Winners of City’s Arts, Culture, and Volunteer Awards Announced at Last Night’s Ceremony

The City of Owen Sound is pleased to announce the 2026 Arts, Culture and Volunteer Award winners. The free event took place at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on Thursday, April 16.  Nominees included musicians, visual artists, performers, volunteers, and new and long-established organizations and events, reflecting the diversity of Owen Sound’s cultural scene. The celebratory event was open to the public and included light snacks, entertainment and cash bar. The biannual Arts and Culture Awards are presented in partnership this year with the annual Jan Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year awards.

Sarah Carmichael, a well-known local radio host, was the master of ceremonies for the awards while musicians Greg Galoska and Paul Earle from the Georgian Bay Symphony played instruments, with JD Crosstown being the featured artist and past award winner.  

The 2026 winners are:

• Emerging Artist - Leopold Baker
• Cultural Impact (Group) - Grey Bruce Makers
• Artistic Excellence (Individual) - Shirra Benson
• Outstanding Event - Amelia Kraemer, Canadian Encaustic Conference
• Cultural Changemaker - Keith Medley, Founder of Sweetwater Music Festival
• Cultural Legacy - Owen Sound Emancipation Festival
• Shared Voices - Marc Matei
• Frontier Award – Maryann Thomas & Miranda Miller
• Lifetime Achievement - Colleen Purdon
• Jan Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year – Andrew Howlett
• Jan Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year – Frank Greaves
• Youth Volunteer of the Year – Abigail Trombley
• Senior of the Year – Anne Robertson

The City of Owen Sound presents the Owen Sound Arts, Cultural, and Volunteer Awards annually. Individual award sponsors include Zehrs Market, Capes Engineering, GSS Engineering and Pizzaville. The Arts and Culture winners received a custom, locally handcrafted bowl by Sharilyn from Forty Hills Forge.

The Jan Chamberlain Volunteers of the Year and Senior of the Year Award winners received River District Dollars, and the Youth Volunteer of the Year recipient received an education bursary. All award winners also received a trophy and certificates from the City of Owen Sound, MP Alex Ruff and MPP Paul Vickers.

The winner of the Emerging Artist Award also received a $500 cash prize. A special thank you to our selection jury, which was comprised of previous event winners.

For information regarding the Arts and Culture Awards, contact Jen Wright, Events and Activation Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1237 or email jwright@owensound.ca

For information regarding the Volunteer of the Year Awards, contact Andy O’Leary, Facilities Booking Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1255, or email aoleary@owensound.ca.

Quick Facts:

• The Arts, Culture, and Volunteer Awards are held bi-annually.
• More information about the awards, including categories and eligibility can be found on the City’s website.

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