Grande Prairie passed the torch Saturday to St. Albert for the next Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards during a magnificent Gala – the highlight of the six-day Iskoteo Arts Festival.
A delegation led by St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse, a former Grande Prairie resident, was on hand to invite Albertans to his city in April 2011 for another spectacular celebration of arts and culture.
Two outstanding contributors to the arts in Alberta – Joan Stebbins, former curator at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery in Lethbridge, and Rudy Weibe, an Edmonton-based author, were recognized with 2009 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards. The Honourable Norman L. Kwong, C.M., AOE, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, presented the awards.
The awards gala and dinner were hosted by Grande Prairie Regional College. Iskoteo wrapped up Sunday with Aboriginal Day at Muskoseepi Park.
“The entire arts festival was fabulous,” says Ald. Helen Rice, Chair of the 2009 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Gala Committee. “The Gala was absolutely fantastic. Once again Grande Prairians came through and delivered, showing why this City continues to attract significant provincial, national and international events.”
The festival included music, visual arts and literary activities. Each day focused on a different sector of the areas arts and cultural communities, highlighting an array of performers and artisans.
“The organizing committee was a terrific group of people to work with,” says Ald. Rice. “We started out with presenting the Gala, an accomplishment in itself, and as a result of partnering with local groups, created a six-day extravaganza, showcasing the high calibre of arts and culture in the City and Region.”
Clockwise from top, 2009 Distinguished Artist Award recipients Rudy Weibe and Joan Stebbins, His Honour, Norman L. Kwong, CM, AOE, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, his wife, Her Honour Mary Kwong, and Susan L. Green, Chair of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation Board.
