The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
One Creighton author has been shortlisted for a major award through the Saskatchewan Art Boards (SAB). Brenda Schmidt is one of three finalists for the Saskatchewan Artist Award. Schmidt is nominated alongside Ruth Cuthand of Saskatoon and Laura Pettigrew of Regina. The Saskatchewan Artist Award is presented to 'an established professional Saskatchewan artist who is at mid-career and who has produced a significant body of work,' as declared by the SAB. The winner of the award 'is making a sustained and progressive contribution to the art form, and it's acknowledged by peers and has attained critical recognition regional and nationally for an art practice and outstanding achievements.' Schmidt joins the art community as an author and visual artist. Her work has been performed, shown, and broadcast across Canada. The Creightonite began work as a nurse but later graduated from the University of Waterloo with a BA in English. She has written four books of poetry as well as a nonfiction book. Schmidt's nomination has given her time to reflect on her past as well as think about the future. 'It's a huge honour to have other art professionals put your name forward,' she said. 'And to be shortlisted (for an award) is huge.' On the line is $5,000 as well as a limited-edition bronze sculpture by Joe Fafard. But Schmidt says that's the last thing on her mind. 'With awards like this and nominations you really don't spend time thinking about that,' she said. 'I've been reflecting on all the people I've met along the way,' she said. Schmidt says she's spent a lot of time thinking about the art community as well as how she got to where she is today. '...at this point in my career (the money) isn't something I really think about. It's all really nice,' she said, 'and it's a token, but it is really moving to be nominated for something like this.' Schmidt says if nothing else she has been able to sit back and take her journey all over again. 'It makes you sit back and reevaluate and also to look forward,' she said. Schmidt continues to do freelance work while enjoying her favourite past times like photography and multimedia ventures. When she's not working, Schmidt enjoys taking in nature's finest as she watches birds.
