Arts Council honours long-time supporters

Prince Edward Arts Council chair Judy Kent with honourees Wayne McNulty and Don Pinder.

Prince Edward County’s Don Pinder, Wayne McNulty and The Waring House were honoured this week for years of support and promotion of the arts and culture in the County.
Pinder and McNulty were presented PEC Arts Council Volunteer Recognition Awards and The Waring House a Business Recognition Award Tuesday at the organization’s annual general meeting, at the Bloomfield Town Hall.

“For more than a decade, Wayne McNulty has applied his skills and passion to building and guiding the Prince Edward County Arts Council,” said Judy Kent, Chair of PECAC. “Wayne McNulty’s passion for the arts has been demonstrated by his significant involvement in several arts disciplines. In 1999–2000, McNulty was instrumental in leading a reorganization of the Arts Council providing a foundation that has allowed PECAC to continue to grow rapidly over the past 11 years. In 2000, he assumed the Chair of PECAC for a two-year term, followed by several years as past chair and other positions. McNulty was a founding member of the PEC Jazz Festival and helped initiate the PEC Music Festival and Clic: The Eastern Ontario Photo Show. Additionally, McNulty initiated the PECAC Student Art Award and continues to manage the award. He also collaborated with Kiwanis to offer a second award, which he also manages.  A very talented photographer, McNulty also participates in many shows, displays work at several galleries, and has several photos published in books, newspapers, magazines and calendars. He continues to stretch his creative boundaries and advance his artistry.”

As an artist, leader, volunteer, innovator, juror, and mentor, Don Pinder has dedicated time and energy to enhancing the profile of the arts in the County, and to increasing the breadth, depth and quality of the presentations offered over a variety of media.
“He has been the creative backbone of Art in the County for more than a decade,” said Kent. “During five of those years, Don assumed the leadership role as Chair of Committee. As an aficionado of jazz, he also lent his skills to the original committee that began the now famous Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. His volunteer contributions include: member of the current Jazz Committee, member of the Macaulay House and Church Site Board for 6 years, member of the PEC Museum Board for 2 years, editor of PEC Historical Society Newsletter for 3 years, and member of the PEC Horticulture Society.”
Pinder is a multi-faceted fine artist. He is a painter, photographer, sculptor, potter, and graphic designer. He has been a regular contributor to local galleries and shows for many years.

“The Waring House has been a model corporate citizen in its support for the arts and many other areas of Prince Edward County,” said Kent.
The Waring House has been active in supporting the Prince Edward County Studio and Gallery Tour as the official host and home-base for the tour during its weekend; works with the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival as host of numerous musical events and provides accommodation for jurors and performing artists for many events.
“Throughout the years, The Waring House has demonstrated consistent support for arts and culture in Prince Edward County and in turn has had a significant impact on the wider community,” said Kent.

“The work of the Arts Council and various arts initiatives is greatly enhanced by the involvement of volunteers like Don and Wayne. Many of the art opportunities available to residents and visitors alike would not happen without the support of local businesses like The Waring House. PECAC is honoured to present these awards in recognition and appreciation of their contributions.”