Since 2005, the St. Catharines Arts Awards have recognized the achievements of and contributions to the local arts community. More than 80 awards have been given to artists, businesses, individuals, and organizations, who have demonstrated excellence in artistic creation and contribution to the arts in St. Catharines.
The 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards recipients and all 42 award nominees were celebrated on Nov. 3 at an awards ceremony at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, home of the annual City of St. Catharines Arts Awards.
Here are this year's St. Catharines Arts Awards recipients:
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2024 Arts Awards. We are thrilled to announce the full list of nominees! Please click each category below to view the nominees and read their bios.
Arts in Education Award |
The Arts in Education Award recognizes an individual, collective or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to engaging St. Catharines residents through arts education activities. Award recipient receives $500 and personalized handmade glass sculpture. Photo Gallery: 2024 Arts Awards - Arts in Education nominees will appear here on the public site.
2024 Nominees: Steven Azzopardi (he / him) Steven is a visual arts teacher for the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) currently working at Eden High School. After graduating from the University of Windsor with a BFA in Visual arts, he returned to Niagara and began his career at Stamford Collegiate. During 2006-2014, Steven was the DSBN subject council chair for secondary visual arts which required being involved with the DSBN curation team for visual arts exhibitions. Using an inquiry lead approach, Steven assumes the role of coach and mentor to student curators, inspiring them to collaborate in the shared experience of setting up a successful exhibition of their own artworks. In 2016, Steven co-founded and developed the Secondary School to Community (SSTC) Integrated Arts program at Eden high school. This unique program focuses on building life skills through visual arts and drama activities. The success of this program provides more learning opportunities for students. Steven builds community connections in the visual arts with his students. His senior students work with Brock University visual arts professors on special projects, one of which was an exhibition at the St. Catharines public library, celebrating the Niagara 2022 Canada Games.
Emma Barker (she / her) Emma’s love for dance began very young at three years old and her enthusiasm and passion has only grown since. She attended local dance studios in the UK and then went on to study at the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Emma’s goal is to make working out fun for everybody, in a judgment-free space. She started Boogie Nights! dance fitness classes in 2018, across the pond in England. When she introduced Boogie Nights! to Niagara in 2022, it went off with a bang! Emma has now been successfully running classes throughout the region for nearly two years. She has expanded her business into different studios and locations throughout the region, and now has classes dedicated solely to older adults and those looking for a low impact workout. This year, Emma introduced children’s birthday parties to her repertoire and looks forward to expanding further. Emma truly believes dance should be for everybody and is proud to be able to offer classes for all abilities and ages.
Michael Bell (he / him) Michael Bell is a skilled theatrical artisan whose creativity and passion for the arts have made a lasting impact on the Hamilton and Niagara communities. One of Michael's most beloved projects is the annual Halloween pumpkin walk event that he organizes every year. This event invites students from local schools to donate carved pumpkins, which are then displayed in a magical and enchanting walkway for the community to enjoy. The event not only brings joy and excitement to all who attend but also raises funds for MacKids. Michael’s creative spirit and compassionate heart have touched the lives of many. He is passionate about the arts, dedicated to education, and committed to making a difference in the community.
Laurie Boese (he / him) Laurie Damon Boese has been an art teacher since 1987, and currently teaches at Wheatley School in St. Catharines. His first art classes were at the Queen Elizabeth Community Centre, teaching pottery to children for the City's Parks & Recreation Department. After tripling the enrolment, Laurie took a course at Humber called Marketing The Arts, then got a Bachelor of Education, both in the mid 90s. Laurie began renting spaces at The Pumphouse in NOTL, The Folk Arts building, Carousel Players, and eventually Rodman Hall where summer and March Break classes brought students together from as far away as Fort Erie. Laurie also taught Art Media camps at Brock for several spring sessions. Laurie has been hired to illustrate three books and has published one art instruction book of his own called Draw Like Delacroix, which is available at Someday Books. Laurie has had his art displayed as a solo artist at the NAC Members Gallery, the Sanctuary in Ridgeway, at the library in Fort Erie, to name a few.
Jane Elliott (she / her) Jane is a seasoned dance educator with over 30 years of experience in the field. Her passion for dance goes beyond the technical aspects taught in a classroom, as she believes that dance is a powerful tool for building community both within and outside the studio walls. Jane strives to create a safe space in which all students can learn and explore. Throughout her career, and as the owner of Ballet Etc…, Jane has dedicated herself to not only teaching her students the art of dance but also instilling in them the values of teamwork, discipline, creativity, and community. She has a unique ability to connect with her students, inspiring them to push past their limits and helps them reach their fullest potential. The intention is always to bring dancers and community together and foster a sense of camaraderie and love of the arts. Jane’s dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for her students and dance family has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers in the dance community and beyond.
Christina Hartmann (she / her) Christina is the founder of A Third Space Pottery Studio. In 2014, having recently been laid off, she quickly found out that jobs for middle aged women were scarce. Following a dream she had been talking about for a long time, Christina moved back to Niagara after living away for 30 years with the intention to start a community pottery studio. Starting slowly, in January 2015 with classes from her basement, by July 2018 Christina moved into space in an old factory just off the downtown core. Over the next few years, A Third Space tripled its studio space. Membership keeps growing, and some members have used the studio to start their own small pottery business. The main purpose of the studio lives up to the name, "Third Space", which is the term for places where people meet and make friends. Over the years, A Third Space has become a welcoming place where people from all over the Niagara Region come because they love spending time there.
