The movers and shakers of Richmond's arts community came out to celebrate and be celebrated at the 2012 Arts Awards held at city hall Tuesday.
The depth and breadth of Richmond's artistic community was on display as awards were handed out for everything from Artistic innovation to volunteerism.
The evening began with the Steveston Seniors Drumming Circle welcoming attendees, followed by a powerful performance by local singer/song writer Jasmine Bharacha with Michael Creber.
Margaret Dragu, winner of this year's Governor General Award, was the featured speaker. The long-time Richmond artist/performer, who recently moved to Vancouver, gave a thoughtful presentation on the nature of awards and being thankful.
The winners - captured from top right by the News' Chung Chow and listed in corresponding order below - were:
Arts Education Award:
Jon Lee-Son. As a youth development worker at West Richmond Community Centre, Lee-Son founded the improv troupe Tickle Me Pickle, which has toured throughout the Lower Mainland. He also founded the RichCity Improv Tournament.
Artistic Innovation Award:
Cinevolution Media Arts Society. Founded in 2007, Cinevolution is a non-profit society founded and run by artists and filmmakers. It hosts Richmond's international film festival Your Kontinent, featuring documentaries, dramas and animation.
Business and Arts Award:
Appia Group of Companies. This group of companies contributed $100,000 to the No. 3 Road Art Columns Project. It has also contributed $100,000 for a new public art work Made in Chine, to be unveiled soon.
Volunteerism Award:
Willa Walsh. Walsh, a retired teacherlibrarian from McNair secondary, is the chair of the Public Art Advisory Committee.
Youth Arts Award:
Tiffany Cheng. Cheng is a visual artist and musician at MacNeill secondary. She has been involved in staging the RichCity Idol, a showcase for young, local performers.
Cultural Leadership Award:
Cherelle Jardine. Jardine is a local musician who has recorded numerous CDs and is the founder of the Musical Expressions series.
