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The Educating in the Arts Award
recognizes an arts educator (not necessarily a teacher by profession) who has undertaken to impart artistic knowledge, skill and creative expression to others, on a regular basis and in a variety of settings.
 Award Sponsor
Nominees are:
- Retired ODCVI teacher, director and producer John Caryl
- Musician and song-writing teacher Paul Court
- Retired Park Street C.I. teacher and founder of Jazzmatazz Ted Duff
- Musician, piano teacher and vocal coach Doreen Uren Simmons
The award goes to....
TED DUFF
Ted Duff has spent over 40 years directing performances in music and dramatic theatre and jazz through his creation of the Park Street Players, summer touring musicals and Jazzmatazz. His imagination, enthusiasm and talents have inspired many students to pursue careers or life-long interests in the arts. Countless Orillians of all ages pay tribute to Ted as the source of their continuing musical inspiration. Ted continues to share his talents with the community as a performer and as a skilled and inspiring musical leader.
The Arts Achievement Award
recognizes the art or activity of a person or group who has made an outstanding artistic contribution – visual, theatrical, musical or literary – to the cultural life of the community.
Nominees are:
- Visual artist and founding member of the Orillia Fine Arts Association Laura Carter
- Story teller and musician Susan Charters
- Visual artist and founding member of the Zephyr Gallery Liz Schamehorn
The award goes to....
LIZ SCHAMEHORN
Liz Schamehorn has been an active and prominent member of the visual arts community for over two decades. Her work, for which she has received several awards, has appeared in many exhibits, tours and festivals in Orillia and beyond. Liz was a founding member of Zephyr Gallery and has been a mainstay to this gallery which works so diligently to bring artists and community together. Currently, she is a partner in Peter Street Fine Art Gallery where she paints, exhibits and teaches classes. Liz serves on the art committee for the Orillia Museum of Art & History, where she has also served on the board of directors. She has contributed her expertise and energy to many community arts events such as Starry Night, the Festival of Banners, Streets Alive. She has juried shows and participated in panels, readings and performances. As one of her peers said in a supporting letter “Orillia’s art community has grown rapidly over the past ten years, Liz has been a major contributor and facilitator, not only in the visual arts but in music and the performing arts too. Liz is one of Orillia’s artistic gems!”
The Community Arts Award
recognizes an individual, organization or corporation possessing the highest standards of motivation and service who has made a marked contribution to the cultural fabric of the community.
 Award Sponsor
Nominees are:
- Organizer of Festival of Banners and “Streets Alive” Leslie Fournier
- Library facade creator Robert Noble
The award goes to....
LESLIE FOURNIER
Leslie Fournier is a vibrant and enthusiastic contributor to the arts and culture activities of Orillia, particularly through her leadership in the Festival of Banners and Streets Alive. She is a tireless worker who has enriched the city and embodied the idea that the arts must be inclusive for all. Leslie’s “Guitars on Parade” initiative not only beautified the Port of Orillia, the downtown and the Mariposa Folk Festival, but presented opportunities for artists, local businesses and service clubs.
 
“Orillia has a particularly vibrant arts community”, said Anita Purcell, President of the Orillia & District Arts Council . “These annual arts awards celebrate the exceptional and talented people who contribute to it. It’s especially important that these awards recognize not only individuals who create art but also art educators and individuals and groups who are arts patrons and supporters.”
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