Brenna McAllister (she / her) Brenna graduated from Brock with an Honours BA in Theatre and a Bachelor of Education. She began teaching with the DSBN at Governor Simcoe Secondary before moving to St. Catharines Collegiate in 2007. Headed into her twenty-second year of teaching Drama, Brenna focuses on developing new plays with her students, exploring issues that are important to them. Past themes have included bullying, homelessness, mental health, autism, grief/healing, environmental activism, girl power, overcoming trauma/adversity, identity/acceptance and of course...magic! Brenna truly believes that theatre has the power to not only entertain but more importantly to educate both the participants and the audience. Many students at Collegiate live at or below the poverty line and do not have access to arts education outside of school, so Brenna’s goal is to provide them with as many experiences on and off the stage as possible. Some highlights include: Commotion Theatre Project, Sears/National Theatre School Drama Festival, Summerworks, Devised Drama Day, FRAMES, Jarico Films For Youth, as well as trips to Shaw and Mirvish. In 2016 and again in 2023 Brenna’s students were selected to represent Canada at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – bringing original works to Scotland – and in March 2025 they are headed to Europe.
Niagara Youth Orchestra Founded by Paul van Dongen, the Niagara Youth Orchestra is the premiere training ground for young orchestral musicians under 25 years old in the Niagara region. Led by professional coaches and conductors who are affiliated with orchestras across the province, the members of the Niagara Youth Orchestra receive extensive music education and performance experiences through regular concert seasons and special events. Membership in the orchestra is determined via a placement interview and there are three levels for players from the age of seven. The Concert Orchestra provides young musicians with the opportunity to develop their skills by working with coaches and the conductor, exposing them to challenging music in both their individual ensemble groups and as an orchestra as well as providing them with performance experience. The Symphonic Orchestra provides an excellent training ground for young musicians who have had a minimum of two years of private instruction on their instrument. Many Symphonic NYO musicians continue to pursue professional music careers. There is a mix of elementary, high school and some university musicians in the Symphonic group. The Training Program launched in 2014 and is intended for aspiring musicians aged seven and up.
Vanessa Parson-Robbs (she / her) Vanessa is a Visual Communications Designer at the District School Board of Niagara. Her artistic journey began at age four, inspired by her father, a military man and talented artist, and her mother, who nurtured her creativity and perseverance. At 16, Vanessa fell in love with Graphic Design while attending Governor Simcoe Secondary School, thanks to amazing teachers who introduced her to the design industry. Though she continued painting and drawing, Graphic Design became her passion. After graduating with honors from Niagara College in 2002, she embarked on her design career. For over 25 years, Vanessa has designed and illustrated a wide range of projects in the Niagara Region, from restaurant signs and murals to vehicle graphics, magazines, and children's books. One of her greatest motivations is making a difference in the community. Bringing joy to children and knowing they attend schools filled with color and vibrancy is incredibly rewarding. Vanessa takes pride in creating engaging, visually stimulating environments that enhance learning experiences.
Anne Reimer (she / her) Anne’s paintings show a remarkable sense of colour, love, and understanding of nature. Her inspirations come from the beauty of area scenes and travels, depicting barns, mills, and capturing still life from her garden. Anne was born in Paraguay, South America, and immigrated to Canada in 1955 at the age of 16. Her art training from Art Instruction Schools Home Study Course has helped her gain much understanding of the fundamentals of art. Feeling a deep love for fine art, she has been inspired to perfect her technique in oil, watercolour, and mixed media. Over the past 45 years, Anne has exhibited in a variety of shows and galleries. Her works are displayed in many homes in Canada, the United States, and many other countries. Her paintings have gained her much recognition, including promoting the Pelham Art Show on the front cover of the St. Catharines Standard. She was also chosen to paint schools for the Niagara District School Board over a period of five years.
St. Catharines Public Library Located in the heart of ‘The Garden City’, the St. Catharines Public Library (SCPL) is a hub of information connecting people to ideas and community to culture. With four locations across the city, SCPL offers a robust collection of traditional and non-traditional borrowable items, as well as services and spaces to help citizens learn, grow, and connect. SCPL is proud to offer dozens of programs every month for various ages, from early literacy programs to art workshops for older adults. With a dedication to life-long learning, SCPL is continually evolving and innovating to meet the changing needs of the community and reimagine what it means to be a library for all. |
Emerging Artist Award |
The Emerging Artist Award is presented to an emerging St. Catharines artist working in any discipline to recognize accomplishments and future potential. Emerging Artists are establishing careers in their field and are working to become recognized professional artists. Award recipient receives $500 and personalized handmade glass sculpture. Photo Gallery: 2024 Arts Awards - Emerging Artist Award nominees will appear here on the public site.
