Mayor’s luncheon celebrates the arts in Lethbridge

By Lethbridge Herald on October 10, 2024.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Joan Waterfield Memorial recipient Kathy Matkin-Clapton smiles after the unveiling by mayor Blaine Hyggen of her award portrait made by artist Amy Gaulin Wednesday.

Alexandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge celebrated, highlighted and honoured local artists, organizations and businesses that support art in its various forms during the annual Mayor’s luncheon for businesses and the arts Wednesday. 

Jana MacKenzie, executive director of the AAC says the event is one they look forward to every year, not only because of the opportunity to reward and highlight local art in various categories, but also as a way to gather and honoured those who came before them and their legacy. 

“This is a celebration and an awareness, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the work of others and to create awareness of the talent and what is going on around the city to those who live in it,” says MacKenzie. 

Every member of city council was present at the event including mayor Blaine Hyggen and MacKenzie says it is very important to have their support. 

“The arts require the support of civic government and the support of businesses. It is because we have that support from both of those entities that Lethbridge is the vibrant community that it is,” says MacKenzie. 

That is something Hyggen highlighted during his opening speech when he told those in attendance that as mayor he is committed to supporting and nurturing the arts scene, recognizing its role not only in cultural enrichment but also in terms of economic vitality. 

“The arts attract visitors, stimulates business and creates opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Today is about celebrating the artists, creators and visionaries whose contributions deserve to be recognized,” said Hyggen.

He added that it was all about thanking them for leading the way in their chosen form of art, about encouraging creativity, inspiration and of course, artistic expression. 

“Thank you to all who contribute to making Lethbridge a city where the arts, flourish. Together, let us continue to build a future where the arts remain the heart of our identity and our collective spirit,” said Hyggen.

The luncheon featured the presentation of several awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the arts, including the Joan Waterfield Memorial Award received by Kathy Matkin-Clapton for advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge, the Aspiring Artist Award received by Kennedy Chinn, which includes $1,000 to encourage their artistic development and the Allied Arts Council Excellence awards for service organization received by the BIPOC Foundation and individual AACE recipient Teri Petz.

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