The impact of St. Albert artists on the arts and culture scene will be measured and celebrated at the 2026 Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts next year.
To make this event a success, community members are once again asked to submit names of their favourite local artists. Award winners will carry home an original piece of art crafted from a St. Albert artist in addition to $1,000.
The annual arts awards ceremony, which began in 2010, honours some of the community’s most talented creatives and supporters in six categories.
The categories include emerging artist, youth artist, mid-career artist, arts champion, and excellence in arts teaching. Perhaps the most distinguished award is Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.
Several of St. Albert’s most distinguished Lifetime Achievement recipients include sculptural potter Diane Gwilliam, painter Lewis Lavoie, composer Michael Massey, potter Elke Blodgett, guitar maker Mick Lazar, and theatre creators Maureen Rooney and Paul Punyi.
All artistic disciplines are recognized. They range from music, composition, dance, acting, poetry, prose and storytelling to playwriting, filmmaking photography, visual arts and instrument making.
To be eligible, nominees need to have a strong connection to St. Albert and be recognized within the community. They must have lived in, grown up here, worked in or spent a large part of their lives in the city.
Individuals, organizations, businesses or family members can nominate an artist. Artists can also self-nominate.
Nominees are considered for one category only. If nominated in multiple categories, they are contacted to find out which category they prefer to stand in.
Past arts awards nominees can be nominated in the same category as previous years, however winners cannot.
The nomination deadline is Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 5 p.m. Submissions will be reviewed and judged by a jury of peers.
For complete information on the nomination process, visit stalbert.ca/mcoa.