2024 Nominees: Bradley Barnham (he / him) Bradley is the Director of Music at St. George’s Anglican Church in St. Catharines, the Music Director of Toronto's Wavestage Theatre Company and conducts the Changed Voice Ensemble of Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir. He is frequently sought-after as a guest conductor and adjudicator, most recently guest-conducting the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival at Roy Thomson Hall, and adjudicating the 2024 Ontario Vocal Jazz Festival. Brad was awarded the 2024 Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition for his piece “Moonset” and received an Honourable Mention for his submission to the 2024 Diane Loomer Award. He has been commissioned to compose for the 2024 Ontario Youth Choir, as well as the 2025 Niagara United Church Jubilee Celebration. Brad is also a songwriter, recording artist and producer, notably signing a record deal with Label Music Group in the summer of 2022 with his band “Family of Things”. They are currently working on their third full-length record. Brad was the assistant conductor of Avanti Chamber Singers for the 2023/24 season, and assistant conductor of the Ellison Canadian Honour Choir from 2015-2020. He holds a MMus (Hon. Choral Conducting) degree from the University of Toronto, and a BMus (Hon. Theory & Composition) degree from Western University.
Taylor Bogaert (he / him) Taylor is an actor, writer, and multi-disciplinary artist, performing and creating art for and within Niagara. He is a graduate of Fanshawe College's Theatre Acting Conservatory, as well as Brock University's Dramatic Arts Program. Since graduating, Taylor has been performing with St. Catharines own Carousel Players - including in several Culture Days events, Giant Puppet Party tours across the region, a digital mask play, and a school touring production, “Tiny Treasures”. While classically trained as an actor, over the last several years Taylor has also diversified his art practice into multiple additional mediums. Through an artistic residency with Suitcase in Point's Nest program, he was able to explore his love for audio storytelling, developing his skills in sound design and editing, as well as self-producing. This residency led to the creation of an ongoing audio thriller, The Moonlight Frequency. Most recently, Taylor had the honour of taking on an Internship in Artistic Direction with Carousel Players, under the leadership of Monica Dufault. He is part of a collective currently in the planning stages for an immersive storytelling project, “Why Don’t We Together”, which they plan to tour across Ontario next year. Taylor thrives in collaboration and is passionate about weaving connections between artists.
Cecilia Brink (she / her) Cecilia is a third-generation artist whose preferred mediums are acrylic paint on canvas, occasionally venturing into multimedia both on and off canvas. She has developed her own unique style that allows her to capture the bliss and beauty of Shibari in “Binding Lights”. This meticulous creative process involves collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals to produce reference photos essential for her painting. Much like art itself, Shibari demands a profound grasp of anatomy and a persistent dedication to learning and adapting. While Cecilia’s current focus lies within the "Binding Lights" series, she relishes the dynamic fluidity of exploring varied styles. Whether honing technical skills through portraiture, geometric art, or blending diverse elements into abstract and textural creations, her artistic journey continues to evolve. Cecilia’s creations serve as a mirror to life's diverse experiences – at times beautiful, at times challenging, yet always provocative. They are a catalyst for introspection and dialogue, encouraging viewers to confront their emotions and thoughts, fostering deeper contemplation and exploration.
Melissa Cammisuli (she / her) Melissa’s goal has always been to leave a positive footprint, and her mission is to end the wasteful cycle of "stuffness" through art that gives back to a greater cause. Art has allowed her to make an impact: from selling artwork to teaching art and art history. Melissa painted and sketched from a young age and is self-taught. Her art has taken many forms, but art history took her down an academic path – where her goal of making art accessible and relatable came to fruition. After receiving her master’s in art history, Melissa taught art and art history to neurodivergent adults for several years, a role that was eye-opening. COVID, however, took Melissa in the opposite direction as she worked in marketing at a world-renowned agency where her art practice took a back seat. It was there that she realized how important was art and teaching. Melissa has returned to practicing fine art full-time and teaching art and art history at the Art Gallery of Hamilton and, most recently, the Rodman Art Institute of Niagara. Melissa believes art belongs to everyone and is a healing power that many underestimate.
Joseph Gottli (he / him) Joseph is a St. Catharines-based illustrator and designer making the art he wants to see in the world. His primary artistic focus is on St. Catharines and its history – either real or fabricated. He’s designed countless posters and pennants for local landmarks and wildlife, and his Hidden St. Catharines project delves deep into the histories of several local organizations (that also just happen to be completely made up). Joseph’s TeleVisions installation at the 2024 In The Soil festival featured St. Catharines prominently. Throughout the duration of the installation, nine TVs displayed random videos and refreshed each minute. Included in these videos were segments of timelapses taken around the city – Downtown, Port Dalhousie, the Welland Canal and Brock University – with the potential for two or more screens to sync up and display the timelapse across multiple TVs. St. Catharines is a focus in all of Joseph’s art as it is such an integral part of who he is. Having been born, raised and lived in St. Catharines almost his whole life, the sights, sounds and people of St. Kitts inspire and shape everything he creates.
Ric Langlois (he / him) Ric is an Indigenous artist, maker and member of the Indigenous community in Niagara. A 60s Scoop survivor from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Ric was raised in Niagara region by many foster families. Having been involved in art his whole life, he recently become closer to his original roots, which has brought his art to where he feels it belongs. In working within the Indigenous community Ric feels he has made a huge change for the better, creating fantastic works of art and being recognized as an individual who goes above and beyond for the community.
