The Abbotsford Arts Council presented the 11th Annual Arty Awards on Saturday, April 11, at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium. The “Old Hollywood Glamour” themed evening celebrated and honoured individuals of all ages who have achieved excellence in their art as well as arts advocates who have contributed significantly to the Abbotsford arts scene.
In addition to the awards presentations that evenin g there was also be a catered reception, silent auction and live entertainment including a condensed version of Groove Force Productions’ legendary “Moulin Rouge” performance.
2015 Arty Awards Nominees and Winners
*Winners highlighted in bold.
Outstanding Artist in the Performing Arts – Music
Chad Joiner, Conductor/Performer/Educator
John Welsh, Singer/Songwriter
Julia Toews, Performer/Educator
Saint Soldier, Rapper
Outstanding Artist in the Performing Arts – Theatre
Paulina Harskamp, Singer/Actor/Director
Danielle Warmenhoven, Actress/Stage Crew
Karen Mortensen, Costume Designer/Actress/Singer
Mary Boonstra, Creative Director of Groove Force Productions
Philip Dyck, Actor/Singer
Outstanding Artist in the Performing Arts – Dance
Nicci Marsh, Instructor/Choreographer/Dancer
Jordan Allarie, Choreographer/Director/Performer
Marissa Culpin, Dancer/Performer/Choreographer
Nicholas Hasenpflug, Dancer/Choreographer/Promoter
Outstanding Artist in the Visual Arts – 2-Dimensional
Riley Charters, Painter
Justin Zacharias, Multimedia/Tattoo Artist
Ursula Rettich, Contemporary Artist
Outstanding Artist in the Visual Arts – 3-Dimensional
Dean Lauzé, Multimedia Artist
Carol Klassen, Silversmith/Sculptor/Painter
Joy, Fine Artist/Jeweler
Outstanding Artist in the Visual Arts – Digital Arts
Laura Vanderwel, Graphic Designer/Illustrator
Chelsea Caldwell, Graphic Designer
Outstanding Artist in the Literary Arts
Lynda Grace Philippsen, Writer
Surjeet Kalsey, Poet/Writer
Christine Caldwell Outstanding Arts Advocate
Ryan Huston, Architect/Arts Supporter
Asger Hansen, Musician
Emily Isaacson, Author/Speaker/Advocate
Sophia Suderman, Community Arts Organizer
Outstanding Artist in Elementary School, All Genres
Greta Loewen, Artist
Outstanding Artist in Secondary School, All Genres
Brynn Ellis, Artist/Showjumper/Actor
Melanie Sawatzky, Painter/Illustrator
Kai & Lia Gronberg, Musicians/Songwriters
Nicki Meier, Musician
Outstanding Artist in Post-Secondary School, All Genres
Julie Epp, Illustration Artist
Terrill Smith, Art Historian/Arts Advocate
Outstanding Arts Organization
SippChai Café, Local Café/Community Arts Supporter
Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers, Musicians
Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, “Creating a Vibrant Community”
Outstanding Artist in the Culinary Arts
Wim Tas, Master Chocolatier
Jeff Massey, Executive Chef/Restauranteur
Pam MacGregor, Custom Sugar Cookie Designer
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Donate to the Arty Awards
Support Abbotsford’s artists by a financial contribution! Your donation will help offset the costs of the event as well as augment the program’s sustainability, ensuring that artists who have achieved excellence in their art and have made selfless community contributions continue to be recognized for years to come. Upon request, a tax-deductible receipt can be issued for donations above $20.
Donations to the Arty Awards can be made with your debit card, credit card or Paypal account via CanadaHelps.org by clicking the donate button below, or can be made by cheque to: Abbotsford Arts Council, P.O. Box 336, Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 6Z6.