A dozen current and former members of the local community are being recognized for their contributions to the arts and cultural sector in Chatham-Kent.
The Chatham Kent Arts and Culture Network (CKACN) will induct the 12 individuals into the inaugural 2022 class of Heroes Wall of Fame. Inductees will have a plaque permanently mounted at the Chatham Cultural Centre and be included on a ”virtual wall” on the CKACN website.
“The Heroes Wall of Fame supports the goal of fostering the local arts community by honouring individuals or groups who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field or artistic practice both within and beyond Chatham-Kent,” said CKACN Chair James Snyder in a news release.
Each of the inductees will be recognized under one of six categories — visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, literary arts and cultural builders. The CKACN said it also made an effort to represent the various communities around the municipality.
“These inductees were chosen from the many nominations provided by interested citizens and the oversight committee, and it was difficult to narrow down choices for our inaugural class,”
said Snyder. “I am certain we can all think of other worthy candidates to bring forward for recognition in future years.”
An induction ceremony and wall unveiling will take place at the Chatham Armouries and the Chatham Cultural Centre on October 26 at 7 p.m.
The 12 inductees and their categories are listed below:
Visual Arts
· Artis Lane – Painter and Sculptor (North Buxton)
· Janet Forsyth – Painter (Blenheim)
Performing Arts
· Keene Duncan – Movie and Television Actor (Chatham)
· Theatre Kent – Community Theatre Group (Chatham-Kent)
Music
· Jeanne Gordon – Opera Singer (Wallaceburg)
· Sylvia Tyson – Folk and Country Singer (Chatham)
Dance
· Shae-Lynn Bourne – Dancer and Choreographer (Chatham)
· Florence Abel – Dancer and Instructor (Chatham)
Literary Arts
· Robertson Davies – Author, Playwright and Critic (Thamesville)
· June Callwood – Journalist and Activist (Chatham)
Cultural Builders
· Gwendolyne Gold – Cultural Builder (South Kent)
· Barbara Jean Rossini – Cultural Builder(Chatham)
