Province Announces Finalists for Prestigious Portia White Prize
Three talented and respected Nova Scotian artists have been selected as finalists for the 2008 Portia White Prize.
"The finalists for this year's Portia White Prize have all left an important mark on arts and culture in our province," said Bill Dooks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "They represent a high level of excellence and have created a legacy of creativity and achievement of which all Nova Scotians can be proud."
The winner of the award will be announced at the Creative Nova Scotia awards gala being held at Pier 21 in Halifax on Saturday, Nov. 1.
A peer jury comprised of five arts and culture sector members reviewed the nominations for the award. As part of the selection process, they identified three finalists.
Mary Jane Lamond is a singer and Gaelic cultural ambassador from Glendale, Inverness Co. She uses modern instrumentation and arrangements that provide a beautiful framework for Nova Scotia's Gaelic traditions and songs. Her gripping vocal performances have earned her many Juno and East Coast Music Award nominations as well as a MuchMusic Global Groove Award.
John Little is a blacksmith and sculptor from East Dover. He is a self-taught artist known for his passion for the forging process and his dedication to teaching, mentoring and jurying exhibitions in Canada and New England. Respected members of the international music community have recognized John's forged metal sculptures for musical performance as significant accomplishments.
Walter Ostrom is a ceramics artist and craftsperson from Lunenburg. He has elevated his craft beyond the simple understanding of structural design and aesthetic. His work can be found in the pages of the world's first scholarly journal in fine craft, Journal of Modern Craft, and in the studios of Nova Scotia College of Art and Design Mr. Ostrom has helped four decades of students discover new ways of advancing and applying their craft.
The $25,000 annual award is named after Nova Scotian classical singer Portia White. It is one of the most prestigious arts awards in Canada, promoting excellence, innovation and expression in the arts.
The Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala will include performances by MOCEAN Dance, Eastern Front Theatre, Chelsea Nisbett and Lorri Neilen Glenn, as well as the presentation of the Prix Grande Pre, Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award, and the Established Artist Recognition Award. The gala and an associated conference are organized by the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council.