The 30th annual Arts Recognition Awards

The 30th annual Arts Recognition Awards

By QAC Team

The Quinte Arts Counc-

cil (QAC) is dedicated to celebrating individuals, groups, and organizations that make a meaningful impact in our community. Each year, the QAC honours their contributions through the annual Arts Recognition Awards.

“The recipients of the 30th annual Arts Recognition Awards are truly inspiring members of our community. From activism through art, to a renowned playwright making waves on the national scene, a dedicated theatre volunteer, a historian, a group making theatre accessible to all children and a festival that

celebrates the magic of jazz, this year’s honourees are creating a lasting legacy of achievements,” says Janet Jarrell, QAC Executive Director.

Judy Bridle is a dedicated volunteer with a passion for theatre. In 2024, she is in her twenty-fourth season with the Bel-

Belleville

leville Theatre Guild. She was also Stage Manager & volunteered as an assistant to the Lighting Co-designer & Operator, Northumberland Players, Cobourg. In addition to her lengthy dedication to the theatre arts, and despite the hundreds of hours required for planning, rehearsal, and performance of each production, Bridle volunteers with the Quinte Ballet School, Belleville Downtown DocFest, and the Quinte Arts Council Gallery.

Connie Carson is an author and local historian based in Belleville. She is best known for her work "Memories of Belleville," which is a notable contribution to preserving and documenting the history and cultural heritage of Belleville. Her book captures the essence of the city’s past through a collection of stories, photographs, and personal anecdotes, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the historical and social fabric of the community.

Quinte Youth Theatre offers a comprehensive musical theatre experience, encompassing singing, dancing, and acting roles, as well as opportu -

nities in stagecraft, set design, visual arts, programming, lighting, and stage management. Crystal Clark and Annastacia Smith (owners of Ontario Dance Academy) have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in dance education. Their students have gone on to achieve remarkable success, with many being accepted into top-tier post-secondary dance institutions.

Peter Paylor has many roles and his prowess as a playwright has received national recognition. A playwright, sculptor and entrepreneur. Peter’s focus is on all things artistic. Peter has helped to support the artistic endeavors of Quinte residents by hosting art exhibits; lectures/talks; a Youth Arts Festival, ‘Gary’s Gigs’ lectures and films; Belleville BluesFest artists; classical and folk musicians as well as Loyalist College and East Side Secondary School student films.

Prince Edward County Jazz Festival is in its 27th year as the premier jazz festival in the Hastings and Prince Edward

County region. The jazz festival has grown from a small festival in Picton to a year round incorporated charitable organization. Offering jazz performances throughout the region and providing opportunities for young musicians to learn. They support the PEC Jazz Festival and offer live streaming of performances; and lectures, clinics and other promotional and educational initiatives.

Bill Stearman is a Canadian quilt maker and storyteller who discovered his passion for quilting after a serious leg injury in 2013. His journey into quilt making began as a therapeutic activity to cope with pain, but it quickly evolved into a profound form of artistic expression and a method of activism.

A celebration for these winners and the entire arts community of Quinte was held September 26th, 2024 at Dinkel’s Restaurant in Downtown Belleville.

Photos by Gerry Fraiberg

Quinte Arts Council