2014 Nominees

Katie Parkes is a programming committee member for the Grand River Film Festival and until recently was content co-ordinator for the arts and culture portal grandsocial.ca.

Robert Achtemichuk was executive director of Open Studio and the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery. He has received local and provincial grants to develop and exhibit his paintings.

Artist Angela Grasse delights in the process of her work, the learning and exploring. She is also a teacher and an active volunteer in the local arts community.

Jude Doble works in communications. She writes a blog, redleatherbooth.com that champions the arts in Waterloo Region and profiles local artists and creators.

Cody Burns is artistic director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Youth Theatre. During 2014 he was festival stage manager for Waterloo Region’s Sears Ontario Drama Festival.

Tracey Johnston-Aldworth has been a volunteer executive organizer and corporate sponsor with the Sun Life Financial Waterloo Busker Carnival for 25 years.

Visual artist Pamela Rojas believes in the power of art to build community bridges and leads groups in community projects that are designed to achieve that end.

Lyndon Horsfall is a co-founder of 12 Angry Filmmakers, a 2014 initiative that helped result in the creation of 16 short films in Waterloo Region during the year.

Tanya Fongang designs jewelry and clothing and is a graphic designer. She teaches art privately and in schools, and as a volunteer at Grand Valley Institution.

Juneyt Yetkiner is a flamenco guitarist. He has performed both in Waterloo Region and at music festivals around the world.

James Nye paints with a youthful brush, inspired by the ever changing urban landscape he encounters during cycling trips in countries around the globe.

Singer-songwriter Quinton Barnes released his debut album “My Way” in 2012. He performs regularly at venues across Waterloo Region.