Some big news was waiting for St. Albert artist Al Henderson on Wednesday. That’s when he found out he made the shortlist for the prestigious Eldon and Anne Foote Edmonton Visual Arts Prize, worth $10,000.
This is the first year that the prize is being awarded and Henderson is humbled by the nomination and the company that he’s keeping on the shortlist.
“Obviously, I’m quite happy that I’m seriously considered, let alone shortlisted. When you look at the other artists that are shortlisted it’s kind of daunting,” he said.
His co-nominees are Paul Freeman, David Janzen, Amy Loewan, and Arlene Wasylynchuk.
Henderson’s most recent significant exhibit was last March at the Douglas Udell Gallery. Light Horse Tales of an Afghan War featured bronze and marble sculptures along with cartoon drawings depicting military personnel interacting with various Afghani civilians and terrorists.
“You take what you do seriously. If someone else takes it seriously, that’s a really good thing,” he said.
The winner will be announced during a special evening reception to be held at the Visual Arts Alberta Gallery on June 21.
Information on the shortlisted artists is available on the Visual Arts Alberta website at www.visualartsalberta.com.
The Alberta Historical Resources Foundation has extended its deadline for the Heritage Awards to June 30. The award has four categories – heritage conservation, heritage awareness, municipal heritage preservation and outstanding achievement.
This award should be big news in St. Albert, a city known for its efforts to preserve the past and promote it to improve the future, said Ann Ramsden, the executive director at the Musée Héritage Museum.
“St. Albert has many examples of outstanding work and individuals,” she said.
Nominations can be made on behalf of individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the protection, preservation or promotion of heritage in Alberta.
Full details along with nomination forms are available online at www.culture.alberta.ca/ahrf/heritageawards.aspx or by calling the foundation at 780-431-2305.
