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City seeks nominees for annual arts awards

Nadeane Trowse had lived at Finn Slough for more than two decades. On the South Arm of the Fraser River off No. 4 Road, Finn Slough was home to a wave of Finnish immigrant fishermen in the early 1890s.

Nadeane Trowse had lived at Finn Slough for more than two decades.

On the South Arm of the Fraser River off No. 4 Road, Finn Slough was home to a wave of Finnish immigrant fishermen in the early 1890s. The area has undergone little, if any, transformation over the past century.

It attracts painters, artists, photographers and filmmakers who are drawn to this unique historical settlement.

It's why Trowse, an art and English instructor at the University of the Fraser Valley, decided to celebrate the art born from the Finn Slough in an annual art show.

"In 1998, I approached the Richmond Art Gallery about hosting a three-day exhibition that would include anyone who wished to represent their affection of Finn Slough through art," she said.

Now in its 12th year, Art About Finn Slough kicks off at the Richmond Art Gallery Friday, March 8 until Sunday, March 11.

Because of her commitment to the arts and her endless hours of volunteerism in the name of art, she was honoured with the 2011 Richmond Arts Award for Volunteerism.

Now it's your turn to nominate someone you think is making an impact in the local arts scene.

The City of Richmond Arts Awards program recognizes the artistic achievements and contributions of residents, artists, educators, organizations and business leaders.

The nomination deadline is Monday, March 19. All arts disciplines are eligible and nominators can only submit one nomination per category - Business and Arts, Volunteerism, Cultural Leadership, Artistic Innovation, Arts Education and Youth Arts.

For each of the six categories, three finalists will be announced on April 20.

As for Art About Finn, this year's show includes work by dozens of artists (nearly 600 visitors enjoyed work by 55 artists in 2011), music, food, guest speakers and more. Trowse is the driving force behind this community-based event, which showcases and inspires artists of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

"It's my gift (the art show) to the community," she said, adding she was both humbled and thrilled to have won the award. "Many people volunteer to put this show together- We can't stop because we love to do it.

"The first year, we had 28 artists, and this year it looks like we will have 60."

Today, she continues to be as enthusiastic about the free celebration of the arts show as ever.

She is a one-woman dynamo, putting up signage, baking goodies for the Friday night opening and finding new ways to entertain the crowds.

She also has a knack for getting fascinating guest speakers.

"I've hired guest speaker Michael Kluckner. He is an artist, writer and historian, whose book includes a celebration of Finn Slough."

Trowse said there will be a tea party on Saturday, from 2 to 4 p.m., live music throughout the event and kids can make origami boats.

"That fits well with our theme this year which is Celebrating the Current," she said. "I can't do it without all the volunteers."

The whole schedule of events and hours are available online at the Finn slough Heritage & Wetland Society website at www.finnslough.com.

For more information on the arts awards, call the City of Richmond at 604276-4000, go to City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Rd. or visit www.richmond.ca/artists.

mhopkins@richmond-news.com