Windsor Endowment for the Arts salutes artists, organizations

Top local artists and arts organization were recognized Thursday night as part of the biennial awards of the Windsor Endowment for the Arts. Every two years, the WEA hands out $29,000 in grants to individuals and groups who enrich the artistic community across Windsor-Essex.

The two main grant categories — arts infrastructure grants and emerging artist grants — are $3,000 each. The three additional donor-funded grants total $5,000. There are also non-monetary awards. WEA president Carolyne Rourke said there were 87 applications and nominations for grants and awards this year, compared to 84 two years ago, 72 in 2014 and 29 in 2012. “It really shows the need,” Rourke said. “WEA wants to get the word out. We have this money and we need to give it out.” Nineteen artists and organizations were recognized during the ceremony at the WFCU Centre.

Awards and Grants Recipients: Windsor Endowment for the Arts Record of Achievement Award: Dr. Alan Wildeman Arts Leadership Awards: Community Arts: Windsor

Feminist Theatre Literary Arts: Terrance (Teajai) Travis Performing Arts: Robert Franz Visual Arts: John Jaciw Arts Infrastructure Grants: Community Arts: Vanguard Youth Arts Collective Literary Arts: Windsor Poetry Slam Performing Arts: Music Moves Kids Visual Arts: Paul Murray Emerging Artist Grants: Community Arts: Sierra Parr Literary Arts: Kate Hargreaves Performing Arts: Michael J. Krym The Lois Smedick Emerging Artist Grant in Visual Arts: Svetlana Oppen Elizabeth Havelock Grant: Erin Armstrong The Eric Jackman Youth Grant in the Arts: Corinne Garrett The Morris and Beverly Baker Youth Grant in the Arts: Alexandria Masse The Windsor Mayor’s Arts Awards Individual Artist: Dr. Bruce Kotowich Arts Organization: The Arts Council Windsor & Region Arts Volunteer: Peter Wasylyk