The Mission Arts Council and Mission Cultural Resources Commission hosted the Celebration of the Arts Awards last month.
The event brought together the arts and culture community, artists and advocates to honour and celebrate Mission’s cultural richness at the Best Western Mission City Lodge.
More than 130 people were in attendance for the evening.
All winners received an individually crafted award by Sto:Lo Nation artist Alex Giroux in recognition of the local aboriginal talent that exists in Mission.
The award winners were:
- Emerging Artist - Music - (Sponsored by Chances Casino) winner: Rebecca Sichon
- Emerging Artist - Visual Arts - (Sponsored by Goody Too Shoes) winner: Brandy Stecyk
- Emerging Artist - Performing Arts - (Sponsored by BC Gaming Grants) winner: Justine Robinson
- Arts Advocate - Business (sponsored by District of Mission Parks, Recreation & Culture) winner: The English Tarts
- Arts Advocate - Organization (sponsored by Mission City Record) winner: Friends of the Library
- Arts Advocate - Individual (sponsored by BC Arts Council) winner: Sylvia Hopkins
- Arts Advocate - Educator/Mentor (sponsored by BC Gaming Grants) winner: Liisa Nessim
- Individual/Group - Visual Arts (sponsored by Mission City Record) winner: Dean & Christina Lauze
- Individual/Group - Performance Arts (sponsored by Cultural Resources Commission) winner: Karen Humpage
- Individual/Group - Literary Arts (sponsored by District of Tourism Mission) winner: Walter Schmur
- Individual/Group - Music (sponsored by Mission City Record) winner: John Welsh & Los Valientes
New this year was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Elspeth Bowers. Bowers is a legendary storyteller and puppeteer in Mission who recently retired from work at the Fraser Valley Regional Library after more than 30 years.
She continues to bring her joy and enthusiasm for the literary arts in retirement to libraries, schools and events throughout the Fraser Valley.
Freeman of the City, Doreen Phelps, presented the award to Bowers which was sponsored by the owners and tenants of the Junction Shopping Centre.
The Celebration of the Arts Awards will be held every two years with the next one scheduled for 2020.