Shelley Locke (she / her) Shelley is a creative with immeasurable ideas and finite time. Born with profound hearing loss, Shelley finds comfort in the stillness of her studio and the onomatopoeia of her brush strokes. She may be deaf but she hears colour. Shelley is an award winning eco artist and poet, born and raised in St. Catharines, with art on utility boxes in Hamilton and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Her hope is that someone loves a piece as much as she does. Collectors of Shelley’s art range from Dufferin County to the Golden Horseshoe. Three years in a row The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce / NEXT Niagara chose Shelley’s work for their Priceless Fundraiser Auction. Shelley’s ECO Art, ‘Only An Elephant Needs Ivory’ won first place in the Links for Greener Learning’s Eco Art Challenge. In 2019 Shelley’s piece ‘Ode to T-Cats’ was chosen by the City of Hamilton for their Traffic Signal Box Wrap Public Art Project. In 2020 ‘The Glen’ and in 2024 ‘Evening Voyage’ were chosen for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro Box Beautification Competition. A two-time winner in the Mayor’s Annual Poetry Challenge and Brock University’s UNESCO’s Annual Sustainability Poetry Contest.
Caitlyn MacInnis (they / them) Caitlyn was born and raised in Fort Erie but grew up all around the Niagara Region. They are a non-binary, biracial, queer professional performing artist. Caitlyn sings, dances, acts, choreographs and is truly passionate about teaching the next generation of artists. They have been dancing since the age of three and taking vocal lessons since the age of seven. Caitlyn attended Sheridan College's Bachelors program for Musical Theatre Performance. Since graduating they’ve successfully pursued a career in musical theatre and acting. They were in the company of the Shaw Festival for two seasons and have been acting and singing professionally in various theatres and companies across Toronto. Caitlyn has been teaching various dance classes in Stratford at Stratford Dance Collective this past summer, alongside the work they do in the Greater Niagara Region.
Skye Rogers (she / her) Skye is a multidisciplinary performing artist and leader with a creative practice that is rooted in the creation and facilitation of movement and theatre, while also dearly devoted to making spaces for people to feel at home. Skye was the RBC Apprentice Choreographer with Musical Stage Co. in 2023-24, and is a graduate of Brock University and Randolph College for the Performing Arts. Skye is recognized for a collaborative and wholehearted approach to her process. She choreographs and facilitates workshops with her collective, retrograde: dance in motion, and is currently devising a new community-engaged play, “Homeward” with her collaborator, Kosar Dakhilalian. She has worked with the City of St. Catharines to activate the arts in her hometown, producing a series of free movement workshops that engaged with diverse instructors and venues, "Dance & Movement Days." Skye has also participated in several artist residencies, including Ontario Culture Days “Creatives in Residence” program and Suitcase in Point’s “Nest” Residency. Skye aspires to continue to be connective tissue in her communities, creating work and creative outlets in which anyone can play.
Evan Sawatsky (he / him) Evan is a 3D Artist and recent graduate of the four-year Brock University and Niagara College Game Design program, as well as a long-time St Catharines resident. He discovered his passion for creating art for video game projects while enrolled at Denis Morris Catholic High School and has since gone on to receive a number of accolades related to his field, including two medals at the Skills Canada provincial and national competitions in 2023. He is deeply invested in the local game development community and volunteers his time in helping facilitate industry-related events meant to bring like-minded artists and creatives together. He is also a staunch advocate for accessibility in gaming, and ensuring as many people as possible can enjoy the projects he has worked on, both as a student and as an emerging professional. Evan also has experience in other areas of game art, such as graphic design, narrative creation, and environment art. He hopes to one day be able to impart the lessons he has learned to the next generation of game artists and creatives, as well as make a lasting impact on the local community and abroad.
Tamara Lynn Sutton (she / her) Tamara was born and raised in St. Catharines and her works are inspired by nature and the beauty of the Niagara Region. Tamara’s love of creating art started at an early age with her first exhibition going back to Kindergarten when a painting of hers was exhibited at Rodman Hall. Currently, Tamara’s medium of choice is encaustic, which is an ancient painting medium of beeswax, damar resin and pigments. She began working with encaustics in 2012 after studying under artist Jan Yates. Tamara has taken many online encaustics painting courses and is currently in her fourth year with ‘Painting with Fire’ (with 26 different artists). In 2023 she traveled to Ireland and attended ‘The Essence of Mulranny Art’ retreat to learn more about encaustics from artist Regina Quinn. Tamara retired from her corporate position in August 2023 and is now pursuing art as a second career. Her first solo art exhibition held at Mahtay Café in St. Catharines in 2023 was a success, selling 11 paintings. At the ‘Square Foot’ group art exhibition held at Mann Gallery in St. Catharines in 2024 Tamara sold four out of five of her paintings.
Amber Lee Williams (she / her) Amber is a visual artist who lives and works in St. Catharines. She has a BA (Honours) in Studio Art from Brock University and an MFA from the University of Waterloo. She has taught many classes and workshops (photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, paper making, etc.) in the Niagara region, at locations such as: Niagara Artist Centre, Brock University, Niagara College, Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, RiverBrink Art Museum, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, Grimsby Public Art Gallery, and more. As mother of two daughters, family is at the center of her artistic practice. Her research resides in and around the home, observing and photographing the daily lives of her children, as well as drawing inspiration from the possessions and photographs left behind by deceased loved ones. Navigating the inevitable shifting of relationships and thinking about how everyday objects can serve as prompts to remembering are important methodologies in her work. Primarily working in various experimental photographic and sculptural mediums, Amber not only explores the ways in which we remember, but also all that is lost. With a particular interest in the concepts of grief and longing, her work reflects on the ephemeral nature of existence.
