The Professional Artist, Emerging Artist and Innovation and Creation Champion Awards were formally presented by Oshawa City Council to winners at a recent Council meeting.

Oshawa Culture Counts Professional Artist: Margaret Rodgers

Margaret Rodgers has been a leader in the contemporary art community of Durham Region since the 1990s. Margaret has not only exhibited her work at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG), but also curated exhibitions at the RMG and Visual Arts Centre of Clarington. In 1996, Margaret founded The IRIS Group, a forum for a collective of women artists living in Durham Region to share ideas, offer mutual support, and develop community outreach projects dedicated to women’s causes.

Oshawa Culture Counts Emerging Artist: Bolu Adefemi

Bolu Adefemi is a Canadian singer/songwriter based in Oshawa who emerged as an important new artist. Her internationally acclaimed song “Make It Right”, is a powerful call to action about social injustices. Bolu is using her voice, determination and many talents to create a positive impact on the world. Bolu was honoured with the Universal Women’s Network Youth award and became their 2020 Ambassador. Also, in 2020, she received the Zimbabwe Young Achievers Award.

Innovation and Creation Champion Award: The Oshawa Museum

For over 60 years, the Oshawa Museum (OM) has celebrated the history of Oshawa with engaging events, inspiring exhibitions, and an immense collection of archival material. The OM strives to tell a more inclusive history of the community, one that includes people, places, and events that have not been included in previous local histories. In the fall of 2021, the OM developed a video project, highlighting the rich Hanukkah celebrations as told by members of Oshawa’s Jewish community. The OM partnered with Empty Cup Media to film and produce a ‘microdoc’, “Traditions & Celebrations: The Story of Oshawa’s Jewish Community”.

More information about the Oshawa Culture Counts Awards Program is available at oshawa.ca/achawards.

About the Author

Bryen writes about local Durham community news, including regional events, municipality updates, entertainment, lifestyle, and the great outdoors. Email him directly if you want your business profiled or know a community member that deserves recognition - bryen@thelocalbizmagazine.com