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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, September 6, 2013 | 4 Spotlight shines on stars in Oakville's arts community by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver The stars were shining brightly Tuesday as the finalists for the Oakville Arts Council's (OAC) fifth annual awards gala were announced. Local organizations, musicians, actors, painters and writers are recognized for their creative contributions to the arts community by the annual Cogeco Stars Among Us gala. This year's ceremony will take place on Oct. 10 at the Oakville Conference Centre. Names of the finalists were revealed at a media launch event held at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC). "We want to recognize excellence in the arts for our community. We foster the arts and inspire artists of younger generations, but (we) also look for the best and most innovative (and) creative art in our community," said Megan Whittington, OAC executive director. The awards are handed out in six categories -- visual arts, literary arts, digital arts, performing arts, young artist award (18 years old or younger) and arts group. Each recipient receives $500, media coverage and recognition at the gala. "It's really (about) the public recognition. It's really building that awareness we have in our community," said Whittington. Award criteria Applicants are evaluated in five areas -- artistic merit, artistic message and emotional impact, originality of concept or idea, innovative use of the medium and technical execution of the medium. "They're reviewed and scored and then the top scores come forward. We actually already know who the winners are, but it's in the vault," she said. "There is a professional artist who is judging, but they're from outside of the community so that there is no affiliation." While the exact number of entries received this year wasn't yet calculated, Whittington said the arts council typically gets between 25 and 40 applications. "It's not a huge influx of applications. We would love to see that grow actually, but the work is amazing. I don't know how the jurors select the finalists. It's a very difficult process," said Whittington. A new addition to the gala this year will be an arts market featuring for sale the works of this year's finalists and invited local artists. Part of the `social fabric' OAC president Bill Smith said the arts council has been a part of Oakville's "social fabric" for 35 years and currently has a membership of more than 200 artists and arts organizations, as well as more than 500 subscribers to local arts information. "The Oakville Arts Council's goal (is) to promote and foster artistic development, participation and appreciation of arts and culture to the benefit all Oakville residents," said Smith. "Showcasing Oakville's talent and engaging our community in Oakville's arts activities is why we bring this event every year." The 2013 finalists are: Bill Smith, second row far left, and Mayor Rob Burton stand with the 17 finalists of the 2013 Cogeco Stars Among Us arts awards. The names were announced Tuesday at a media launch event at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre. | photo by Nathan Howes ­ special to the Beaver · Performing Arts -- Elizabeth Aumonier, Yuan Tian and Margot Roi · Visual Arts -- Robin Mitchell, Leanna TenEycke and Elizabeth Elkin · Digital Arts -- Michael Willems, Julia Lio and Roman Tchjen · Literary Arts -- David Tucker, Josie Di Sciasio-Andrews and Catherine Black · Young Artist -- Madison Leeson, Eric Sheppard and Sebastian Lecomte · Arts Group -- ArtHouse and Masterworks of Oakville Winners will be announced at the main gala on Oct. 10 at the Oakville Conference Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd. The event runs from 6:30-10 p.m. Tickets cost $75 (includes dinner) or $700 for a table of 10 and are available at www. oakvillearts.com. Our Biggest Sale Event Ever! Burlington Location Only OAKVILLE LOCATION 20%OFF STOREWIDE 23rd Annual Tent Sale Friday September 6 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday September 7 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Sunday September 8 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 4047 Fairview St. Burlington · 905.634.3439 | 500 Speers Road, Oakville · 905.339.3439 info@interiordesignhouse.com · www.interiordesignhouse.com HELP US FILL THE TENT: Food Drive benefiting Partnership-West Food Bank. Donate a non perishable food item and receive an entry to win a $300 IDH Gift Certificate