By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
Nominations are open for the fifth annual CK Cultural Hall of Fame inductions. But if you have someone in mind, you will have to hurry, as the nomination deadline is Tuesday, June 30.
These prestigious local awards celebrate the impact that people from Chatham-Kent have on global arts and culture, with 44 individuals and groups inducted in the first four years.
Presented by the CK Arts Council, the Hall of Fame celebrates individuals whose passion and talent have shaped not only the local landscape but also Canadian and world culture.
Previous inductees include Shae-Lyn Bourne, Michelle Wright, Sylvia Tyson, June Caldwel, Robertson Davies and many more.
“The number of world-renowned people who got their start in Chatham-Kent is staggering,” said Vicki McFarland, CKAC Interim Chair. “However, the Cultural Hall of Fame is not just about the luminaries.
“It is also about recognizing the individuals who built our cultural organizations, nurtured and mentored the next generations, and invested their talent and passion into creating a cultural landscape rich with music, visual art, dance, performance, and writers,” McFarland said.
Four inductees have come from the Ridgetown and East Kent area in the first four years of the Hall of Fame.
Robertson Davies (1913-95), a novelist and playwright born in Thamesville, was among the inaugural inductees in 2022.
The Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit Pow-Wow Indigenous Dance from Delaware on the Thames First Nation at Moraviantown were inducted in 2023.
Archibald Lampman (1861-99), a poet from Morpeth, was inducted into the literary arts category as he was regarded as one of Canada’s finest poets during his brief lifetime.
Frances (nee Marr) Adaskin (1900-2001), a renowned Ridgetown-born pianist, author, and Order of Canada honouree, was inducted in 2023.
The 2025 inductees were: Literary Arts – Bryan Prince (North Buxton); Visual Arts – Troy Brooks (Wallaceburg); Performing Arts – Tracey Hoyt (Chatham); Cultural Builders – Sam Panopoulos (Chatham); Dance – Patrick Kastoff (Chatham); Music – Stephanie Copeland (Wallaceburg); Legacy – Shelton Brooks (North Buxton) and Ken Crone (Chatham).
“The Hall of Fame is truly a community project,” said Lee Highgate, CK Cultural Hall of Fame Committee Chair. “The public’s direct input via the nomination process keeps the Cultural Hall of Fame relevant and vibrant.”
The categories for this year’s inductions are dance, literary arts, music, theatre arts, visual arts and cultural builders.”
Nominations can include living and deceased individuals who will be recognized as legacy recipients. Inductees will have their photo and biography mounted on a plaque for permanent display at the Chatham Cultural Centre.
Awards will be presented during the CKAC’s annual CK Cultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Celebration on Oct. 22.
Nomination forms are available online at www.ckartscouncil.ca/nominationform with a deadline of June 30.