Awards from the Foundation were first made in 2007. Awards have been made in years when funds have been available from the growing endowments, or when funds have been donated for specific annual awards.
These awards are made possible because of the generosity of our endowment donors. Thank you for your vision, commitment and support of Saskatchewan Artists.
We acknowledge the current and past volunteer Board of Trustees for their efforts in supporting the work of the Foundation.
In 2010, awards were made possible through the generous donations of two individuals. Although these awards were not tied to the Foundation’s existing endowment funds, the awards were made in the spirit of those endowed funds. There were 4 awards of $2500.
The Foundation gratefully acknowledges the expertise of the Saskatchewan Arts Board for the facilitation of the adjudication process.
TYLER BRETT (Bruno) – Visual Arts
Tyler Brett graduated with a BFA from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Vancouver, BC, Canada and completed his MFA in studio art at the University of Saskatchewan. He has produced visual art and music both independently and in collaboration with Tony Romano as ‘T&T’ since 2001. Brett works primarily in mixed media-based installation and drawing that combines innovative, survivalist modes of living with ecologically sound principles. The results of his ongoing collaboration with Tony Romano has led to the creation of ideas relating to hybrid forms of art and architecture explored in sculptural installations, scale models, video and panoramic inkjet prints.
* Archival biography; no update available at this time.
MARK CAESAR (Regina) – Music
Mark Caesar formed a band called Sexually Attracted to Fire (SATF) in 2005. SATF performed at several festivals, was the regional winner of the Radio Star National Songwriting Contest and showcased at Canadian Music Week in Toronto before releasing an album and then disbanding. Mark subsequently recorded and performed alone. The Foundation’s award will support him in continuing to develop artistically, compiling a collection of new songs, and exploring different genres including blues and gospel, and working with different instruments including the musical saw, ukulele, banjo, and kalimba.
* Archival biography; no update available at this time.
KELLY-ANNE RIESS (Moose Jaw) – Writing
Kelly-Anne Riess is the author of the poetry collection, To End a Conversation, which was featured on CBC Radio and on The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor. Riess has written and produced a number of short films that screened at festivals across Canada. She recently finished writing her first feature film script with support from Super Channel and SaskFilm. Riess is founder of A Night of Poetry and Film, a reading and film series in Regina. In 2010, she received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the University of Saskatchewan.
* Featured Artist
TAMARA RUSNAK (Saskatoon) – Visual Arts
Tamara Rusnak lived in Vancouver until a recent move back to Regina, her birthplace. She completed a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Regina. Tamara’s art practice is largely informed by natural patterns, forms and systems, which she observes while exploring wilderness areas. Larvae, cocoons, mushrooms and tree galls hold a particular fascination for Rusnak. In the studio, Tamara experiments with techniques, tools and materials to create novel and unusual two and three-dimensional works. At the University of Regina, Tamara’s thesis project included developing ways to maintain an ecologically sound art practice. With her award she will produce work for a show (2013) at the Art Gallery of Regina.
* Archival biography; no update available at this time.