Province Names Finalists for Prestigious Portia White Prize

Three accomplished artists have been chosen as finalists for the 2009 Portia White Prize.

"In the spirit of Portia White, this year's nominees have left a lasting mark on our province's creative landscape," said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Their accomplishments add to a proud legacy of artistic achievement within Nova Scotia's arts and culture community."

The winner of the award will be announced at the Creative Nova Scotia awards gala being held at École secondaire de Par-en-Bas in Tusket on Saturday, Oct. 24.

A peer jury comprised of five people from the arts and culture community reviewed the nominations for the award. As part of the selection process, they identified three finalists.

Mary Jane Lamond is a singer and Gaelic cultural ambassador from Glendale, Inverness Co. She uses modern instrumentation and arrangements that provide a beautiful framework for Nova Scotia's Gaelic traditions and songs. Her gripping vocal performances have earned her many Juno and East Coast Music Award nominations as well as a MuchMusic Global Groove Award.

John Little is a blacksmith and sculptor from East Dover, Halifax Regional Municipality. He is a self-taught artist known for his passion for the forging process and his dedication to teaching, mentoring and jurying exhibitions in Canada and New England. Respected members of the international music community have recognized Mr. Little's forged metal sculptures for musical performance as significant accomplishments.

Mary Vingoe is a theatre artist from Dartmouth. As an actor, writer, director and producer she has created work of the highest quality resulting in rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. A founder of Eastern Front Theatre in Dartmouth and Ships Company Theatre in Parrsboro, Ms. Vingoe created the opportunity for hundreds of Nova Scotians to work as theatre artists within their own province. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to working as a mentor to young and emerging writers.

The $25,000 annual award is named after Nova Scotian classical singer Portia White. It is one of the most prestigious arts awards in Canada, promoting excellence, innovation and expression in the arts.

The Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala will also include presentation of the Prix Grand Pré, the Community Arts and Culture Recognition Award, and the Established Artist Recognition Award. The gala and an associated conference are organized by the Nova Scotia Arts and Culture Partnership Council.