Presented by the Sheila Hugh MacKay Foundation, the $2000 Brigitte Clavette Graduate Studies Award celebrates excellence in the arts, honouring the enduring legacy of esteemed artist and educator Brigitte Clavette.
For over three decades, Brigitte Clavette served as the Head of the Jewellery/Metal Arts Studio, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic community. Though now a part-time instructor, she remains dedicated to her craft, garnering acclaim both nationally and internationally. Among her numerous accolades, Clavette is a recipient of the Saidye Bronfman Award, a prestigious honor within the realm of fine crafts and one of the esteemed Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts. Additionally, she is a distinguished member of the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts.
With a prolific career spanning 11 solo exhibitions and participation in over 50 group exhibitions, Clavette’s influence extends far beyond Canadian borders. Her work has been presented to international dignitaries in countries such as Brazil, Mali, and Burkina Faso, as well as esteemed Canadians like Adrienne Clarkson. Beyond awards and accolades, Clavette’s artistry is showcased in esteemed collections worldwide, including those of the Royal Ontario Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England, the Art Gallery of Guelph, and the Benton Seymour Rabinovitch Collection in Seattle, Washington.
The Brigitte Clavette Award – Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation Scholarship in Graduate Studies not only honours a visionary artist but also embodies a commitment to fostering artistic excellence and perpetuating Clavette’s enduring legacy in the realm of fine arts.
The Sheila Hugh MacKay Foundation
Established in 1987, the Sheila Hugh MacKay Foundation is a private institution dedicated to advancing excellence in visual arts and fine craft within New Brunswick. Initially rooted in the founder’s initiative of providing small seed grants to emerging artists, the Foundation has since expanded its scope to encompass a diverse array of initiatives. These include various awards, scholarships, annual facilitation grants, and advocacy projects aimed at nurturing artistic talent and fostering a vibrant arts community. With the endowment by Ms. MacKay in 2008, the Foundation secured a lasting legacy, perpetuating its mission to promote, support, and advocate for the creation, appreciation, and comprehension of visual arts through comprehensive programs and initiatives.
