The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts committee is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s awards, which were presented at the 13th annual Mayor’s Gala for the Arts on Saturday, January 18.
Emerging Artist, which recognizes an emerging Kamloops artist working in the visual and/or performing arts for their current accomplishments and future potential, was awarded to Marcella Barz.
Curious ears led Marcella Barz from Kamloops to Dublin to pursue contemporary bass clarinet performance. She is currently a doctoral student exploring the production of electronic sounds and visuals using sensors. Marcella collaborates with Irish composers on a regular basis to produce international performances and gives workshops for composers interested in composing for the clarinet(s). She currently teaches clarinet and chamber music at Maynooth University and her trio, The Zephyr Clarinet Trio, is an Apprentice Ensemble at the Galway Music Residency for 2019/20. Previously, Marcella graduated with a Master of Music in clarinet performance from the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Corporate Champion, which recognizes outstanding Kamloops business leaders and/or medium to large businesses/corporations that have made a significant contribution supporting local arts and culture through donations (cash or in-kind), sponsorships and/or volunteer services in support of a local arts organization and/or Kamloops artist, was awarded to Lee’s Music.
Lee’s Music is very “Pro Arts”, donating approximately $150,000 per year in goods, services, and cash to events and organizations in and around Kamloops. One of their proudest achievements is Music in the Park: with 76 shows over 62 days, this program supports many local bands, touring artists and is a great event overall. With over 20 years working the event, Lee’s has seen it grow from low budgets and few people to the Canadian renowned event that it has become. Whether its guitars, sound systems, or just stage set designs, Lee’s has won many awards and received multiple patents all in the arts field.
Enduring Supporter, which recognizes the long-serving and foundational commitment of an outstanding individual through contributions that have furthered the success of one or more of Kamloops’ arts organizations, was awarded to Michael Powell.
Cellist Michael Powell was born in Jamaica in 1939 and moved to Canada in 1967. The youngest of non-identical twins, he received early music tutelage from his piano teacher mother and “singing Welshman” father. Upon moving to Kamloops in the 1970s he had the distinction of being a founding member of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra in 1976, the Thompson Valley Orchestra in 1997, and the Kamloops Brandenburg Orchestra in 2012.
The Mayor's Gala for the Arts is a collaborative partnership that brings together the City of Kamloops, Kamloops Art Gallery, Kamloops Symphony, and Western Canada Theatre, to recognize and celebrate the arts and culture sector of Kamloops.