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Established Artist Award |
The Established Artist Award is presented to a professional St. Catharines artist in any discipline who has received recognition for excellence in their art practice in St. Catharines and beyond (regionally, provincially, nationally). Award recipient receives $500 and personalized handmade glass sculpture. Photo Gallery: 2024 Arts Awards - Established Artist nominees will appear here on the public site.
2024 Nominees: Matthias Bork MABO (Matthias Bork), born and educated in Bingen on the Rhine, Germany, is descended as far back as 1850 from a family of painters and artists. A professionally trained baker, pastry chef, chocolatier and food stylist, Matthias has studied art in Germany, Canada and Mexico. He became a full-time artist in 2000 but has painted continually since the 1970s. Between 2000 and 2023, Matthias created thousands works of art and has exhibited his work in Europe and America. Matthias specializes in non-objective mixed media; his style may be loosely described as Abstract Expressionism, but its fluidity allows for soupçons of surrealism, pointillism and action painting, using a great spectrum of assorted media. Matthias’ style is readily recognizable, with a distinct “MABO” identity. With clients across the globe, Matthias’ work can be found in residences and commercial establishments.
Lyndsey Casey (she / her) Artists find their creative voice at all different stages in life and, after many life adventures, Lyndsey finally made the decision to follow her heart and become an artist. During the last few years, Lyndsey has delved back into painting, and nature is what currently inspires her. The diversity of colors, beauty and harmony fascinates her. In her painting, she frequently uses impressions she takes from travels, as well as Ontario’s majestic nature in abstract form. Seasonal colours and nature’s energy inspires and drives her artistic creation. Using bright, explosive colors, Lyndsey captures a unique and uninhibited interpretation of nature, one filled with whimsy and enchantment... playful flowing lines, unexpected drips, and dreamy layers strike a beautiful happy balance between reality and abstraction. Lyndsey gives herself total freedom to capture the energy and beauty of botanicals, animals, and landscapes.
Paul Gosen (he / him) A lifelong painter and Niagara resident, Paul works in acrylics, oils and sculpture to create all themes of art. Prior to becoming a professional artist, Paul worked as a teacher for 21 years within the Niagara Region before turning his passion for art into his full-time career. Most recently, he has focused on large scale murals, beginning with acrylics and ending in oils on every conceivable subject. His commissions include universities, golf clubs, spas, restaurants, arenas, automotive showrooms, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, local churches, Niagara wineries and everything in between. Paul has a great interest in hand painting works within the Niagara region, bringing creativity to both private and corporate spheres. Through the years, he has proven himself to be a dynamic part of the arts community and hopes to continue to inspire and create for years to come.
Preston Haskell (he / him) Preston is a Master of Photographic Arts, a Fellow of the Professional Photographers of Ontario, and a Fellow of the Professional Photographers of Canada. Preston and his wife, Nancy, operate Preston Haskell's Millpond Studio of Photography. He and Nancy have self-published eight books: “Charter of Greed”; “Praetorian”; “A living work Environment”; “Children of Millpond”, “News Alert Niagara” and three editions of "Portraits of Niagara", portraying the beauty of the entire Niagara Region. Millpond Studios has supplied images of Niagara to the commerce of Niagara for 50 years.
Brita Housez (she / her) Brita was born in Germany and grew up in France and Quebec. After getting her BA from Acadia University, Brita moved to Grenoble, France, to pursue graduate studies. She resided there for several years before returning to Montreal where she raised her daughters and worked as a communications consultant before moving to St. Catharines about 30 years ago. While dabbling with paint for many years, Brita's art took on a larger role in the 90s. Her painting style evolved from realistic nature scenes to impressionistic and abstract art. Her current creations are characterized by vibrant acrylic colours often combined with other materials such as molding paste, coffee grinds and crumpled aluminum foil. The varied consistency and luminosity of her work give her paintings a deep and richly textured look. More recently, she has incorporated her own colourful collage designs into her art and enjoys experimenting with pastels. Brita gives much thought to the titles she chooses for her paintings, many of which express a social message or convey a basic human emotion. She uses her artistic skills to express feelings that people share when they experience not only joy and happiness, but also discord in love, war, and climate change.
Infinitely More Award-winning duo, Infinitely More, is celebrating 15 years of performing, songwriting, recording, and touring. Husband and wife, Allison Lynn and Gerald Flemming, have a desire to share artistry and inspiration through song. Their unique style fuses Folk, Pop, Celtic and Gospel with poetic lyrics and honest storytelling. Infinitely More annually drives across Canada, bringing their music to every province and corner of the country. They believe in the power of song to draw together people from all backgrounds and generations. In 2015, Allison and Gerald made St. Catharines their hometown and immediately started making music for their community. During the pandemic, they joined Niagara Folk Arts for their socially distanced “Arts To The Folks” festival. In 2023, they led workshops with the Willow Arts Community Mentorship Monday’s program. Infinitely More has released their ninth studio album - "The Sum Of All Love." This original song collection features guest performances by some of Canada's best artists, including Allen Froese, Kevin Pauls, Ali Matthews, and Drew Brown. Infinitely More’s songs and recordings have been nominated for 16 national music awards. Their 2019 album, “The Beauty Of The One”, won Covenant Awards for both Folk Album of the Year and Collaboration of the Year.
