The arts were celebrated today at the Town of Orangeville’s fifth Mayor’s Breakfast for the Arts, with the announcement of the 2014 Arts and Culture Award winners. The event also served as the kick-off to Culture Days in the community.
“The economic impact of arts and cultural activity in Orangeville is significant and is one of the sectors the Town will continue to focus on to build our local economy and create jobs,” Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams told the audience in the banquet hall at the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre. He acknowledged Councillor Mary Rose’s contribution to the arts community for many years and announced that a seat in the Opera House has been purchased in her name, through the Legacy Program.
Several nominations were received for the seven award categories, with judging completed by an experienced independent panel from outside Dufferin County.
The recipients of the 2014 awards are:
- Established Artist of the Year: Ken Hall
- Young Student Artist of the Year: Graham Maycock
- Arts Educator of the Year Award: Joy Bell
- Community Arts Volunteer Advocate Award: Gary Brown
- Community Impact by an Organization Award: Orangeville Music Theatre, accepted by Lucinda Silva & Raeburn Ferguson
- Community Impact by a Business Award: TD Canada Trust — Orangeville branches — accepted by Michelle Wilson & Matt Murphy
- Creative Cultural Event Award: Headwaters Arts Festival, accepted by Anne Marie Warburton
Mayor Adams congratulated all of the nominees, stating they have enhanced arts and culture in the community. Entertainment for the event was provided by Luke Ryan of the “Wasted Measures” band.
Ken Hall, left, receives the Established Artist of the Year Award at the Mayor’s Breakfast for the Arts
from Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams and 2013 award recipient Rosemarie Armstrong.
Ken Hall is a sculptor who creates wildlife sculptures in stone, wood and various metals. He also designs and fabricates custom furniture and architectural work, including dynamic civic sculptures and unique entrance signage.