A celebration of arts and culture is set for later this month in the City of St. Catharines.
The city has announced 28 finalists for its 2026 Arts Awards, highlighting contributions across education, emerging and established artists, and community leadership in the arts.
The awards will be presented June 18th at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. The Arts Awards will recognize nominees in the following five categories:
Arts in Education Award
- Bradley Barnham, Music; Mike Griffin, Theatre
Emerging Artist Award
- Tim Alblas, Visual Art-Painting; Kosar Dakhilalian, Theatre; Jadyn Demming, Visual Art-Pyrography; EMERG, Music; Rajshree Jena, Visual Art-Painting; Jenn Judson, Visual Art-Collage; Patience Kyebitondo, Visual Art-Design (Fashion); Emily Lumsden, Visual Art-Painting; Robert-William McAlpine, Visual Art-Painting; Isabella Saranchuk, Visual Art-Theatre Design; Adam Wiebe, Multidisciplinary; Frankie Wood, Music
Established Artist Award
- Ali Anger, Design-Hair Design; Marvin Dale, Visual Arts; David Green, Performance-Comedy; Maria Gulla, Visual Arts; INdustry Hair and Esthetics, Design-Hair Design; Nicole Joy-Fraser, Theatre, Jon Shaw, Visual Arts
Making a Difference Award
- Tim Johnson, Cultural Leadership; retrograde: dance in motion, Dance; Colleen Smith, Performing Arts; St. Catharines Art Association, Visual Arts; Sodienye Waboso Amajor, Theatre / Performing Arts
Patron of the Arts Award
- Anne and John Carruthers; Eileen Martin
City officials say the program continues to spotlight local talent and support the growth of the arts sector in St. Catharines.
(Written by: Brandon Warby)