Chandi Jayawardena (he / him) Chandi's art is a narrative of his global odyssey to over 100 countries. Chandi studied visual arts at Ananda College in Sri Lanka, the University of Guyana, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica and at George Brown College School of Design in Canada. His early work celebrated Sri Lanka's natural beauty, while the 1990s saw him creating abstract pieces inspired by his time in South America. His move to the Caribbean in 1995, introduced impressionist landscapes and erotic line drawings. Since moving to Canada in 2001, his work has evolved to include landscapes and figurative art. He held his first solo exhibition in 1994. Since then, Chandi has participated in 15 solo exhibitions (including three in St. Catharines and four in Toronto), and 32 group exhibitions across Sri Lanka, Guyana, Jamaica, and Canada. An accomplished author, newspaper columnist, and poet, Chandi published his twenty-second book, ‘Emotions,’ in Canada in 2022, featuring 45 of his paintings and 55 poems. Chandi currently serves on the Board of the Niagara Falls Art Gallery and St. Catharines Art Association as Vice President.
Cole Lewis (she / her) Cole is a mom and theatre artist from St. Catharines. She specializes in creating live performance from design ideas, exploring new modes of storytelling, and fusing technologies to the stage. Her practice includes directing, playwriting, and the design of moving image works. Twice nominated for Dora-Awards, Cole’s practice uses humour, design, and technology to explore notions of violence, expose questions of bias, and unsettle standard conceptions of truth. Cole wrote and directed “1991” for Why Not Theatre’s RISER Project. She also originated direction and co-wrote Suitcase in Point’s “Keith Richards: A One Woman Show”. Recently, Cole co-created “2021” at Tarragon Theatre’s 2024 Greenhouse Festival, began a new play at Caravan Farm Theatre’s 2024 National Playwright Retreat and co-researched Dramaturges of the Unreal through Nightswimming’s 2024 PureResearch. She was the lead Artist Mentor (2023 + 2024) for Suitcase in Point’s Electric Innovations program and completed the first draft of “Grief Redux” for Stratford Festival (seed commission). She also adapted Kyo Maclear’s “Virginia Wolf” for Geordie Theatre. Cole is a Co-Founder of Suitcase in Point, Co-Artistic Director of Guilty by Association, holds an MFA from Yale and teaches at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Christopher Reilly (he / him) Christopher’s artistic journey is a powerful exploration of human emotions. Drawing inspiration from his work as a mental health nurse and the experiences of those around him, Christopher’s paintings transcend self-portraiture, transforming into poignant reflections of the human condition. He describes his works as "conceptual self-portraits," inviting viewers to connect with the emotions depicted – despair, isolation, depression, and hope. The creative process itself is central to Christopher’s practice; it is the art, with the finished work serving as a visual diary that chronicles his experiences and those of the community that he serves.
David Rose (he / him) Born in Toronto, David studied at the Ontario College of Art and the New School of Art in Toronto, and later received a diploma in fine arts at St. Lawrence College, Kingston, Ont. He also earned a Master’s degree in Canadian Art History from Concordia University, Montreal. He moved to St. Catharines in 2016. David primarily prefers painting urban scenes, landscapes and occasionally focuses on specific themes such as the recent COVID pandemic. Although he has explored many different art media, his preferred technique now is acrylics on canvas or hardboard. As a legally blind, low-vision artist with age-related macular-degeneration, he often uses photographs as source material and employs visual aids when creating his pictures. Over the years, David has exhibited work in solo and group exhibitions in both Ontario and Quebec. He is a member of the St. Catharines Art Association and the Visual Artists of Welland.
Rusty and Maja Rusty McCarthy and Maja Bannerman have collaborated on music and performance projects since the late 1970s. Maja, a published writer, began touring Canada in the 1980s performing original monologues and songs with support from various Arts Councils. Meanwhile, Rusty was performing and producing in Toronto and northern Ontario, founding the Wawa Music Festival and bringing live music back to Sault Ste. Marie. In 2018, Rusty moved to St. Catharines and he and Maja released their first cabaret-pop album as a duo in 2022. Maja brought dance and text to Rusty’s other musical creations and Rusty composed for Maja’s theatre projects. Since then, they have been creating commissioned variety shows and presenting monthly themed cabarets at Mahtay Cafe featuring special guests. Their shows are a range of musical styles, all-ages entertainment and always include audience participation. They are committed to sharing their art with St. Catharines and the Niagara community. As well as music and theatre performances at various local museums, last year they were also invited to contribute to the St. Catharines Historical Society’s Welland Canal book launch and website. Rusty and Maja are working on another album and continue to tour Ontario and beyond. |
Making a Difference Award |
The Making A Difference Award recognizes a St. Catharines arts entrepreneur, arts administrator, arts organization, arts animator or volunteer in the arts whose leadership and innovation have significantly contributed to the growth and development of arts and culture in St. Catharines. Award recipient receives $500 and personalized handmade glass sculpture. Photo Gallery: 2024 Arts Awards - Making a Difference Award nominees will appear here on the public site.
