The time of year has come to think about those people and businesses who have contributed so significantly to the cultural vibrancy of this region. The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts committee is now accepting nominations for the annual arts awards that recognize and celebrate artists and arts supporters in Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

For 2020, the award categories are Emerging Artist, Corporate Champion and Enduring Supporter.

Emerging Artist Recognizes an emerging Kamloops artist/musician/performer (age 18-35) working in the visual and/or performing arts for their current accomplishments and future potential. The recipient of the Emerging Artist award will also receive a $500.00 cash prize sponsored by the Kamloops Arts Council. Corporate Champion Recognizes outstanding Kamloops business leaders and/or medium to large businesses/corporations that have made a significant contribution supporting local arts and culture through donations (cash or in-kind), sponsorships and/or volunteer services in support of a local arts organization and/or Kamloops artist. Enduring Supporter The Kamloops Art Gallery, Kamloops Symphony and Western Canada Theatre are now all mature, nationally recognized arts institutions. Each have dedicated 40+ years to sharing performances, exhibitions and associated programs with residents and visitors of Kamloops and the TNRD. This award recognizes the long-serving and foundational commitment of an outstanding individual through contributions of time and potentially support (cash or in-kind) that has contributed to the success of one or all of these arts organizations.

Nomination forms can be found on the Mayor’s Gala for the Arts website at www.mayorsgalaforthearts.com.

The nomination deadline is October 11, so we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Image: Mayor's Awards for the Arts 2019 finalists and recipients with Mayor Ken Christian.

Get in line for your Luxury Vacation Lottery ticket. Sales start September 20. This year, you could win a European River Cruise for 2, including airfare – as well as one of 7 other amazing luxurious prizes. Click on the PRIZES button for a full list.

The odds of winning is 1 in 56. Tickets are $100 each in support of the Kamloops Art Gallery and are on sale until noon, December 24 or until they sell out. This year's draw date is January 3, 2020.

Visit the Gallery or call us today for your ticket - 250.377.2400.

We are thrilled to have these two limited edition prints by Eunice Luk in the Gallery Store. Lift Your Weight and the Rest (left) and Opal (right) reference the interplay between the positive and negative spaces that serve as a blueprint for experimentation in her other works. Striking in both colour and composition, the prints measure 60cm x 46cm each and are available framed or unframed. You can see Eunice Luk’s ceramics and prints in our current exhibition Ionic Bonds.

Members receive 10% off. Consider joining today.

The third Wednesday of each month Colombo Lodge is holding a fundraiser in support of non-profits - Colombo Cares Take Home Dinners. On October 16, Colombo is showing their support for the Kamloops Art Gallery and we are honoured.

Colombo Lodge is well known for their delicious meals. Wednesday, October 16, the volunteers at Colombo will prepare meals that can be picked up at the Lodge and then taken home to enjoy, all in support of KAG. For every meal purchased, Colombo will make a $5 donation to the Gallery along with the proceeds from the evening. This is YOUR chance to enjoy a delicious Italian meal and support the arts in our community.

Visit the Colombo Lodge web site or call 250.374.4914 to place your order and confirm your pick up time on Wednesday, October 16.

Our thanks to Colombo Lodge and enjoy!