Airdrie Arts Community Something to Celebrate

Posted by on Friday, January 13th, 2017 at 8:54am.

Even the Mayor of Airdrie is excited about the community’s vibrant arts community.  On January 28 at 7:00 p.m., the Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts will be held at the Bert Church Theatre, the third annual event to which the public is invited.

This year, six Airdrie artists will be given recognition for their contributions to the city.  The evening will include live performances featuring local and regional talent as well as award presentations. Some of the local talent includes ballet dancers Yukichi Hattori and Galien Johnston Hattori, a husband and wife duo and members of the Alberta Ballet.

Rock artist Art Bergman pictured above, country singer Mark Lorenz and vocal performances from the Cowtown Opera Company will also entertain the audience.  More local flavour will come from a band from George McDougall High School in Airdrie, otherwise known as the George Mac Jazz Band.  The high schoolers will be in the “pit” and will provide musical continuity throughout the evening.

The evening will kick off with performances from some of the winners of last year’s art celebration awards – Talia Bekki will play violin while Michelle Wiebe, an Airdrie painter, picks up a brush and creates a painting on canvas from start to finish.

Between performances, the evening's host will be Phoenix Phillips of Shaw TV and Mayor Peter Brown will present awards in a variety of categories which have been selected by a committee of adjudicators.  Those awards include:

  • Emerging Artist:  This award will pay tribute to an individual or group that has been participating in the community for 5 years or less. They have demonstrated commitment, passion, creativity and excellence in their field.  They show a great deal of promise in literary works, musicianship, dance, theatre, visual arts or in new media.
  • Professional Artist: This award will go to a member of the Airdrie community that has been involved for a long time – someone who is respected by their peers and has an exceptional body of work.
  • Youth Artist:  This award is for people 21 or younger who have exemplified discipline and effort along with talent.  The award winner will be presented with a scholarship for $1,000. 
  • Patron of the Arts:  This award will pay tribute to an individual or an Airdrie business that has supported the arts community through funding and promotion showing a high level of philanthropy towards local arts initiatives. 
  • Art Educator:  The recipient of this award will be a unique and generous teacher or educator who has provided mentorship to young Airdrie artists who have nurtured their students and facilitated their growth in their field of study.    

In an interview with Airdrie media, Mayor Brown encouraged the community to support the evening stating that when times are tough, especially now in Alberta, celebrating the arts is important because it’s a positive aspect of the community and inspiring.

To reinforce the importance of this arts celebration, Shaw will be live streaming the entire evening. The Mayor’s Night of the Arts includes catering by Hayloft and Avenue Cakery & Bakeshop which is providing dessert.

The awards were first held in 2015, created in an afford to provide recognition and celebrate Airdrie’s diverse and enthusiastic arts community. Tickets are $40 a person and $25 for seniors available through ticketpro.ca

Why are the Arts So Essential to Community?

Arts and culture go hand in hand.  It expresses the non-verbal aspect of society.  It has a huge impact on the economy, on the well being of society and on our education. It’s a resource.

The creation of music, painting, sculpture, movement is universal.  It’s been part of human reality in every continent since man first discovered how to draw figures in caves.  It’s personal yet created for the enjoyment of all.   

 

 

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