The Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts was a shining beacon of light on arts and culture as the community gathered to celebrate the talents and passions of our city. Held at the Bert Church Theatre on Feb. 8, the evening included live performances by Kyle McKearney, Alicia Woynarski, members of the Windwood Festival, Gabriel Morris, Star Baton Dance Company and the band Morrissey’s Private Stock.
The 2025 recipients are:
Sarah Batchelor – Arts Educator Award
Currently working at Northcott Prairie School in Airdrie, Sarah has helped to build and grow the music program in this relatively new school. Teaching 20 classes of students every two and a half days; putting on seven evening performances each year; taking groups to festivals, band clinics and recommending kids for provincial honour bands; and acting as music director for the school musical theatre production, Sarah is never not busy.
She is immensely proud that her Grade 8 band won Gold with Distinction at the Alberta International Band Festival last year and is excited to see what the coming year will bring for her young musicians.
Carlos Foggin – Professional Artist Award
Carlos is a distinguished conductor, organist, educator and community arts leader whose career spans more than two decades, marked by a commitment to artistic excellence, innovation and community engagement. As a highly respected figure in the Canadian music scene, Carlos is renowned for his versatility across multiple disciplines, including orchestral conducting, organ performance, music education and arts advocacy.
Kristi Puszkar – Emerging Artist
Kristi is the proud owner of Silver & Ivy Beads, a female-owned Métis beadwork company based out of her home in Airdrie. She is dedicated to exploring and revitalizing Métis and Indigenous beadwork and artwork with a modern flair.
Since beginning her beading journey in 2021, Kristi has been deeply influenced by her mentor, Elder Doreen, her Cree and Métis heritage, and connections she’s made within the community. These connections have not only shaped her artistry but also deepened her commitment to cultural reconciliation.
Kim Raffin – Patron of the Arts
Kim has made contributions to the arts in Airdrie that have been transformative. His leadership in founding and sustaining the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra (RMSO) and the Polaris Theatre for the Performing Arts has enhanced access to a variety of genres of music for Airdrie and surrounding communities. From its informal beginnings, his purpose was to guide the RMSO to become a highly recognized organization that delivers high-calibre performances while providing development opportunities for musicians at all career stages.
Through personal donations exceeding $250,000 and a $5-million investment in the Polaris Theatre, Kim has demonstrated unwavering support for the arts. These contributions have funded everything from legal fees and musician wages to innovative programs like the Polaris Prize, which supports emerging performers by providing professionally produced audition recordings.
Tare Rennebohm – Champion of the Arts
When Tare moved to Airdrie, he recognized a need beyond performance: the city required advocates — individuals committed to fostering, nurturing and defending the arts. He understood that, without dedicated voices championing the arts, Airdrie risked losing the very essence of what made its cultural scene so inviting.
Today, his role as a director at large for the Airdrie Arts and Culture Council — where he also serves as chair for the Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts — highlights his commitment to fostering a cohesive, supportive arts environment. These leadership positions allow him to advocate at a higher level, ensuring that the arts are recognized not just as entertainment, but as a vital component of Airdrie’s cultural and social fabric.
Trissa Wildeman – Youth Artist Award
Trissa, a 16-year-old dancer with unparalleled passion and drive, was born in Calgary and raised in Airdrie. From an early age, she discovered her love for movement and creativity at Ambition Performing Arts, where she cultivated her talent and versatility across all styles of dance.
Alongside her dance training, Trissa developed her artistic range by studying singing, piano, ukulele and acting, showcasing her dedication to becoming a well-rounded performer. One of her most prestigious achievements is receiving a scholarship to work with acclaimed choreographer Christie Lee Manning in the U.K., a testament to her potential as a global performer.
