National arts honour Penticton’s Eva Cleland
EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Herald is reprinting historic stories from the South Okanagan focusing on the biggest news story of each year. JUNE 6, 1988 – Canada’s most prestigious arts award was presented to a longtime Penticton resident Saturday at a dinner in Ottawa.
The Diplomme d’Honneur was presented to Eva Cleland by the GovernorGeneral Jeanne Sauve.
The award is presented each year at the annual conference of the Canadian Conference of the Arts. It was first presented in 1954 to Vincent Massey and has been presented since that time to such well known Canadians as Glen Gould, Maureen Forrester and Mavor Moore.
The award is presented each year in recognition of distinguished service to the arts in Canada over a prolonged period of time.
Cleland started her career in the arts in the 1920s as an advance agent for Dominion Chatauqua, a Canadian travelling showcase of talent. In Penticton she met and later married Hugh Cleland.
“Undoubtedly the first professional arts administrator to stay and work in the Okanagan, she beleived that the residents of the interior of the province should have access to the whole range of arts activities.”
She has continued her endeavors on behalf of the arts over 60 years and is a founding member of “virtually every arts organization in the Okanagan” said the Penticton and District Community Arts Council.
The Diplomme d’Honneur award includes a framed certificate plus a talisman, by West Coast artist Bill Reid – cast in sterling silver.
Cleland was nominated for the award by the arts council. “Her vision, leadership, and determination have been a major force in the flowering of the arts throughout the province of British Columbia,” the council said. “She exemplifies what can be done by a volunteer in furthering the cultural life and opportunities in a community.”
1988
Prime Minister of Canada: Brian Mulroney Mayor of Penticton: Dorothy Tinning (formerly Dorothy Whittaker) Canadian Press Newsmaker of the Year: Ben Johnson (disgraced sprinter) Academy Award for Best Picture: “Rain Man” Stanley Cup champions: Edmonton Oilers
Local news: Woodward’s Food Floor in Cherry Lane becomes an Overwaitea grocery store