Pioneers in Chatham-Kent’s arts and culture scene were honored Oct. 26 in the hopes of also inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions.
The 12 inaugural inductees into the Heroes Wall of Fame, organized by the Chatham-Kent Arts & Culture Network, were presented during a special ceremony at the Chatham Armory attended by more than 100 people.
Legendary songwriter and Chatham native Sylvia Tyson, one of the induced, made the trip to her hometown to be a part of the event.
“I think it’s great. I’m very honored to be among the first induced,” she said.
“Chatham-Kent has a history with all kinds of areas, including the arts, so I think they’ll undoubtedly find lots of people that are worthy of being honored.”
Wednesday’s inductions included:
Visual arts: Artis Lane, painter and sculptor (North Buxton); Janet Forsyth, painter (Blenheim)
Performing arts: Kenne Duncan, movie and TV actor (Chatham); Theater Kent, community theater group (Chatham-Kent)
Music: Jeanne Gordon, opera singer (Wallaceburg); Sylvia Tyson, folk and country singer (Chatham)
Dance: Shae-Lynn Bourne, dancer and choreographer (Chatham); Florence Abel, dancer and instructor (Chatham)
Literary arts: Robertson Davies, author, playwright and critic (Thamesville); June Callwood, journalist and activist (Chatham)
Cultural builders: Gwendolyne Gold (South Kent), Barbara Jean Rossini (Chatham)
During her speech, Tyson said she had a “wonderful childhood” in Chatham, noting that there was always plenty of music and art in her family’s home.
She also serenaded the gathering with her song, River Road.
Lane said she was “grateful” for the honour, adding that artists everywhere bring a unique perspective.
“We’re daydreamers for having another view about what life is about,” she said.
Forsyth urged young people to take up the arts, whatever the medium or discipline.
She said it doesn’t have to be perfect, but the goal is to create and have fun.
“I encourage you to pick up a pencil, or a crayon or a paintbrush,” she said. “It’s something that will follow you from your youth to your senior years.”
Abel said she was humbled by the recognition, adding she was “just doing what I love.”
Other recipients, who have either died or couldn’t make it, had family members represent them.
The wall of fame is housed at the Chatham Cultural Centre, with induced having a plaque permanently mounted on a wall inside the building. They will also be featured on a virtual wall on the network’s website.
The wall of fame is sponsored by Waste Connections of Canada.
The Heroes Wall of Fame oversight committee includes chair James Snyder, Peter Garapick, Laurie Langford, Lisa Lester, adviser Heather Slater and Art Stirling.
Calling the event a “long time coming,” Snyder thanked everyone involved in making the night a success, from inductees and their families, to sponsors.
“This will be the first of many more to come,” he said.