It’s been 20 years since the Robert G. Kemp Arts Award was first presented to local artist Willi Wildman. The award of was drawn from a trust fund created by the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts to celebrate Robert’s special contribution to the local art scene.
Robert G. Kemp was a well known and loved artist in the Georgian Triangle, from the time he first built his chalet-studio in 1958 to the time of his death in 1988. From the book “Robert G. Kemp’s Paintings and Drawings of Rural Ontario” (published by the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts) we learn that: “It is no slight to be labeled a regional artist. Some of the finest painters of all time have stayed in their own backyards and made detailed studies of the changes in the light and changes in the seasons.”
Kemp’s 25 year love affair with the people and landscapes of this area continues on today with the legacy of the Robert G. Kemp Arts award.
The award was created by the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts in recognition of Kemp’s special contribution to the communities that surround the Blue Mountains. The $1000 Award is intended to provide encouragement or recognition for artistic development and is open to any individual or group residing in the Georgian Triangle whose project will provide a benefit to the community.
In the years since its inception, 17 others have also received recognition and encouragement to fulfill an artistic dream-along with a cash award.
The Kemp Award Committee is proud to announce that the 18th recipient of the Robert G. Kemp Award is Madeline Haney for her project proposal entitled "Happy Hearts". Madeline intends to mount a photographic exhibition that is intended to inspire audiences to value ourselves for more than physical appearances.