Ron Hadley and Corinne James are the backbone of cultural life in the Town of Qualicum Beach. It all happens at the The Old School House Arts Centre, affectionately known as TOSH. Corinne is the coordinator and oversees the art programs, classes and galleries while Ron leads the music series, which includes his popular Tuesday evening Jazz Club, Music on Sunday and the annual Harvest of Music. Ron and Corinne have revitalized this historic arts centre and strengthened the accessibility to art and music for the community and visitors alike. Whether it is taking art classes or world class music into the schools, entertaining seniors or engaging local artisans, Ron and Corinne show exemplary dedication, integrity and spirit, sharing the joy of the arts with others.
Award Year: 2010
Richard Murakami
Richard quietly and unassumingly gives and gives to his community. He contributes with small gestures and large, from kind acts of generosity at his auto repair business to donations to sports teams, school projects, the Japanese Gardens, and Lady Minto Hospital Foundation. Today, we honour Richard for his most significant contribution…his donation of land, valued at 1.2 million dollars, for a social housing project to ensure that young families and those that want to stay on the Island have a place to live. He does all of this against the backdrop of growing up in family that was interned during the war and struggled to rebuild their lives. Richard is a caring, supportive, generous and much-loved member of the Salt Spring Island community.
Alvin Adkins
Haida artist Alvin Adkins has been creating distinctive, bold and unique works for more than 30 years. Celebrated for his high quality gold and silver jewellery, he is also a talented argillite and wood carver and creates sikscreen prints that underscore his attention to detail and imaginative approach to design. His work is in demand by collectors and he contributes many works to his community to raise funds and awareness for First Nations art and culture.
Jags Beanstalk
Sharp entrepreneurial intuition, consistent hard work and unrestrained creativity define the business success of Jags Beanstalk. A well-known coffee house and community gathering spot in Haida Gwaii, the entrepreneurial passions of its owners have led to product diversification and an ambitious plan to add hostel accommodation to their site. Smart financial decisions and effective cost management have resulted in this small business weathering downturns and prospering in good times. Each and every day, proprietors, “Jags” and Susan Brown provide their customers with extraordinary hospitality and are rewarded with customer loyalty.
BC Achievement Applied Art + Design 2010
Braunwyn Henwood
Braunwyn’s life is anchored in three basic beliefs – a person must give back to the community; if a need is evident, a person does not ask but acts to meet the need; and a wheelchair is not a barrier to achieving what you believe. As the Hazeltons’ volunteer liaison for Measuring Up the North, Braunwyn spearheads inclusive and accessible initiatives for the Hazeltons. As well, Braunwyn was directly involved with fundraising for the new Skate Board and Bike Park, and she championed the Skeena Bakery, a business operated by people with disabilities. An elected councilor for the District of New Hazelton, she advocates for making the Hazeltons a better and safer place to live, work and play. In her nominator’s words, “Braunwyn Henwood is a GIFT to our community.” Jane and George embody the very essence of community leadership. They are extraordinary contributors both as individuals and as a team.
Amanda Neil
Amanda is being honoured today for her actions in remembrance of our Veterans. When reading an article in 2006 about the unmarked graves of our war veterans, Amanda was moved to act, as she felt that a veteran who gave his life to save our country deserved a grave marker. To date, Amanda has raised $225 each for over 80 grave markers for forgotten soldiers at Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver. Amanda has accomplished more in her sixteen years than many of us do in a lifetime. She has inspired, by her example, not only her fellow students at Delta Secondary, but all Canadians.
Lisa Hageman
Lisa Hageman’s dream is to see the ancient art of Haida weaving recognized as the high art it is. She’s demonstrated her passion with thousands of hours practicing the oldest form of textile weaving on the Northwest Coast, Raven’s Tail. In 2009, Hageman created the Hageman-7idansuu Robe, the first entirely z-twist warp, weft and weave Haida robe in more than a century. Designated a Master in Weaving by her mentor and teacher, Evelyn Vanderhoop, Lisa has woven publicly in galleries, museums and showcases in B.C., France and Ireland and has received commissions from museums, private collectors and the Haida community.
MUG Solutions
Tina Thompson’s husband, a telecommunications repair worker, came home one day with a used syringe needle in his boot. Horrified, Tina set out to prevent this workplace hazard and improve conditions for those who work underground. The result is the patented Manhole Under Ground Flap, a device that blocks waste, specifically syringes, from entering manhole covers. TELUS Communications conducted a successful product field trial with MUG in 2007 and has since implemented MUGS throughout the downtown eastside of Vancouver and outlying areas. Tina’s invention and successful business strategies have now led to a US launch as well as future plans for international distribution.