2024 Nominees: Natasha Bell (she / her) Born and raised in St. Catharines, Natasha Bell is a proud descendant of freedom seekers, with a vibrant Trinidadian heritage. Her roots are deeply embedded in her hometown's rich history and cultural legacy, fueling her passion for activism and her commitment to her Black Caribbean identity. Natasha advocates tirelessly for social justice, amplifying marginalized voices and striving for meaningful change. Her pride in her Black Caribbean roots is evident in her efforts to celebrate and preserve the cultural traditions that define her. Central to Natasha’s mission is making St. Catharines a welcoming home for everyone. She believes that true community is built through inclusion and shared experiences. To this end, she creates and organizes events that celebrate diversity, promote unity, and ensure that every individual feels valued. From cultural festivals to educational workshops and community gatherings, Natasha cultivates an environment where people from all backgrounds can connect, share their stories, and build lasting relationships.
Bart Gazzola (he / him) Bart is an arts writer, curator and photographer based in Niagara. Since 2022, he’s been the curator and facilitator of numerous exhibitions platforming Niagara artists in downtown St. Catharines at Mahtay Café & Lounge. Bart also hosts and facilitates the 5 x 2 Visual Conversations in St. Catharines at Mahtay Cafe: for almost a decade this has been an informal meeting of visual artists where they can share their art and ideas in a relaxed, community focused manner. Both endeavours have been supported by the City of St. Catharines’ SCCIP program. Other notable projects include curating and mounting the exhibition by St. Catharines artist Chris Reilly titled Love Lost Ruins (Spring - Summer 2024) and curating several exhibitions in the Niagara Falls Exchange space. In 2020 he presented Sandy Fairbairn’s photo exhibition Welland: Times Present Times Past (2020) at AIH Studios in Welland, and the next year he curated the online exhibition A Place To Stand: The Legacy of the Rodman Hall Art Centre Collection (2021 – 2022). Bart was previously assistant editor at The Sound: Niagara’s Arts and Culture Magazine, and as co-editor for The COVERT Collective he has often highlighted visual artists from Niagara.
Christina Hartmann (she / her) Christina is the founder of A Third Space Pottery Studio. In 2014, having recently been laid off, she quickly found out that jobs for middle aged women were scarce. Following a dream she had been talking about for a long time, Christina moved back to Niagara after living away for 30 years with the intention to start a community pottery studio. Starting slowly, in January 2015 with classes from her basement, by July 2018 Christina moved into space in an old factory just off the downtown core. Over the next few years, A Third Space tripled its studio space. Membership keeps growing, and some members have used the studio to start their own small pottery business. The main purpose of the studio lives up to the name, "Third Space", which is the term for places where people meet and make friends. Over the years, A Third Space has become a welcoming place where people from all over the Niagara Region come because they love spending time there.
Deanna Jones (she / her) Deanna is a Niagara-born artist, actor, writer, director and producer. She is a co-founder of Suitcase in Point Multi-Arts Company and was the company’s Artistic Director from 2007-2024. She has toured to festivals nationally and internationally in her over 20-year experience as a professional artist. Her acclaimed play, “The Keith Richards One Woman Show” was nominated for a Dora award in 2015 and toured throughout Western Canada. In 2011 Deanna received the City of St. Catharines Emerging Artist of the Year Award and in 2019, she was a nominee for Niagara’s Women in Business Cultural Arts Award. Deanna grew up in Welland, Ont. and has a history of collaboration with hundreds of theatre, music, film, literary and installation artists. Bringing creative impulses to life in unsuspecting places is one of her favourite things to do.
N’ora Kalb (she / her) N’ora has spent 25 years helping companies grow and succeed. A strong community leader, N’ora is dedicated to bringing more arts and culture to the Niagara Region and advocating for women in business. Since 2011, N’ora has been Director of Operations at Innovate Niagara, providing innovative companies with services and resources to get great ideas off the ground. N’ora constantly looks for new ways to bring services to innovators that will help them scale their businesses. In 2021, N’ora joined the volunteer board of directors at Rodman Art Institute of Niagara (RAiN), a registered charity dedicated to the advancement of the public’s appreciation and understanding of the visual arts. RAiN is working to establish a new, dynamic public art gallery, while developing and delivering collaborative programming in a temporary gallery space opened in 2024 in Downtown St. Catharines. As Chair of the board, N’ora leads the strategic planning for a new permanent home for the 1,000+ piece art collection; the development of the organizational structure; building a board that develops from operational toward governance and advancement; and working to create partnerships and support to build and maintain a gallery for the community.
Helen Michlik (she / her) Helen is primarily a self-taught artist working in pastels, watercolors, acrylics, oils, and encaustics. She has taken fine arts courses and participated in workshops at Niagara College, Mohawk College, and The Niagara Pumphouse Visual Art Centre, and has also studied the philosophy of art at Mohawk College. Eager to pass along her knowledge and enthusiasm for art, Helen gives private lessons, oil painting classes, and has worked with schools for many years. She has conducted encaustic painting and life drawing workshops at The Niagara Pumphouse Visual Art Centre and has illustrated three children's books. Helen has also conducted workshops at the Walker Family Cancer Centre for their Arts in Medicine Program and led a Culture Days event there, leading clinic and hospital visitors and staff in large group paintings. A long-time resident of St. Catharines, Helen has exhibited her works at various venues in Niagara, is an active member of the St. Catharines Art Association and lifetime member of the Niagara Pumphouse Visual Art Centre.
