2005 Arts and Letters Awards recipients announced

Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, joined artist Andy Jones to present the 2005 Arts and Letters Awards during a ceremony at the D.F. Cook Recital Hall, Memorial University on Saturday evening (May 28). This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the Arts and Letters Awards, one of the longest running cultural programs in the province.

"Government clearly recognizes the value of protecting our province�s unique culture and fostering the wealth of creative talent in our province. The Arts and Letters Awards is one way in which government will continue to encourage the creative process," said Minister Shelley. "Budget 2005 included significant new investment in the arts, including a new Cultural Connections program for the educational system. This program will attempt to create a greater awareness among young people about the social, cultural and economic benefits of the arts, and encourage them to consider careers and opportunities in the cultural industries. The program will also work to create linkages between artists and students in the school environment."

Almost 1,300 entries were received for this year�s awards program. Seventeen prizes were awarded in the Junior Division for entrants ages 12 to18, while 26 prizes were awarded in the Senior Division. Prizes in both divisions were awarded for prose, poetry, visual arts and musical composition. Senior Awards were presented by Minister Shelley, while Andy Jones presented the Junior Awards. The Percy Janes Novel Award was presented to Jeff Rose-Martland for his manuscript Game Misconduct. Over $23,000 in prize money was awarded.

Kevin Major, chair of the Arts and Letters Awards Committee, said government�s commitment to culture is good news for those involved in the arts in the province and will help to build on the foundation that has been created by programs such as the Arts and Letters Awards. "Since 1952, governments have acknowledged the importance of the Arts and Letters Awards Program in identifying, promoting and fostering creative ability in the province," said Mr. Major. "It continues to play a very significant part in our vibrant cultural life."

The Arts and Letters Awards was established in 1952. During the 53 years since the first competition was held, the winners have included many artists who have since made major contributions to the culture of the province. Some of the readily recognized artists who have been past winners include David Blackwood, Manfred Buchheit, Scott Goudie, Justin Hall, Ben Hansen, Ilse Hughes, Sheila O�Leary, Paul Parsons, Rae Perlin, Christopher Pratt, and Janice Udell in the visual arts; Cassie Brown, Frank Holden, Harold Horwood, Percy Janes, Ed Kavanagh, Kevin Major, Carmelita McGrath, Bernice Morgan, Paul O�Neill, Helen Porter, and Michael Winter in the literary arts; and John Herriott, Michael Parker and Brian Sexton in the musical category.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928, 685-1741

For more information on the Arts and Letters Awards, contact Regina Best, Coordinator, at (709) 729-5253.

BACKGROUNDER
2005 Arts and Letters Awards Recipients

JUNIOR DIVISION PROSE (169 entries)
Adjudicators: Ruth Lawrence, Milan Parab and Ramona Dearing

Eva Crocker, St. John�s
Title: The Sound Collector

Hope Jamieson, St. John�s
Title: Too Thick for September

Amy Ryan, Mount Carmel
Title: Even in His Youth

Jason Smith, St. John�s
Title: Dawn of the Dragons

Kevin Nguyen, St. John�s
Title: On the Road to Chiang Mai


JUNIOR DIVISION POETRY (341 entries)
Adjudicators: Kevin Hehir and Alison Pick

Jessica Murphy, St. John�s
Title: Bye Yesterday

Chantelle Legge, Carbonear
Title: The Thought

Cheryl Ozon, St. John�s
Title: Lines

Miriam Westin, St. John�s
Title: Walmart

Jillian Terry, St. John�s
Title: Multi-Faceted


JUNIOR DIVISION VISUAL ART (139 entries)
Adjudicator: Anita Singh

Luanne Dominix, Bay Roberts
Title: The Garden�s Field (acrylic)

Jessica Piercey, Goulds,
Title: Flowing Spirit (acrylic)

Miriam Westin, St. John�s
Title: Abounding Waters (acrylic)

Jenny Dwyer, Goulds
Title: Whimsical Wonders (acrylic)

Justin Oakey, St. John�s
Title: Portrait of a Filmmaker (oil)


JUNIOR DIVISION
MUSICAL COMPOSITION (23 entries)
Adjudicators: Michael Parker and George Morgan

Andrew James Bowers, Pasadena
Title: Majestic Rebellion

Michelle Rowsell, Grand Falls-Windsor
Title: Walking Out


SENIOR DIVISION VISUAL ART (222 entries)
Adjudicators: Shane Kelly, Beth Oberholtzer and Robin Smith-Peck

Angela Antle, St. John�s,
Title: Primitive Knowledge

Greg Blackwood, St. John�s
Title: From Her to Eternity

Patrick Canning, St. John�s
Title: A.A.A.N.

William Gill, St. John�s
Title: Tower

Rodney Mercer, Dildo
Title: Old Hag You Have Killed Me

Libby Moore, Portugal Cove-St. Philips
Title: Mapping Textures

Michael Pittman, Torbay
Title: Premonition (Dream of Doors)

Donna Ramsay, St. John�s
Title: Alison

Dave Sheppard, Bishop�s Falls
Title: Tick Tock of a Persistent Moment in Time

Reed Weir, Robinsons
Title: Sisters


SENIOR DIVISION POETRY(171 entries)
Adjudicators: Agnes Walsh and Adrian Fowler

Sandra Budgell, St. John�s
Title: Tied to this Shore

Degan Davis, St. John�s
Title: Holy

John Hoben, Gander
Title: Salmon Falls

Ben Hynes, Corner Brook
Title: The Balance of Winter


SENIOR DIVISION SHORT FICTION (100 entries)
Adjudicators: Libby Creelman and Gordon Rodgers

Jennifer Clouter, St. John�s
Title: Small Fish

Adriana Maggs, St. John�s
Title: Spiderman and Family

Adam Warren, Mount Pearl
Title: Grace

Paul Whittle, St. John�s
Title: Purity Sweets


SENIOR DIVISION DRAMATIC SCRIPT (20 entries)
Adjudicator: Anne Chislett

Joel Hynes, St. John�s
Title: Say Nothing, Saw Wood

Ben Pittman, Corner Brook
Title: Dead Cats Don�t Meow: The Legend of Eric Cobham


SENIOR DIVISION NON-FICTIONAL PROSE (18 entries)
Adjudicator: Maura Hanrahan

Alison Dyer, St. John�s
Title: Products of Erosion

Mary Pike, St. John�s
Title: In the Buddha�s Footsteps


SENIOR DIVISION MUSICAL COMPOSITION (32 entries)
Adjudicators: Michael Parker and George Morgan

Patrick Boyle, Mount Pearl
Title: Lines

Jim Duff, St. John�s
Title: Credo

James Hurley, St. John�s
Title: Mary�s Song


PERCY JANES NOVEL AWARD (23 entries)
Adjudicators: Helen Peters and David Freeman

Jeff Rose-Martland, St. John�s
Title: Game Misconduct

2005 05 30                               9:35 a.m.