntyre, past president of Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC) BC, and artist in residence with the Vancouver School Board and ArtStarts in Schools, got the nod for Arts Board Member of the Year; arts and crafts artist Gladys Lee, a volunteer with various organizations in the Downtown Eastside, received the arts volunteer award; and Lawson Lundell LLP, a major contributor to arts and culture through its sponsorship and board membership with several local organizations, won the business-support prize.

      Robertson will present the awards at a ceremony at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre.

      Follow Janet Smith on Twitter at @janetsmitharts.

      Comments

      1 Comments

      all hail

      Oct 2, 2014 at 12:31am

      "legendary musician, writer, and collage artist Al Neil took a lifetime achievement award"

      THE MAN