Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Ceremony

June 20, 2009

Thank you, Senator Banks and Fil Fraser… good evening distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen…and a special good evening and congratulations to the two remarkable artists being honoured tonight.

You know, I have a great deal of respect for the work that artists do and for the important contributions they make to our communities.

When art is done well, it has the power to transform its audience. Great art can prompt us to look at things in a different light - to consider new perspectives and possibilities. And that, in turn, can lead to greater acceptance, tolerance and understanding between people.

When art is done well it also can enrich our quality of life, by strengthening our knowledge and awareness of the world around us, by bringing balance to our lives and giving us an opportunity to reflect and relax or by simply brightening our spirits and offering a few moments of much needed entertainment.

This evening we are celebrating two people who truly understand the power of art when it's done right and who have offered a lifetime of service to that very important cause.

As Her Majesty the Queen's representative in Alberta, it's my pleasure to recognize the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award recipients for 2009.

To Joan Stebbins - thank you for your remarkable commitment to the visual arts, both here in Alberta and across Canada. Thank you for everything you've done to foster the work of visual artists in our province and for the time, patience and dedication you've invested into helping Albertans learn about and enjoy great art.

To Rudy Wiebe - thank you for sharing so many remarkable stories with us throughout your impressive career. Thank you for encouraging us all to see ourselves and the world in a new light and for representing our province and country with distinction to readers across the globe.

Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who has worked to make this evening a success. Thank you to Board Chair Susan Green and all the Foundation board members for their great support of the arts in Alberta.

To Grande Prairie Mayor Dwight Logan ad everyone on the team who worked to ensure that this arts festival would be a celebration to remember…All I can say is…mission accomplished.

Each time these awards are held, the host community finds a way to raise the bar and this year is certainly no different. Grande Prairie has definitely set a new standard for the City of St. Albert to follow with the next awards. With so much outstanding work taking place in the Alberta arts community I'm sure they'll find a way to celebrate in style.

Again, congratulations to this evening's award recipients and thank you to everyone here this evening for your commitment to the arts.

Enjoy the rest of the evening.