It’s not a competition. The arts are all about supporting one another.
That was the message heard repeatedly at the 25th annual 2019 Quinte Arts Council Recognition Awards luncheon.
Five community members who play a large role in growing and supporting the arts community were honoured for their efforts at Dinkel’s on Thursday.
Stirling’s Front Porch Shenanigans organizer Dave Bush, Belleville DocFest committee chairperson Holley Dewar, Hastings Prince Edward District School Board Arts Education Coordinator Andrea Kerr, Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk and Quinte Ballet School Artistic Director Catherine Taylor were this year’s award recipients.
Front Porch Shenanigans organizer Dave Bush receives his 2019 Arts Recognition Award at the Quinte Arts Council Recognition Awards Luncheon on September 19, 2019. He was nominated by Sam Brady. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Holly Dewar, Belleville DocFest Committee Chair receives her 2019 Arts Recognition Award at the Quinte Arts Council Recognition Awards Luncheon on September 19, 2019. She was nominated by Frank Gielen. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Hastings Prince Edward District School Board Arts Education Coordinator Andrea Kerr receives her 2019 Arts Recognition Award at the Quinte Arts Council Recognition Awards Luncheon on September 19, 2019. She was nominated by Liane Woodley. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Mayor Mitch Panciuk receives his 2019 Arts Recognition Award at the Quinte Arts Council Recognition Awards Luncheon on September 19, 2019. He was nominated by Tim McKinney. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Quinte Ballet School of Canada Artistic Director Catherine Taylor receives her 2019 Arts Recognition Award at the Quinte Arts Council Recognition Awards Luncheon on September 19, 2019. She was nominated by Christina Taylor. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Mayor Panciuk told those in attendance he didn’t have any arts education and can’t even read music but acknowledges that the arts enrich lives.
He says we can’t have good lives if our community is a desert when it comes to arts and culture.
He said arts are a way to improve the community for residents and visitors alike.
The award winners were thrilled to receive nominations let alone win, and Kerr and Bush held back their emotions as they said a few words upon receiving their awards.
The Quinte Arts Council also recognized students Bailey MacIver and Ben Reed who received Quinte Arts Council bursaries. Nicole Cao and Jessica Silva received the Hugh O’Neil bursary. Miles Cakebread-Kraus received the Susan Richardson award and Grace Linsday received the first ever Elaine A. Small bursary.
The Quinte Arts Council was established in 1967 and began celebrating supporters of the arts community in 1994 with this annual awards luncheon that acknowledges those who contribute to the arts.
