2025 - Diana Dabinett

Using vibrant colours, Diana Dabinett presents natural aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador — its underwater world, shorelines, icebergs; its rocky cliffs; its bogs, forests and fields; its unique geology. The works teem with details from the natural environment, capturing the duality of its fragility and durability under the harsh conditions on the eastern edge of Canada. The subtlety of the sparkling sunlight, delicate petals or fish scales metallic sheen are captured with watercolour, traditional egg tempera on board, oil or acrylic paintings, and fabric hangings and sculptures.

2024 - Kathleen Knowling

Kathleen Knowling (b. 1927, St. John’s, NL) is a prolific artist whose practice spans painting, textiles, drawing, bookmaking, and writing, with a strong connection to place, memory, and daily experience. After earning a BA in History from Barnard College, Columbia University, she spent two years studying museum collections in Paris before returning to Newfoundland. She raised three children and, in the 1970s, turned her focus to art—studying at NSCAD, Mount Allison, and Memorial University, where she later taught art history. A founding member of the Group of 77, Knowling has long championed feminist perspectives and artist advocacy.

Past Winners

2026 - Mavis Penny

Mavis Penney is an accomplished visual artist, writer, and art teacher whose diverse practice spans painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography. Mavis has dedicated her life to supporting regional artisans — traveling throughout Labrador to help creators develop culturally relevant designs. A passionate instructor, her resilience, longevity, and unwavering commitment to artistic expression perfectly embody the spirit of this award. She is a dedicated arts advocate who has volunteered heavily including with ArtsNL, the Association of Cultural Industries, the Eastern Labrador Arts Alliance, and VANL-CARFAC.

2023 - Shawn O’Hagan

Shawn O'Hagan (b. 1950, Toronto) has been based in Ktaqmkuk (the island of Newfoundland) since 1975. She divides her time between her house in Corner Brook and her cabin in Elmastukwek (the Bay of Islands).

Shawn has a BFA (University of Guelph), a B.Ed. (University of Toronto) and an MFA (University of Waterloo). With a focus on textiles for the past 20 years, she has worked with a wide range of materials and processes. Shawn has participated in solo and group exhibitions across Canada, and her work is in many collections, including the Canada Council Art Bank. In 2023, she was nominated for the Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence in Craft and received the VANL-CARFAC Excellence in Visual Arts Tara Bryan Endurance Award.