The finalists have been revealed for the upcoming Airdrie Mayor's Night of the Arts (AMNA), which is making its return to Bert Church LIVE Theatre on Feb. 11.
The nomination period closed on Nov. 25, 2022, with over 30 unique submissions from the six award categories.
“We were very pleased with the total number of nominations received this year,” stated a press release from the AMNA organizing committee. “We didn’t receive as many as we had hoped for in the Champion and Patron categories, however. We know that these supporters are out there and are integral to the community. Our hope is to continue to engage and highlight Airdrie businesses who support the Arts and to have them recognized in years to come.”
Nominations covered a wide field of artists, including singers, painters, potters, make-up artists, actors, culinary chefs, graphic designers, teachers and supporters.
According to AMNA's press release, the nominees were asked to submit detailed information about their artistic work, which was vetted for eligibility and then reviewed by third-party adjudicators outside the reach of the Airdrie arts community.
“This year, we were pleased to work with individuals from a Calgary recording studio, the Calgary Distinguished Writers Program at the University of Calgary College of Arts, and an educator and administrator from the Alberta University of the Arts,” the release stated.
“All of the nominations received were of top quality. Our adjudicators were impressed and pleasantly surprised by the talent we have here. We are so proud of the Airdrie arts community.”
The list of finalists include the following:
In the arts educator award, the finalists include Lisa Ammarati of Skyline Music; Anthony Burbidge of Airdrie Music Lessons; and Christine Trac of W.H. Croxford High School.
In the emerging artist category, the finalists include Gabrial Morris, Mariette Nel, and Taylor Burton.
In the professional artist category, finalists are country duo Flaysher (brothers Brad and Ryan Fleischer), Mitchell George of Crooked Cinema Inc., and Hugh Rockwood of Chozen Studios.
In the youth artist category, the three finalists are Emma Corcoran, Caleb Gatcke, and Eden Regier.
Other AMNA award nominees include Nose Creek Players' president Robin McKittrick (champion of the arts award) and Davis Chevrolet (patron of the arts award).
The finalists will be honoured and winners awarded at a celebratory event on Feb. 11. The event will also feature live performances, including country musician Julian Austin as headliner, spoken-word poet Cathy Prerrott, actor Tare Rennebohm, circus performer Kate Ryan, the George McDougall High School pit orchestra, and the Northcott Prairie Middle School drama group. Tickets for the upcoming AMNA awards night can be purchased at Bert Church LIVE Theatre’s website or by visiting tickets.airdrie.ca
For upcoming news and announcements pertaining to AMNA, follow the organizers' social media channels: Airdrie Mayor's Night of the Arts on Facebook, @amnaawards on Twitter, or amnaawards on Instagram. The official website is amnaawards.ca
