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Awards celebrate SJ creativity
here Magazine
June 3rd, 2010
By Paige Aarhus

SAINT JOHN - It's a feather in the cap for a city in the midst of a big year - the inaugural Saint John Originals Awards gala. Part of the city's 225th birthday celebrations, the awards will honour the city's top creative personalities at the Imperial theatre on June 10. With nominees in literary, visual arts, theatre, business, dance and music, the awards will offer recognition for Port City's finest in all creative fields, according to artistic director Judith Mackin.

"It's something we hope happens every two years - maybe every year. It has its own look and feel, and it's all about what artists are and should strive to be - original," said Mackin.

The SJ 225 committee gave Mackin, herself a writer and co-founder of the Third Space Gallery, total freedom to put together a spectacular, innovative gala with a host of intriguing collaborations.

"When people see Jessica Rhaye, it'll be her collaborating with someone you wouldn't normally see her with," Mackin said. "I also booked Hospital Grade, a high energy punk band; they'll be on stage with Interaction Children's Theatre Company."

Nominees run the gamut from young gun artists Jack Bishop, Sarah Jones and Tim Turnell, to established veterans including renowned Maritime painter Fred Ross, and Anne Compton, who won a Governor General's award for English poetry in 2005.

"Think of what a creative city is. Industry's important, but creative industries are the vibrant lifeblood of our community ... We have some pretty big hitters in our city," said Mackin.

On top of all the high-falutin' awards ceremonies, creative types and their supporters can get their drink on at the Saint John Ale House, which will host an after-party following the gala.

"It's happening Thursday night, so people can hang on through Friday ... it's everything a great party should be," said Mackin.