Maureen Weeks of Fredericton has been awarded the first annual Premier’s Award for Craft Education. Premier Pat Binns presented the award to Ms. Weeks at Prince Edward Island’s Women’s Institute Handcraft Exhibition during Old Home Week.
The Award was established in partnership with the Women’s Institute to celebrate the outstanding contributions of craft artisans in the province. Ms. Weeks was chosen by a panel of WI board members and judges for her help and encouragement toward the continued growth of the craft industry in PEI.
“For over 90 years, the Women’s Institute has played a vital role, both in educating people about handcrafts and in promoting the sector development,” said Premier Binns. “PEI’s reputation for excellence in crafts can be directly attributed to the efforts of the Women’s Institute and individuals like Maureen. It is my pleasure to recognize her longstanding commitment to this important organization and to our province.”
Ms. Weeks received a $3000 educational bursary which will allow her further training in the rug hooking craft.
The Women’s Institute has sponsored the Handcraft Exhibition as part of Old Home Week for over 80 years. Rena Thompson, Chairperson of the Women’s Institute Handcrafts and Arts Division of the Provincial Exhibition, said having the Premier recognize the volunteer members of the organization has been very much appreciated.
“We have members who have been involved in our exhibition, both as judges and exhibitors, for many decades, and to have the province recognize these contributions is a real tribute to all of those people,” said Ms. Thompson.