9th Annual Okanagan Arts Awards announces finalists

It’s set to be a night of art, culture and celebration.

Some of the Okanagan’s most highly regarded artists will be in attendance for the 9th Annual Okanagan Arts Awards on May 28 at the Habitat, 248 Leon Avenue, Kelowna.

Those who attend can take in local entertainment and celebrate stand-out creative minds in the community.

The Arts Council of the Central Okanagan announced finalists for this year’s award show this week, with many prominent individuals, organizations and businesses getting recognition.

Anyone over 19 who wants to attend the big night is welcome to, with tickets available for $20 online.

The evening will kick off at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7.

Food trucks will also be showing up, so event-goers will get to dine on some great Okanagan street food.

There will be performances by almost a dozen people, and Okanagan Art Award Nominees will have pop-up exhibitions of their work.

A special Lifetime Achievement award will also be presented to Sharon McCoubrey for her many years of support for the arts.

2016 Award Finalists:

• Visual Arts: Connor Charlesworth, Jane Everett and Laurie Koss
• Dance: Kinshira Performance Troupe, Loretta Lachner and Janessa McGrath
• Music: Alexandra Babbel and Opera Kelowna, Andrew Judah and Adam Meachem
• Literature: Ronald Derrickson, Lesley-Anne Evans and Michael V. Smith
• Theatre: Kinshira Performance Troupe, Robert Mason-Brown and Randall Robinson
• Time Based Media: Benjamin Musgrave, Todd Ramsey and Nick Schafer
• Applied Arts: Cortnee Chulo, Art Felt Collaborative and Bri Stein
• Emerging Artist: Kelsie Balehowsky, Connor Charlesworth and Jolene Mackie
• Innovation: Cool Arts Society, Opera Kelowna and Shimshon Obadia
• Community Impact: Lake Country Art Gallery, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and Cool Arts Society
• Art & Business: Brazen Edwards, Carrie Mayhew and Bramble Lee Pryde
• Business Supporter: The Heritage Retirement Residence, Investors Group and Raymond James Ltd.