The annual Richmond Arts Awards on Wednesday evening (May 7) included some audience participation.
Not only did Musqueam representative Mary Point lead the audience in the traditional Musqueam “Paddle Song,” keynote speaker Morna Edmundson, co-founder and artistic director of Elektra Choir, got the 70-plus attendees to sing a round of “Row, row, row your boat,” showing how choir singing brings a community together out of “thin air.”
Six Richmond Arts Awards were given out by the Richmond Arts Coalition at the event at Richmond City Hall.
Lego-master Peter Grant received the award for Artistic Innovation and Excellence. Grant has created several replicas of Richmond landmarks, such as the Steveston Tram and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery out of Lego pieces.
"Whenever he displays these intricate pieces or posts photos of them on social media, he passes along stories of Richmond’s past," the arts coalition said in a press release.
The Arts Education Award went to Rita (Point) Kompst, who is a well-known cedar weaver and educator.
The arts coalition noted Kompst started cedar weaving after her father passed and “continued weaving on her healing journey as she experienced a series of personal losses over the next seven years.”
She teaches weaving and natural-dyeing at educational facilities, museums and community centres.
“Her instruction of both artistic mediums focuses on connecting to where we live, work and play,” reads an arts coalition press release.
Tourism Richmond was given the Business and the Arts award. The arts coalition noted their picnic table program in Steveston that started in 2021 now includes 15 artist-painted tables and 12 benches that reflect Tourism Richmond “Pacific. Authentic.” brand.
In the Cultural Leadership category, Thomas Yu was recognized for his leadership in launching the Richmond Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival in 2005 and his work on the Richmond Spirit of BC Committee from 2005 to 2010.
Yu also contributed to the development of the Richmond Arts Strategy and served for 22 years on the board of the Richmond Chinese Community Society.
The arts award for volunteerism went to Linda Shirley who’s served on the Community Arts Council of Richmond.
“A passionate advocate for arts education and outreach, she has demonstrated how private businesses can use their resources to work alongside non-profits,” reads the release from the arts coalition.
The Youth Arts award went to Isidora Hoi-Ching Chan who is a long-time member of the Richmond Youth Media Program and is currently an educator and assistant at the Richmond Cultural Centre.
The awards were hosted by Mayor Malcolm Brodie and the evening included musical performances by the ShowStoppers, Elisa Thorn and Fangfei Music Academy Society.
The Richmond Arts Awards are presented in partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition and sponsored by Richmond News. For more information, visit the city's website.
