I had the privilege of attending the Canadian Authors’ Association Gala last weekend. Not only was it my first day on the job as Secretary for the CAA board, taking minutes for the AGM, but I had the privilege of photographing the main event: readings by authors nominated for the Exporting Alberta Award and the award presentation. I have to say, the evening was immensely enjoyable! Even my hubby who is not a writer had a great time.
The Exporting Alberta Award is given to the CAA Alberta Branch member who has the best book published in the last year. The $1,000 prize money assists with out-of-province book promotion.
The event was MC’ed by one of the current Writers in Residence, Lee Kvern, at the tail end of her term. Boy, does Lee have a huge personality! Here are some photos of the event.
It was a full house at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, a part of the ArtSpirit Festival.
Margaret Macpherson, founder of the ArtSpirit Festival, welcoming all for the evening.
Lee Kvern, the magnificent MC for the gala.
President of the Canadian Authors’ Association, Jana Rieger.
Lisa Anderson showing off her book, “Mom! There’s a Lion in the Toilet” published by Dream Write Publishing Ltd
Jenna Butler talking about “Wells,” her book of poetry published by the University of Alberta Press
Joan Marie Galat showing off her children’s book, “The Discovery of Longitude” published by Pelican Press
Joan Marie Galat reading for Jacueline Guest, the book “Outcast of River Falls” published by Cocteau Books
Charmaine Hammond reading the book she co-wrote with Debra Kasowski, “GPS Your Best Life” published by Bettie Young Books
Debra Kasowski reading “GPS Your Best Life” which she co-wrote with Charmaine Hammond, published by Bettie Young Books.
All the authors received flowers.
Barb Howard reading her “Western Taxidermy” published by Newest Press
Fran Kimmel reading her “The Shore Girl” published by Newest Press
Katherine Koller with a vibrant reading of her book, “Voices of the Land” published by AU Press
Jana reading for Gail Sidonie Sobat, “Not With a Bang” published by Magpie Books
Leanne Myggland-Carter reading for Sheri-D Wilson, “Goddess: Gone Fishing for a Map of the Universe” published by Frontenac House
Lee Kvern has some fun with the authors.
Jana Rieger rips open the envelope… a hush falls over the crowd…
And the winner is… Barb Howard for “Western Taxidermy” published by Newest Press
Barb Howard receiving her crown as the winner of the Exporting Alberta Awards! Congrats Barb!
