Three area youth have been selected to split this year’s Beneath the Arch Bursary.
Created in the 1990s, the bursary helps young performers enhance their experience and skill in the performing arts, using funds raised primarily through the sale of 50/50 tickets during Beneath the Arch concerts. This year, $1,500 was awarded through the bursary, despite four concerts being cancelled during the past season.
Cathy McVee, director of awards for Beneath the Arch, introduced the winners.
Macy Richardson, in Grade 10 at Oilfields High School, was awarded $800. She plays all kinds of stringed instruments and wants to become a luthier. Grade 5 student Winslow Way-Dunlop of Turner Valley loves to dance and was awarded $400. She has been taking dance lessons since she was three years old. Ava Friesen of Black Diamond was awarded $300. She is passionate about singing, piano and performing arts.
The bursary can be used for costs related to the performing arts such as lessons, registration or other related fees. Applicants must live in Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Millarville, Priddis, Longview or the surrounding areas and their address must be west of 16 Street West.
McVee said Beneath the Arch, a Turner Valley non-profit society, hopes to have as much as $10,000 available in the fund next year from 50/50 proceeds and a raffle featuring a canoe and accessories valued at over $2,500 and donated from a Turner Valley business.
Seven shows are scheduled for the series’ 2022/23 concert season, kicking off on Sept. 24 with The Fretless and wrapping up on April 29 with the Lonesome Ace Stringband.
For more information, visit www.beneaththearch.ca.
The Beneath the Arch Concert Series features up to seven concerts each season by rising Albertan and Canadian performers who range from blues to bluegrass, contemporary to classical.
-with files from Brent Calver
