NLAC Arts Awards Show -- Saturday night, 8pm, Reid Theatre

Not to be missed.

Parking is available in Lots 1A and 15B. Tickets are on sale at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre Box Office: 729-3900. Tickets are $20 - with proceeds going to the Cultural Assistance Plan for Emergencies (CAPE Fund).

Finalists are:

Artist of the Year 2008 – recognizes the art or activity of a person, group or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008. The finalists are:

    * Duo Concertante – classical chamber music ensemble
    * Justin Simms – filmmaker
    * Sherry White – screenwriter, filmmaker and performer 

Arts in Education 2008 – recognizes an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to arts in education in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008. The finalists are:

    * Robin Grant – visionary, writer and youth activist
    * Rob Power – performer and music educator
    * Christina Smith – Newfoundland musician and teacher

Emerging Artist 2008 – recognizes new and undisputed talent. It is awarded to an emerging artist, group or arts organization that has earned significant recognition for a piece of work or a generally out-sized impact on the scene. The finalists are:

    * Curtis Andrews – percussionist, composer and teacher
    * Riddle Fence – journal of arts and culture
    * Kellie Walsh – choral conductor 

Hall of Honour

    * Rick Boland – actor, writer and director
    * Central Newfoundland Visual Arts Society (CNVAS)

These awards will be officially presented at the Arts Awards ceremony on May 2.

Arts Achievement and Patron of the Arts

Two more awards will be presented on May 2nd: Arts Achievement 2008 and Patron of the Arts 2008. (Council does not prepare a list of finalists in these award categories.)

The Arts Awards Show – host and entertainment

Well-known theatre director Danielle Irvine returns this year to produce and direct the show. The theme she has chosen to work with is “Anything is Possible”.

“Reflecting over the past year it was inspiring to see, both as a province and as an arts community, all the amazing places Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have found themselves,” said Irvine. “Our Premier has been quoted as saying “anything is possible”, and that has launched our theme for this year.”

The NLAC is delighted to have actor and comedian Phil Churchill host the show, along with musical hosts the Terri Lynn Eddy Band. The evening will include performances by Anahareo White-Malone and Wonderbolt Circus, East Rock Crew, and The Once.

Artwork and Prizes

Also unveiled at today’s news conference was the artwork that will be presented to the winners in five of the award categories. This year’s artwork was created by Torbay sculptor John Goodyear. Each piece is a one of a kind sculptured hollow form made from American Walnut. They are approximately six inches in diameter and four inches in height and consist of two layers: a thick bark-like outer layer, which has an eroded appearance that reveals the inner form. The inner form consists of what appears to be an intricate organic web like structure. These pieces are based on the concept of erosion; the revelation of a lost and secret gift that has been exposed due to the erosion process.