Two icons of the arts in southern Alberta have been recognized for their work with this year's $30,000 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards.

One Yellow Rabbit, Calgary's groundbreaking theatre ensemble, and the husband-and-wife musical team of Tom and Isobel Rolston, who have longstanding roles at the Banff Centre's music program, all won the award at a ceremony Saturday night in Lloydminster.

View the One Yellow Rabbit Ensemble Profile video prepared by CHUM TV in Calgary for the Lieutenant Governor General of Alberta Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Edmonton author Greg Hollingshead, author of three much-honoured novels and more than five dozen short stories, was also honoured.

"The arts in general are such a vital part in creating the great quality of life we enjoy in Alberta," Lt-Gov. Norman Kwong said in a statement. "They create a balance, which produces a healthy lifestyle, contributing to the success we are enjoying in the province."
This is the second year the awards have been given out. Last year's recipients were architect Douglas Cardinal and playwright John Murrell.

This year's recipients were chosen from a shortlist of six, including Calgary playwright Sharon Pollock and Edmonton writer Rudy Wiebe. The shortlisted artists each receive $5,000.
One Yellow Rabbit is known for their innovate theatrical works, including the landmark satire Isla, Queen of the Nazi Love Camp, which the ensemble plans on reviving next year to mark its 25th anniversary. The group is also the brainchild of the High Performance Rodeo, an annual festival of new and experimental theatre.

The Rolstons have been fixtures at the Banff Center since 1965. They have held various roles over the years, and helped shape the organization's music program into one of the most respected in the country.

The national judging panel for this year's awards was headed up by former Saskatchewan lieutenant-governor Lynda Haverstock.

On the web: The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards

Sunday - May 27, 2007