The curtain has closed on the tenth annual Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Awards, presented by Wood Buffalo Media Group. Fondly known as the Buffys, this was a glamorous evening filled with celebration, creativity, and community spirit. Hosted at Keyano Theatre on October 18, the milestone event honoured artists, groups, and arts organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.
“Over the past decade, the Buffys have reflected the resilience and brilliance of our community,” says Liana Wheeldon, Executive Director of Arts Council Wood Buffalo. “The arts have provided comfort, joy, and connection in challenging times, and this event allows us to celebrate the extraordinary individuals who bring those experiences to life.”
Adding to the excitement of the evening, Arts Council Wood Buffalo announced Suncor as the Building Presenting Partner of Arts INCubator - a significant milestone in the advancement of the project.
“This partnership with Suncor reflects the bright future of the arts ecosystem and our community at large,” adds Wheeldon.
Willis Doiron, Community Investment at Suncor, shared, “Suncor is proud to support Arts Council Wood Buffalo and the incredible creative spirit that thrives in our region. The Arts Incubator Project will provide a collaborative space where local talent can flourish, further strengthening the cultural fabric that makes Wood Buffalo such a vibrant place to live and work.”
And the Buffy goes to:
- The Arts Administration Award, presented by the Rozsa Foundation: McMurray Métis
- The Arts Education Award, presented by CEDA: Shannon Whitbread
- The Craft Award: Nicole Wismann
- The Creative Collaboration Award, presented by Play 103.7 & 100.5 Cruz FM: Northern Lights Christmas Album
- The Dance Award: Fort McMurray Avrora Ukrainian Dance Club
- The Indigenous Artist Award, presented by McMurray Métis: Stacey Grant
- The Ken Flaherty Music Award: Katie Williams
- The Literary Arts Award: Juleus Ghunta
- The Media Arts Award, presented by Country 93.3 & 97.9 Rock Matt Salem
- The Performing Arts Award: Alan Roberts
- The Rising Star Award: Arianna Dakin
- The Visual Arts Award: Alexandra Kavanagh
- The Arts Champion Award: Jessie Stecyk, Tavern on Main
- The Youth Leader in the Arts Award, presented by Muessle Flett Law LLP: Ashton Morehouse
- The Lifetime Achievement Award: Fort McMurray Potters Guild
Award recipients were selected by a national jury of arts professionals, ensuring an equitable and thoughtful adjudication process.
The evening featured performances from local musicians, dancers, and actors, as well as an exhibition of each previous year’s Buffy Awards, each handcrafted by a different local artist. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to connect, celebrate, and reflect on a decade of artistic excellence in Wood Buffalo.
