Lakeshore Honours Local Artists at 2026 Mayor’s Art Awards

Six local artists and supporters of local art were recognized on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Lakeshore’s 2026 Mayor’s Art Awards ceremony at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre.

The awards celebrate and recognize outstanding artistic talent and honour those who have contributed to the arts in Lakeshore.

"Tonight is about recognizing outstanding talent, but it is also about celebrating the important role that arts and culture play in building strong, vibrant, and connected communities. On behalf of Council and our residents, congratulations to all the winners and thank you for your ongoing contributions to arts in our municipality. Lakeshore is stronger and more vibrant because of you.”
-Mayor Tracey Bailey

The event featured brief remarks by Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, followed by presentations of awards to six recipients in the following categories:

• Two artists under the age of 21 were honoured with the Student Artist Award for outstanding promise and commitment to the arts.
  • Elizabeth-Ann (Ellie) Rutledge. At just eight years old, Ellie has shown remarkable creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit. Sewing since the age of five, she creates beautiful projects from patterns and her own original designs. She also owns “Ellie’s Corner Bowtique,” where she sells jewelry and hair accessories and manages every part of the business herself.
  • Brady Mercier has been passionate about performing arts since the age of 14 and has brought that passion to life through many stage productions. Beyond the stage, Brady is a dedicated community leader, serving as President of the local Leo’s Club and giving back through local initiatives. He proudly represents the Windsor-Essex Community Arts Project at parades, community events, and local appearances, while continuing to build his experience through school productions and film.
    
    
• Madelyn Stein was awarded the Emerging Artist Award, which is given to an artist with two to seven years of professional experience. Stein is an emerging songwriter, producer, and music educator whose work is deeply rooted in Lakeshore. Through years of writing and recording original music, she has developed an artistic practice focused on emotional storytelling and community-based learning. Her work has earned both local and international recognition, and she continues to contribute to the arts community while inspiring young musicians to explore their own creative potential.
  
  
• Teresa Sanger was awarded the Creative Entrepreneur Award, which is given to a business, organization, or individual with a demonstrated impact on Lakeshore’s arts community. In 2025, Sanger brought her vision to life by launching her own art studio, The Painted Note. She also brings art to local events by creating collaborative art projects for residents to take part in and enjoy!
  
  
• Veronica Gould was awarded the Artistic Excellence Award, given to an artist who has demonstrated artistic excellence in their field through a body of work, public performance, or exhibitions. Gould started in her artistic pursuits at a young age, and continued her artistic education and career in Montreal, London, Calgary, France, and Germany. She has worked extensively in pastels, oils, pencils, chalk, and watercolour. Throughout the past 35 years in Lakeshore, she has not only nurtured her own talents, but those of younger art students as well.
  
  
• Grant Bergeron was awarded the Patron of the Arts Leadership Award, which is given to a volunteer, educator, supporter, or business that volunteers or supports the arts in Lakeshore. Bergeron is a dedicated educator, performer, and arts advocate whose influence extends throughout Lakeshore and beyond. As Department Head of Arts (Music) at St. Anne Catholic High School, he inspires students to develop their talents, passion for music, and find their own unique voice. Bergeron also inspires young artists through initiatives such as MusicFest Windsor and in his own work as a community performer.

Each recipient received an award and a $1,000 cash prize, except the Patron of the Arts Award, which was provided a $1,000 donation to a charity or non-profit organization. Nominations for the awards were accepted in late-2025, with committee members recommending the slate of winners which were endorsed by the Mayor.