Richmond Arts Award Winners Include a Bee Preservationist and a 91-Year-Old Entertainer

Cameron Cartiere

The City of Richmond announced the six winners of the ninth annual Richmond Arts Awards, at a ceremony May 16, at Richmond City Hall.

The Artistic Innovation Award was given to Border Free Bees, which incorporates artistic practices and creative community engagement to raise awareness about the plight of bees and and encourage environmental stewardship. BFB is lead by Cameron Cartiere. Finalists included Plaza Projects and Robin Eder-Warren.

The Arts Education Award went to Tony Bowden,  a visual arts instructor at the Richmond Arts Centre. Mr. Tony fosters a welcoming environment where students from all backgrounds use art as a tool for both social and personal expression. Finalists included Melanie Devoy and Shelley John.

Lansdowne Centre received the Business And the Arts Award for hosting choirs, bands and cultural celebrations (including a large-scale Lunar New Year’s festival), and supporting the arts as both a sponsor and partner in creative programming. Finalists included Gilmore Gardens and Courtyard Gardens and Jason Ko/Viva Pharmaceuticals.

Community Arts Council of Richmond won the Cultural Leadership Award. Finalists included Cathy Bayley and Ming Yeung. 

Nan Baardsen, 91, won the Volunteerism Award. Since 2007,  Baardsen has volunteered 2,000 hours supporting the Minoru Seniors Society Glee Club. She is not only an adept administrator for the group, but a talented performer. Finalists: Dale Bailey and Ray Chin.

Singer-songwriter Anna Toth won the Youth Arts Award. Anna’s YouTube presence has attracted 494,000 views. She initiated and led a Glee Club at Burnett Secondary School. Finalists: Emily May and Tal Mader