Young Artists Selected for 2005 Canada Games

Four young Nova Scotians have been selected to develop their artistic talents at the 2005 Canada Games in Regina next month.

These artists, as part of the National Artist Program, will join 48 others from across the country to explore the parallels between the athlete and the artist.

"This will be an exciting opportunity for these talented young artists," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "The National Artist Program will enhance their appreciation of the pursuit of excellence through a combination of sport and cultural activity."

The four artists selected to represent Nova Scotia are:

• Erica Achenbach, 19, a theatre artist from Annapolis Royal who has been acting and singing for 10 years;
• Spencer Creelman, 18, a graphic artist from Timberlea who enjoys various creative art forms;
• Julianne Harnish, 17, a visual artist from Herring Cove who has formally studied art for the past two years. Julianne is also a talented musician who enjoys live theatre and stand-up comedy; and
• Katie Hillman, 16, a visual artist from Lower Sackville who has been creating art for 11 years. She is also an accomplished clarinet player and enjoys acting and writing.

These young artists will combine their talents with those from other disciplines, such as literary, visual and performing arts, traditional cultural and folk practices, and circus arts. Together, they will produce a body of work under the guidance of 10 professional Saskatchewan artists who will challenge them to use the Games as an inspiration.

The slogan for the 2005 Games, No Limits, should provide participants with a good starting point for their artistic works.

The 2005 Canada Games run from Aug. 6 to 20. Team Nova Scotia will have a maximum of 357 athletes competing in 16 sports during the two weeks of the Games. They are supported by 45 coaches, 22 managers, two boatmen and 18 mission staff. The four artists participating in the National Artist Program brings the team's total to 448 Nova Scotians.