Quinte Arts Council's 32nd Annual Arts Recognition Awards
About this Event
Welcome to the Quinte Arts Council's Arts Recognition Awards! Join us for an afternoon of celebrating and honouring outstanding individuals in the arts community. The event will be held at Dinkel's & Paulo's Restaurants, where you can enjoy live music, great food, and great company. Don't miss out on this opportunity to show your support for the talented artists and champions of the arts in our community. See you there!
Each year, local arts champions nominate those individuals, artist groups or businesses for their artistic excellence, cultural leadership or contribution to the arts in our community. Join us in celebrating the following recipients who have been nominated by their community!
Janice "Kahehtóktha" Brant is a respected leader in our community, as an educator, multi-disciplinary artist, storyteller, gardener and seed keeper. Kahehtóktha is a Champion of the arts whose connection to place, people, and the natural world is inseparable from her art.
Debra Vincent brings pride to our community through her art and her mentorship. A well-respected member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Debra is a natural leader continually searching to improve both her life and the lives of others.
Wendy May is the Design Lead responsible for the Loyalist Arts Experience and transforming the program into a thriving, sought-after cultural hub. Wendy has put Loyalist College's arts education back on the map and enriched our entire community.
Carlotta Rutledge has made an extraordinary contribution to community theatre through her work as an actor, director, producer, costumer, and volunteer. No matter the role she takes on, she brings exceptional talent, creativity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to every production.
Carl Wiens is an internationally recognized illustrator, designer, and artist who has made Belleville and the Quinte region his home while building a remarkable career spanning more than three decades.
Beautiful View Music Festival has become a vibrant addition to our region’s cultural identity and tourism landscape. The accessible high-quality programming from founders Hannah Georgas and Sean Sroka offers our community an extraordinary, inclusive festival experience right in our own backyard.
Parking:
There is a paid parking lot behind the restaurant, entrance off of Pinnacle St.
Agenda
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Arrival and Registration
Info: Guests arrive and register. Live music by local musician Tony Silvestri. Cash bar available.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Info: Emcee Hazzem Koudsi: Welcome, land acknowledgment, and housekeeping notes.
Janet Jarrell, Executive Director, Quinte Arts Council: Opening remarks celebrating more than 30 years of honouring artistic excellence and cultural leadership in the Quinte region.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Speeches & First Course Served
Info: First course served as special guests deliver brief congratulatory remarks (2–3 minutes each):
Rick Moulton – Chair, Quinte Arts Council Board of Directors
Neil Ellis – Mayor, City of Belleville
Tyler Allsopp – MPP, Bay of Quinte
Chris Malette – MP, Bay of Quinte
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Main Course Served
Info: Guests enjoy the main course.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Arts Recognition Awards Presentations
Info: Presentation of the 2026 Arts Recognition Awards to individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the arts in our community:
Beautiful View Music Festival (Hannah Georgas & Sean Sroka)
Carl Wiens
Carlotta Rutedge
Debra Vincent
Janice "Kahehtóktha" Brant
Wendy May
This year’s recipients represent excellence across visual arts, education, community leadership, and advocacy.
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:45 PM
Mingle & Networking
Info: Guests are invited to connect, celebrate, and explore future collaborations.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Info: Janet Jarrell: Closing thoughts and heartfelt thanks to our artists, supporters, sponsors, and community partners.
Emcee Hazzem Koudsi: Final words and formal conclusion of the event.
🕑: 02:00 PM
Event Conclusion
Info: Guests depart. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the arts.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 65.68
