2021 Cornwall and Area Arts Hall of Fame Gala – Definitely a night of celebration!

Story by Neil Macmillan with photos by Rebecca and David Runions of Reel Thing Films.

After a year’s break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cornwall and Area Arts Hall of Fame
Gala returned for its fifth edition at the Ramada Inn on Friday, October 30.

Quite frankly, it was a brilliant affair – lively, dignified, heartwarming and thoroughly artistic.
The success was very much due to the efforts of a dedicated group of members of the Centre
for the Arts Collective, formed in 2013 to promote the arts in the region and establish a
permanent art centre.

Every aspect of the gala was meticulously prepared – the 15 or so tables for the inductees and
their guests, plus a few spots for others willing to pay $76 a pop for the few other seats
available.

At those prices, you might very well think that the gala was a fundraiser for Cornwall’s new arts
centre. Far from it – according to Rose Desnoyers, one of the organizers, the Collective actually
raises more money from chicken dinners and so on at the local Legion! On the other hand, it is
felt that the gala is also a celebratory way to showcase the wealth of artistic talent in our area.
This year, a total of 19 individuals or groups were inducted to join 27 others for a current total of
48 members of the Cornwall and Area Arts Hall of Fame (see
https://cornwallartshalloffame.com/past-recipients/).

This eclectic group consists of musicians, actors, playwrights, dancers, visual artists, sculptors,
potters, writers, photographers, philanthropists and even an escape artist!

In alphabetical order, this year’s inductees (including those for 2020) were: Alan Bain (painter);
Audrey Bain (painter); Barstool Prophets (band – Glenn Forester / Graham Greer / Al Morier /
Bobby Tamas); Bernard Chevrier (writer and historian); Marc de Montigny (entertainer – escape
artist); Bernice Dickson (dancer – deceased); Emard Brothers Lumber (philanthropists),
Stephen Gill (writer); Doug Hill (theatre artist); Raymond Lacroix (musician); Mary Mack (painter
– deceased); Jane Macmillan (dancer and painter); Ann Marlin (potter); Brian McCartney
(musician); Michael Pearson (theatre artist); Powell School of Dance (dance group); Bill Roddy
(theatre artist); Gilles Routhier (musician); and Mario Sarda (theatre artist).

The following photos are not in any particular order.

Each of these artists had the honour of their commendation being read out in English and
French, as their image was projected on a screen and volunteers José Martin and Anne Ste-
Croix discreetly flitted about delivering their awards to the recipients present since there was no
stage or podium.

The event was magnificently emceed by Cornwall’s beloved former mayor and now Senator
Bernadette Clement (seen in the header photo) and Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School teacher Robert Poirier.

Native North American Travelling College manager, Iakonnikonriiosta, presented and explained
the stunning circular display of 215 beaded vamps for moccasins titled We Were Children
Shiiajwakwaksha’okon:a designed by Tracey Thompson of Akwesasne.

Other high spots of the evening were the entertainment acts: musicians Nicholas Doyon and
Jean-Marc Lalonde inviting guests to sing along in the French tradition of chansons à répondre ,
(call-and-response songs), hoop dancer Feryn King whose remarkable talent led her to perform

with the Cirque du Soleil, and musician David Runions accompanying his daughter Rebecca
who has performed at Carnegie Hall and who, together with he father, photographed and filmed
the proceedings throughout.

Each inductee received a lapel pin and letters of congratulations from the City of Cornwall, MPP
Jim McDonnell and MP Eric Duncan.

Mr. Duncan was on hand and highlighted the importance of art in our community.

One notable absentee due to illness was Cornwall City Councillor Elaine MacDonald who was
nonetheless recognized as a major driving force behind the Centre for the Arts Collective all
these years.

For more photos of the evening please see the Centre for the Arts Collective Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/centrefortheartscentrepourlesarts