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Awards paint picture of Sudbury's inspiring artists (3 photos)

The awards for the annual Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts went to ... drum roll ... Jamie Dupuis, Stef Paquette and Ann Suzuki.
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Stef Paquette was presented with the Outstanding Mid-Career Artist Award by Mayor Brian Bigger at the Mayor's Celebration of the Arts May 21. Photo by Heather Campbell.
The awards for the annual Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts went to ... drum roll ... Jamie Dupuis, Stef Paquette and Ann Suzuki.

Celebrating Sudbury's local artists, the awards were handed out at Science North May 21 with more than 100 people in attendance.

The annual event was started by the Sudbury Arts Council in collaboration with Regroupement des organismes culturels de Sudbury in 2014.

Mayor Brian Bigger said it is very important for both himself and city councillors to show support for the arts.

“It is an essential part of creating a livable community,” Bigger said. “Arts and culture provide a significant contribution to why Sudburians are so happy.”

The first award was handed out to Dupuis for Outstanding Emerging Artist and included a bursary of $1,500.

Dupuis, a musician who released his debut studio album Inspired by a Dream in 2011, is also a founding member of Hugh Jazz.

The Outstanding Mid-Career Artist Award went to Paquette, a Franco-Ontarian singer/songwriter, actor and comedian who just returned from Ottawa after receiving the Best Male Singer award at the 2015 Trille Or Awards Gala in Ottawa.

“There is something special about being recognized in your own town,” said Paquette.

Born and raised in Chelmsford and now living in Hanmer with his family, he is grateful that he has been able to remain in his community and create a successful career as a Franco-Ontarian artist.

“It’s surreal,” said Paquette. “It’s a thank you to all those who supported me, and a told you so to everyone that said I was crazy.”

Suzuki took the top honour for the evening with the Exceptional Achievement Award and $3,500 bursary.

Suzuki, now in her 80s, is renowned throughout Canada for her original batik silk clothing and crafts.

She has been an active member of the arts community, with a key role in many arts events and exhibits in Sudbury, including the Studio Tour, and is a board member of the Art Gallery of Sudbury.

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