Yvonne Niwahereza (she / her) Yvonne is an artist, author, and entrepreneur. As the founder of Breathe88, Yvonne has pioneered the integration of art, storytelling and artificial intelligence to revolutionize human interactions. Yvonne's technique, using acrylic on canvas, is a vibrant testament to her journey through life and the myriad challenges she has faced. Each brushstroke is a reflection of her experiences as a black woman, a mother, and a dedicated community member. Her art transcends mere visual aesthetics, weaving stories that drive positive change in society and bridge cultural differences. Inspired by her life's journey, Yvonne's artwork tells compelling stories that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. She uses her art to inspire others, encouraging them to see the world from different perspectives and to find strength in their own challenges. Through her transformative art, Yvonne fosters genuine connections and promotes understanding across cultural boundaries. Transformative art, as envisioned by Yvonne, goes beyond traditional aesthetics, aiming to create profound shifts in perception and interaction. This unique art form seeks to bridge the gap between human connections. Recognized for her community contributions at Pathstone and Community Crew, Yvonne embodies the principles of positive change and leadership.
Brenda Sauder (she / her) Brenda Sauder is a clothing designer, painter, and sculptor, who enjoys photography and loves helping people. While living in Toronto she sold her clothing to stores across Canada and took courses in watercolour painting. Brenda moved to St. Catharines in 2007, became a member of the St. Catharines Art Association (SCAA) in 2008, and began her volunteer work as the "Social Director," humorously calling her job the "coffee and cookie lady." Eventually, she held positions as President and Treasurer. Her creative visions brought new and exciting shows and opportunities for the SCAA. As President, Brenda applied for ArtsVest landing a sponsorship with Millpond Studios where SCAA members held four-day art shows every spring for three years. Brenda was instrumental in organizing a three-day "Art Lovers" art show at Hernder Estate Winery for 4 years, with many members volunteering to help. Bus trips, guest speakers, demos, and movies were brought to the members at the monthly meetings. Membership tripled during those years to over 100 and so many friends were made. Now in its seventy-third year, Brenda feels truly blessed that she was able to give 16 years of service to such a great organization. |
Patron of the Arts Award |
The Patron of the Arts Award recognizes an individual or business that has made a meaningful contribution to the arts in St. Catharines through innovative, transformative, and entrepreneurial partnerships or philanthropic investments. Award recipient receives a $500 contribution to be directed to a St. Catharines artist or arts organization of the recipient’s choice and personalized handmade glass sculpture. Photo Gallery: 2024 Arts Awards - Patron of the Arts nominee will appear here on the public site.
2024 Nominee: Annette Urlocker (she / her) As a mother and a teacher, Annette has had a ring side seat to observe the growth of The Arts in St. Catharines. The arts are like a rain forest: a rain forest nourishes the land while the arts nourish the soul. St. Catharines is fortunate to have a solid art base and over time many stages have been developed with the ultimate being the Performing Arts Centre. As a person who values the rewards that the arts have to offer, Annette actively supports many projects. She was an early contributor to the funding of the new FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and was one of their first volunteers, continuing in both roles to this day. Other projects that earned Annette’s support were the murals at Lock 7 on the Welland Ship Canal and the healing garden at Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital. Bursaries at Brock and donations to the Niagara Community Foundation have provided Annette with additional opportunities to continue to support the arts. |
Commitment to Inclusion and Representation
St. Catharines values input from diverse voices. To encourage participation and promote a diversity of skills and perspectives, the City has adopted principles of inclusion, equity and accessibility so that all citizens have equal opportunities.
The City strives to ensure that the Arts Awards reflect St. Catharines’ diversity and demographics in such areas as gender identity and expression, geographic representation, age, race, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, experience and ability. We also welcome the nomination of individuals, collectives and organizations at different stages in their artistic careers, working in a wide diversity of disciplinary practices across St. Catharines.
Nominators (all award categories) |
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Nominees (all award categories) |
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Arts in Education Award |
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Emerging Artist Award |
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Established Artist Award |
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Making A Difference Award |
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Patron of the Arts Award |
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Nomination Submission |
Members of the public are invited to submit an Arts Awards nomination in any award category. Submit a brief statement outlining why you feel the individual, collective, or organization should be nominated. |
Nominee Submission Review |
Nominees will have the opportunity to review the information included in their nomination so they can expand upon their contributions and experiences. Nominator details will be shared with nominees and may be shared through the Award Selection process and recognition efforts. |
Jury (Award Selection) |
A Jury will adjudicate the submissions to select the Arts Awards recipients. The Jury will be comprised of arts community leaders who reflect the diversity of St. Catharines’ arts sector. The Jury will evaluate the nominations based on the artistic excellence, career, and impact of the individual, collective or organization. A member of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee will audit the Jury session to ensure that a fair and transparent selection process is followed. |
2023 award recipients |
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2022 award recipients |
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2021 award recipients |
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