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Nominees announced for first Regional Arts and Heritage Awards

Awards 'recognize the valuable contribution that educators, historians, and event organizers and supporters make to the vibrancy of our communities'
2019-08-24 Starry Night 3
Craig Mainprize is shown beside his painting called Starry Night. He is one of the nominees for the emerging artist award for the 2019 Regional Arts and Heritage Awards. Nathan Taylor/OrilliaMatters File Photo

NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA AND DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL/ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORY
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The Orillia and District Arts Council and Orillia Museum of Art and History are pleased to announce the nominees for the 2019 Regional Arts and Heritage Awards.

The awards were established to recognize the valuable contribution that educators, historians, and event organizers and supporters make to the vibrancy of our communities.

On Nov. 27, 2019 at the first-ever Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards, the sector will come together to celebrate its achievements and honour this year’s nominees.

And the nominees are…

Education in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award recognizes an educator, not necessarily a teacher by profession, whose knowledge and teaching skills inspire others to pursue their interest in the arts and heritage. This year’s nominees are Leanne Young, Orillia Secondary School, and the Otter Art Club run by Naomi Woodman and Travis Shilling.

Emerging Artist Award recognizes an individual of any age who is in the early years (under five years) of launching a career in the arts. Nominees can be pursuing any genre of art including, but not limited to, visual arts, performance arts, literary arts and many more. This year’s nominees are Craig Mainprize and MaryJo Pollak.

Heritage: Restoration, Renovation and Publication Award recognizes an individual or group who brought to life regional history through a physical restoration or creation of a permanent public record. This year’s nominees are Friends of the Washago Water Tower.

Event in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award recognizes an individual, organization, or corporation for their part in organizing a single or annual event that showcases the region’s creative talent or cultural heritage. This year’s nominees are the Chippewas of Rama First Nation Annual Pow Wow Committee, Mariposa Folk Festival, Orillia Heritage Centre, and Starry Night Studio and Gallery Tour.

Qennefer Browne Achievement Award recognizes an individual or group of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of their community. It was named in honour of Qennefer Browne, who gave much of herself to support both arts and heritage organizations within the region. This year’s nominees are Leslie Fournier and Linda Tiffin.

This year’s winners will be announced on Nov. 27 at the Orillia Regional Arts and Heritage Awards Night.

Proudly supported by Accutrac Capital Solutions and the City of Orillia’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, the event is being held at the Geneva Event Centre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with official remarks beginning at 6 p.m. A cash bar and light refreshments will be available along with Orillia’s Little Big Band who will set the stage for the evening.

Together, OMAH and ODAC serve the communities of Rama, Ramara, Oro-Medonte, Severn, and the City of Orillia. Be sure to join us on November 27 for a night of celebration.

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