NLAC Award Winners Announced

**Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council presents its annual awards **

Saturday May 2, 2009, St. John’s, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) held its 24th annual Arts Awards Show and Gala tonight at the Reid Theatre in St. John’s. The annual Arts Awards honour the accomplishments of Newfoundland and Labrador’s artists.

The six award winners are:

Arts in Education Award: Rob Power (performer and music educator)

Patron of the Arts Award: Drs. Jean and Angus Bruneau

Hall of Honour Award: Rick Boland (actor)

Hall of Honour Award: Central Newfoundland Visual Arts Society (CNVAS)

Rogers Arts Achievement Award: James Anderson (photographer)

CBC Emerging Artist Award: Kellie Walsh (choral conductor)

Artist of the Year Award: Sherry White (screenwriter, filmmaker and performer)

NLAC Chair Camelita McGrath said, “This year’s winners represent artists who are achieving excellence in their fields both at home and away. We are proud to honour them here tonight and celebrate their accomplishments. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”

Nominations for the awards are submitted by the arts community, arts organizations and the general public. Members of Council vote by secret ballot to select the finalists and winners.

Winners of the Artist of the Year, Emerging Artist, Arts in Education, and Arts Achievement Awards receive a $2000 cash prize and a piece of artwork. Winners of the Patron of the Arts Award receive a piece of artwork. Inductees into the Hall of Honour receive a framed certificate.