CORNWALL, Ontario – John McMartin and Rose Desnoyers of the Cornwall Arts Collective presented their most recent efforts to promote art in Cornwall with the creation of the Cornwall Arts Hall of Fame.
“Tonight we focus on one form of the arts, namely theatre arts,” McMartin told Council “In future other forms of art will be recognized and many many other names will become part and parcel of the Hall of Fame.”
The five inaugural inductees to the Hall of Fame were Edith H. Stiles, Tom Thompson, Ron Sullivan, Lionel Tessier and Andy Trasuk. They were invited to also sign the City’s Golden Book.
McMartin gave a quick rundown of the considerable art careers of each of these inductees.
Stiles had engaged in arts theatre in one form or another for more than 30 years.
Tessier began his career in 1940 in a production of Showboat Days and went on to produce local productions in the 1960s.
Ron Sullivan, who’s wife was present to accept the honour on his behalf, helped to form Glen Productions in 1965 and served as its first president.
Tom Thompson, also served as president of Glen Productions and got his start making sets for plays in the 1960s.
Andy Trasuk, who’s son was present to accept his honour, moved to Cornwall in 1961 and spent many years working in the local theatre scene and worked for to raise money for Encore the Seniors program.
“Given their combined service of more than 300 years of theatre arts in our community and beyond that I ask the people assembled to give them a warm round of applause,” McMartin said. “By signing this book these five are officially inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
