By Prince Albert Arts Board

2022 and 2023 Arts Hall of Fame Inductees

Sep 26, 2023 | 10:49 AM

The Prince Albert Arts Board is honoured to announce the 2022 and 2023 inductions into the Prince Albert Arts Hall Of Fame.

2022 INDUCTEE GEOFF PAYTON – VOLUNTEER

Geoff was born January 3, 1960, and was raised, educated and lived in Prince Albert until his passing on Dec. 31, 2020.

Employment included chef at Diggers (local restaurant), salesman at Blacks Photography store, life insurance salesman, professional photographer, and a technician at the satellite station. His Interest in photography began in his early teens with inspiration coming from his father, who also enjoyed taking photographs. His photographic career began at Blacks selling photographic equipment and processing film, but also providing advice to customers. He also assisted customers in the recovery and restoration of old photographs. Geoff’s photographic pursuits spanned more than 40 years.

Geoff had an interest in nature photography, but as a professional photographer his work included weddings and special occasions.

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Geoff was also a builder of skills in others and a volunteer. Geoff provided beginner and advanced classes in camera use for over 25 years. He provided presentations to various groups. Geoff was the President of the Northern Image Photographer (NIP) Club since its inception, not to mention a deeply respected instructor, coach and mentor. Geoff was instrumental in forming the NIP in 1992, which now enjoys a membership of over 30 people from as far aways as La Ronge, Spiritwood and Candle Lake.

With Geoff’s support, NIP members have taken photographs for Cancer Society Relay for Life, The Summit Run, and other events. Geoff was also a main contributor in organizing the photography competition at the PA Exhibition Summer Fair.

Other initiatives included fifteen years of biannual “Weekend in the Woods” for club members and others from across Saskatchewan, encouraging club participation in an annual provincial photo completion, exhibition of members’ photographs at the Victoria Hospital, Gateway Mall and the South Hill Lab, supported members participating in photography shows and displays at the Mann Gallery, Hicks Gallery, and the John M Cuelenaere Library.

2023 INDUCTEES ROBERT & LORNA GIBSON – PERFORMING ARTS – MUSIC

Lorna Gibson has made a significant contribution to the music of Prince Albert.

She has taught theory and piano from her home studio since 1962.

Until 2019, Lorna was a member of the Prince Albert Registered Music Teachers’ Association and has also served a two-year term on the provincial board . She was a member of the Prince Albert Music Festival executive and served as the scholarship convenor for many years. Lorna has been an accompanist for soloists at music festivals and other functions and for the P.A. Men’s Chorus.

She is presently the accompanist for the P.A. Concert Choir.

She was the piano/organist accompanist at Calvary United Church for 45 years, retiring in 2022.

Lorna won the YWCA Woman of Distinction award for Arts and Culture in 1998 and a Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee medal in 2022.

Robert Gibson holds an Associate diploma (AVCM) from the Victoria College of Music, London, England.

He was the director of the Prince Albert Lions Bands from 1965-1975 and prepared individual students and groups for festivals and public appearances. He prepared and directed the Lions Senior Band in a tour of England in 1973. During that time he taught band in the Public School System.

He was a member and later director of the Captones Mens’ Chorus and director of the Sweet Adelines Ladies’ Chorus.

He has also been the director of Calvary United Church choir and a director of the P.A. City Band. Robert is presently the director of the P A. Concert Choir.

Robert received a B.Mus Ed. And B. A. Degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and rejoined the public school system. He taught band and choir at various schools and retired from Carlton Comprehensive High School in 1997.

Robert received outstanding service awards from the Lions Club, Optimist Club, Riverside Band Carlton High School and Calvary United Church.

He received a life membership in the Saskatchewan Music Educators; Association in 2003 and the Distinguished band director award from the Saskatchewan band Association in 2006 Robert received the Prince Albert Award of Merit in 2015.

Robert and Lorna work as a team. They have performed together at many functions with Lorna as his accompanist. Their tireless work and dedication to the music of Prince Albert is something they are both dedicated to Prince Albert Arts Board Announces the 2022 & 2023 Arts Hall of Fame Inductees

DONNY PARENTEAU PERFORMING ARTS – MUSIC

Donny Parenteau is a versatile vocalist & multi-instrumentalist who performs with energy and enthusiasm on the fiddle, mandolin, mandocaster, harmonica, acoustic, and electric guitars.

Donny spent 12 years touring the world with Neal McCoy, recording on multi platinum selling albums & played on numerous shows along with performances on The Grand Ole Opry and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Alongside McCoy Donny has shared the stage with country artists and genuine music icons such as Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and Reba McEntire, just to name a few.

Donny has garnered over 100 nominations at 7 major award shows which include 3 JUNO nominations and his first USA nomination for Best Country CD at the 2014 Native American Music Awards.

His latest CD Bring it On is the only CD placed in a time capsule at the Regina Legislative Building to be opened in 100 years because of Donny’s song Deep in the Heart of Saskatchewan. Donny Parenteau School of Music offers lessons in fiddle, mandolin, guitar and voice.

Donny not only inspires all ages through his school, but also through speaking to children throughout the province spreading the message of following their dreams, based on his life experience being a kid who grew up under-privileged in the city to addressing the topic of bullying at all age levels.

Donny shares his experience of being bullied during his formidable years because of his Metis heritage. His natural connection with people challenges them to stop this crisis in our society.

The Prince Albert Arts Hall Of Fame Induction Gala will take place Friday, September 29 th at the EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts. Tickets are $55.50, or a table of six can be booked for $300 (taxes and fees included).

More details about the ceremony will be shared in the coming month.