Camrose Arts Council Mayor's Arts Awards

The City of Camrose Arts Council Mayor’s Arts Awards (MAA) is an annual program that acknowledges and celebrates artistic achievement and contributions to arts in the City of Camrose. This initiative will support the arts within our community and further respond to recommendations in the Camrose Arts and Culture Masterplan to foster and support emerging and established artists through programs of recognition. The Mayor’s Arts awards are intended to increase awareness of the artistic community in the City of Camrose. The Mayor’s Arts Awards event will showcase, acknowledge and honour artistic achievement in our community. Nominations for the 2025 Mayor's Arts Awards are now closed.

Mayor's Arts Awards Categories

The Mayor’s Arts Awards Program recognizes two categories of contribution:

Creator Award (1): cash prize and certificate of recognition
The Creator Award recognizes the achievements of an individual or group demonstrating, creating, practicing and/or performing art. The winner of this award will be decided by the Mayor's Arts Awards Committee. Submit your application or nominate someone here. Submission deadline is June 30, 2025.

Arts Champion Award (1): non-cash award and certificate of recognition
The Arts Champion Award recognizes an individual, group or business that has made extraordinary contributions to the arts through one or more of the following:

The creation and fostering of artistic endeavors,
Outstanding contributions in the areas of: Volunteerism, Advocacy, Support, Development.

The winner of this award will be decided solely by the Mayor's Arts Awards Committee (no nominations or applications required).

Mayor's Arts Awards Committee

The MAA Committee shall be comprised of seven members with a range of expertise and perspectives, who are respected, knowledgeable and representative of a spectrum of artistic practices including one member of the Camrose Arts Council Board and member of the City of Camrose, Recreation and Culture Department.

Co-Chairs: Charlene Brown and Steven Hansen
Secretary: Tanya Pattullo
Treasurer: Angela Vanouck
Members at Large:
- Arlo Grundberg
- Leanne Shapka
- Kyra Thompson

The deadline for nominations will be June 30, 2025. Adjudication period runs from July 1 until – August 15, 2025. The winner will be notified on August 15, 2025.

Mayor's Arts Awards Event

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 5:00pm
Location: Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre

2025 Creator Award Winner

Lisa Rootsaert

Lisa Rootsaert is an accomplished choreographer and dance educator who has shaped the artistic landscape of Camrose and beyond for over 25 years. As Artistic Director and senior instructor with the Camrose Academy of Dance, Lisa creates innovative choreography that blends technical precision with expressive storytelling. Her work spans tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, acro, contemporary, and modern, and has been recognized with numerous choreography awards and championships across Canada and the United States.

Lisa’s artistry is rooted in a lifetime of training and professional engagement. She studied at the Allan Cozzubbo Academy of Dance in Calgary and extended her learning at training centres in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and across Western Canada. She has collaborated with professional companies including Alberta Ballet, Jörgen Ballet, and Victoria Ballet Company, preparing dancers to share the stage with world-class performers. Beyond her creative achievements, Lisa has made a lasting impact on her students, who consistently speak to the positive influence she has had on their growth as both artists and individuals. Through her choreography, leadership, and dedication to evolving her craft, she has fostered a legacy of dance that continues to inspire.

2025 Creator Award Nominees

Audrey Pfannmuller
Battle River Quilters Guild
Colleen Salahub-Olsen
Emily Rutledge
Jess Hughes
Jessica Dostie
Jun Mah
Sam Yanosik
Shannon Subchuk
Steve Mitts

2025 Champion Award Winner

Audrey Pfannmuller and Candler Art Gallery

Audrey Pfannmuller is a distinguished local artist and the longtime owner of Candler Art Gallery, a cornerstone of Camrose’s arts and business community since 1975. Her career as a painter, working primarily in pastels and oils, has been marked by both artistic excellence and community engagement. Recently, she completed a series of original pastel works depicting familiar local landmarks which have been reproduced into prints and postcards for visitors to enjoy. These pieces not only showcase her talent but also celebrate Camrose as a destination, allowing residents and tourists alike to take home a part of the city’s identity.

Beyond her own artistic contributions, Audrey has been a tireless mentor and supporter of other artists. Through her gallery, she has provided space, encouragement, and guidance to creators at every stage of their careers. Her leadership has extended to the wider business community as well, including service on the former Downtown Camrose board, where she advocated for the vitality of Camrose businesses. Both Audrey and Candler Art Gallery have played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant, connected arts community, making them true champions of the cultural life of the city.