I won the FortisAlberta Professional Artist Award!

Image of Michelle Wiebe courtesy of AFBenner Photography and Creative Airdrie

Last week I had the honour of attending Airdrie's Mayor's Night of the Arts Award ceremony. Now in it's second year, this event highlights local youth, emerging and established artists as well as local arts champions and business who are key supporters in our creative community. 

I learned back in November that I had been nominated for the FortisAlberta Professional Artist award at this year's celebration. Fast forward to the past weekend where I won the prize! I'll admit, I was caught a little off guard on that one, so my speech was a little off the cuff. I remember saying some things about how far our local arts community has come in the 10 years we've lived here and I remembered to thank my husband for his support! 

One organization I realized later that I forgot to thank was the Airdrie Public Library, specifically my good friend Veronica Funk - they have been a great encouragement over the past few years by having my work hanging in solo and group shows as well as giving me lots of opportunities to instruct - so here is my official thanks to them. 

Also, thanks to Creative Airdrie and Mayor Brown for holding this event. It was so well done and so much fun to be a part of - I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a fun night out! Nice touch on the trophies too - beautiful paintings by local artist Erin Brekke Conn mounted on tiny easels with our name and award on the front. Beautiful! What a special award.