Art Champion Award

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.

Bob Bailey is the truest example of someone who gives back to his community. Born and raised here, he began his music journey at the very school he now teaches at, Charlie Killam. A school music teacher for 41 years Bob has spent the majority of those years spent right here in Camrose. As a teacher he has consistently gone above and beyond to provide an exceptional music education to every student that comes through his music room door, universally accepting and meeting students where they are at.

Bob’s ensembles regularly perform for the public and have received countless awards and accolades at music festivals over the years. His passion for music education is unmatched and evidenced by the endless hours of his personal time establishing extra-curricular music groups, leading countless extra-curricular rehearsals, spearheading fundraisers, arranging school concerts and other performances, entering music festivals, and arranging camps and tours.

In addition to all this, Bob lends his expertise to community arts projects and organisations. He has established and participates in local ensembles as a musician and supports other musicians and music programs locally and beyond. Bob also continually reaches outside our community to guest conduct, adjudicate and participate on boards that foster music education across the province.  Bob has been acknowledged by his peers over the years as an outstanding music educator.

The immense impact Mr. Bailey has made to the musical arts in our community, and to the individual lives of students, parents, musicians, other educators, and administrators is undeniable and can be seen at higher levels of learning in the community, and beyond.

Churchmice Players Society is a community organization dedicated to performing quality live theatre. Shows provide performers training and support in order that they become the best they can be as well as be part of an extraordinary theatrical experience.

In 1980, Churchmice Players was brought to life by a small group of residents with a passion for theatre and a quest to bring stage opportunities to Camrose. As their name suggests, early plays were rehearsed and performed in the Fellowship Baptist Church before it was moved to the Augustana Campus. As they grew and gained momentum they moved to community centres and the Norsemen Inn.

Today, with the availability of the Bailey Theatre and Lougheed Performing Arts Centre, Churchmice Players performances, from musicals to comedies, are produced on a grand scale, delighting audiences from Camrose and beyond.

Churchmice Players has produced over 80 shows with over 900 participants over the years.