Three Island artists will be joining Team PEI to demonstrate their skill and talents to the nation during the 2011 Canada Games, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Carolyn Bertram.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce that Island artists Emma Gallant, Lucas Olscamp and Samantha MacKay have been chosen to represent Prince Edward Island as part of the National Artists Program,” said Minister Bertram. “This is a chance of a lifetime to participate in one of the most challenging and exciting opportunities for emerging artists at the national level. Emma, Lucas and Samantha will be wonderful ambassadors for our province.”
The National Artists Program (NAP) began in 1999 as a cultural component of the Canada Games. The program brings together talented youth from every province and territory for an intensive two weeks, giving artists the opportunity to work with mentors in a wide variety of artistic disciplines, to develop their skills, and to showcase their talents. NAP artists will be challenged to interpret the Canada Games themes both individually and collectively through their art and then share the results of these explorations with other artists, athletes and the public.
“These three young people are not only extremely talented and creative artists but they are also leaders within their communities and schools influencing others by teaching and directing in their chosen disciplines,” said Jo-anne Wallace, Chef de mission for Team PEI. “They will be a valued addition to Team PEI at the 2011 Canada Games and I look forward to seeing their performances.”
The 2011 Canada Games will be hosted by Halifax, February 11-27, 2011.
BACKGROUNDER:
2011 NAP Artists
Emma Gallant
Hometown: Morell, PEI
Discipline: Music Arts
Emma, who attends Morell Regional High School, recorded her first CD, This Moment With You, in 2008-09 which included seven original songs. Emma was also a regular performer as part of Peakes Quay Wharf’s Summer Concert Series in 2009-10 with artists such as Todd MacLean and Gordon Belcher. Emma has also performed regularly at St. Peter’s Courthouse Theatre. Emma has taken voice, guitar and fiddle lessons and teaches guitar within her community.
Lucas Olscamp
Hometown: Warren Grove, PEI
Discipline: Literary Arts
Lucas attends Bluefield High School where he has been involved with the school’s drama club. Lucas has taken on the role of director, stage manager and script writer for his school’s drama productions. Lucas is also an active member of various clubs including art club and creative writing and is the executive editor for Bluefield’s newspaper. Lucas has received numerous accolades for his writing abilities including first place in the poetry section of the Dandelion Festival and an Award of Excellence in Writing, Art and Drama in Bluefield’s Arts Coffee House.
Samantha MacKay
Hometown: Irishtown Road, PEI
Discipline: Dance/Movement Arts
Samantha, who attends Kensington Intermediate Senior High School, has twelve years of dance experience specializing in traditional step dancing and clogging. Samantha also practices both Highland and Irish Dancing. Samantha holds a British Association of Teachers of Dance associates certificate and teaches clogging at Somerset Steppers and has been an assistant step dance teacher with the Lady Slipper Step Dancers and Somerset Steppers.