Awards Celebrate Nova Scotia's Finest Artists

Art was everywhere at the ninth annual Creative Nova Scotia Awards held at the Seaport Market in Halifax on Thursday, Nov. 20.

The year's event, with the theme ART is Everywhere!, featured award presentations and art installations, and was curated by OUTeast. The night was organized by the Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council and Arts Nova Scotia, and was co-hosted by writer-actor Jackie Torrens and comedian Megan McDowell.

"Seaport Market was a perfect venue to host this year's event," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince. "It is in the district that houses many studios used by our talented artists and is rich with the culture and history of this province that so many of our Nova Scotian artists draw from in creating their art."

During the ceremony, the province's most prestigious arts prizes were presented.

The Portia White Prize, and its $18,000, went to Scott MacMillan, composer, conductor, arranger, organizer, director, teacher and virtuoso guitarist. As recipient, Mr. MacMillan also names the Protégée prize winner and its $7,000 prize. He chose the Wagamatcook Arts and Cultural Festival.

The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award went to Responsio, music by Peter-Anthony Togni. The award is selected by an external jury and includes a $25,000 award.

This year's other finalists, who receive $3,000 each, were:

• I Am in Need of Music, the Elizabeth Bishop Centenary legacy recording by soprano Suzie LeBlanc, and composers Emily Doolittle, Christos Hatzis, Alasdair MacLean, and John Plant
• Harmonic Motion, a sculpture/installation by Toshiko H. MacAdam and Charles MacAdam
• The Thundermaker, a multi-media installation by Alan Syliboy
• Refuge, a play by Mary Vingoe

St Ann's Bay/North Shore won the $10,000 Municipality of Victoria County Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award, which supports integrating arts and culture into community life.

There were four winners of the Established Artist Recognition Award, which recognizes mid-career, established professional artists. The following received $5,000 each:

• Charlie Rhindress, theatre actor, writer, director and producer
• Melinda Spooner, public art and paint artist
• Pat Sollows, paint artist
• Tessa Mendel, theatre director, educator

Ceramic and mixed-media artist Nancy Chiasson won the Prix Grand Pré award. The $2,000 prize recognizes Nova Scotia's creative and interpretive artists who reflect Acadian cultural values.

"We should all marvel at the breadth of talent in the artistic community of this province," said Candace Stevenson, chair, Arts Nova Scotia. "To be an award winner in such a rich field is an honour indeed."

"Once again the arts and cultural community has come together to make this evening a true celebration of creativity," said George Klass, chair, Creative Nova Scotia Leadership Council. "Nova Scotia is blessed with immensely talented and innovative artists in all areas, as seen in the exceptional quality of the entries. "This also highlights the importance of our unique cultural landscape as a strong economic driver and integral part of Nova Scotia's future prosperity."

For more information, visit http://creative.novascotia.ca/annual-awards . Details on the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award finalists are available at www.nsmasterworks.ca .