The City of Richmond congratulates the winners of 2018 Richmond Arts Awards, announced at a special 10th anniversary ceremony last night in Richmond City Hall Council Chambers.
Arts Education Winner: TED HESKETH
Ted Hesketh has taught and made music for 50 years. He studied at Western Washington University and Douglas College and was hired by the Surrey School District in 1975 to set up and design the first classroom guitar programs in the province. Ted has subsequently established himself as an independent music education specialist, providing workshops for schools and is the author of music education resource materials.
Artistic Innovation Winner: KERRI-JO STEWART
Kerri-Jo Stewart is an award-winning artist and photographer whose work has been published in a variety of newspapers and books and in international exhibitions. She is always seeking out new ways to capture the outside world through her camera and is adventurous in her exploration into long exposure, pinhole and other techniques to create unique imagery. Kerri-Jo also enjoys sharing her skills by acting as a mentor to aspiring photographers.
Business and the Arts Winner:
AMPRI REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Amit Sanhu, CEO of Ampri Real Estate Development Group, is a developer who contributes to Richmond public art commissions. Noticing a lack of emerging artists bidding on public art projects, he approached Emily Carr University of Art + Design to create opportunities, tools and experiences for young emerging artists. This collaboration resulted in the development of a new ECUAD course, The Social Practice of Public Art and Community Design.
Volunteerism Winner: DALE BAILEY
A retired educator, Dale Bailey volunteers with children, to share her skills and give back to the arts community at the Richmond Art Gallery. She has proven to be an invaluable volunteer classroom assistant for the Gallery’s School Art Program, and has selflessly given her time assisting at arts events, the installation of exhibitions and training new volunteers. Dale’s dedication to creating an inspiring experience and welcome environment for children and youth to learn exemplifies her love of teaching and mentoring.
Youth Arts Winner: EMILY MAY
As an emerging multidisciplinary artist, Emily May received her Fine Arts diploma from Langara College with accolades, receiving the Ceramics Studio Award. She is an integral member of the Richmond Youth Media Program where she developed her skills in digital media; participated in collaborative, community-based projects; and documented high-profile events and projects. A passionate community activist and event organizer, Emily also co-directed Arts in the Park, an outdoor arts festival for youth.
Cultural Leadership Winner: MARINA SZIJARTO
Marina Szijarto is a professional artist with almost 30 years of experience in diverse contemporary arts practices including community-engaged arts, celebrations and installations. She is an award-winning theatre professional who designs and creates sets, costumes and puppets for professional performance events. Marina also created the annual Harvest Full Moon Festival, is responsible for the co-creation of The Voice of the River, acts a mentor to local aspiring artists, contributes to the annual Art About Finn Slough exhibition, and acts as site art director and installation coordinator of the Richmond Maritime Festival.
2018 Selection Committee
This year’s Selection Committee reviewed 86 nominations for consideration of the 2018 awards. Thank you to the following Committee members:
Playwright, actor and stage manager, Andrew Wade
Winner of the 2017 Business and the Arts Award and Marketing Manager at Lansdowne Mall, Bronwyn Bailey
Contemporary visual artist, Jeanette Jarville
Board member of the Richmond Arts Coalition, Susan Skemp