The 2026 Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts (AMNAs) on Feb. 7 was a vibrant celebration of our city’s creative spirit, marked by record attendance and meaningful milestones.
A significant highlight was the introduction of the inaugural Culture Ambassador Award, bestowed upon Airdrie Pride President Kiersten Mohr for her outstanding contributions to cultural advocacy.
Additionally, the event, held at Bert Church LIVE Theatre, saw the launch of two new accolades: the Emerging Youth Artist Award and the Youth Champion of the Arts Award, underscoring commitment to nurturing young talent.
The Latin Society enriched the evening with a captivating front-of-house experience, featuring mariachi performances, vibrant dancers, face painting, Latin vendors and a delectable, Latin-inspired menu.
With more than 300 attendees, the event showcased performances by Amelya Fry, Stark Sky, Miles Canyon, Cobra Collins, Corbie Dorner, Eden Taylor and Elements Dance Co., all seamlessly guided by MCs Shamus Neeson and Claire Spencer.
This year’s AMNAs not only celebrated artistic excellence, it also reinforced Airdrie’s commitment to cultural growth and inclusivity.
“I absolutely loved Mayor’s Night of the Arts! It was joyful, moving and, more than ever: deeply inspiring. The talent, passion and generosity within Airdrie’s arts community is remarkable. A vibrant arts scene isn’t a ‘nice to have;’ it’s part of what makes a city healthy, welcoming and proud of who we are … and I’ve never been prouder,” says Mayor Heather Spearman.
The 2026 recipients are:
Champion of the Arts Mandi Fusaro – Community theatre leader, volunteer
Mandi Fusaro strengthens Airdrie’s arts community through dedicated leadership, mentorship and unwavering volunteer service.
For more than eight years, Mandi has been a driving force behind Airdrie’s community theatre ecosystem. As a long-standing board member with Nose Creek Players and a governor with Calgary ACTS, she contributes to strategic planning, programming, youth engagement and regional advocacy. Her volunteerism spans backstage support, production logistics, grant writing, marketing and event co-ordination — including the CAT Awards and local showcases. A passionate mentor, Mandi nurtures young performers and cultivates accessible spaces for families to participate in the arts. Through her tireless leadership and commitment to community-building, she continues to elevate visibility, inclusion and creative opportunities across Airdrie.
Patron of the Arts – Nose Creek Players
Nose Creek Players strengthens Airdrie’s arts community through inclusive theatre, advocacy and generations of creative mentorship.
For more than 40 years, Nose Creek Players has been a cornerstone of Airdrie’s arts landscape — cultivating creativity, confidence and connection through community theatre. Under the leadership of President Robin McKittrick, the volunteer-run group provides a brave, inclusive space where residents of all ages explore performance, storytelling and collaboration. From original holiday productions to youth camps and the Kevin Goodyear Scholarship, NCP’s commitment to mentorship ensures the next generation of artists is supported and inspired. Their ongoing advocacy for cultural spaces — including work with Bert Church LIVE Theatre and local planning initiatives — continues to elevate the role of arts in civic life.
Emerging Artist Justine Madge – Costume designer
Justine Madge transforms imagination into theatre magic with creative, sustainable costume design that brings stories to life.
A creative force behind Nose Creek Players’ theatrical productions, Justine brings storytelling to life through costume design. Her imaginative work on shows like Alice in Wonderland, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, and The Epic Quest of the Damsels in Distress showcases a rare blend of artistry and problem solving — turning yoga mats, pop cans and bedsheets into expressive stage magic. Justine’s designs help actors embody their characters while captivating audiences. Through her innovative approach and emerging fashion ventures, she is shaping Airdrie’s theatre scene and inspiring new ways for creativity to flourish on and off the stage.
Professional Artist Sydonne Warren – Visual artist, muralist
Sydonne Warren elevates public art through powerful cultural storytelling, mentorship and bold visual expression.
A multidisciplinary visual artist and muralist, Sydonne is transforming public spaces through vibrant artworks that celebrate underrepresented communities. Her leadership as a Public Art Project Lead for the City of Calgary has shaped landmark projects and expanded representation in contemporary Canadian art. Sydonne’s community impact includes launching Calgary’s first mural camp, leading live painting activations, mentoring emerging artists and offering accessible creative workshops. In Airdrie, she has contributed to public art planning, led Paint and Sip Portrait Workshops, and supported Inspire Gallery programming. With multiple awards — including Diversity Magazine’s Artist of the Year — Sydonne continues to advance equity, creativity and belonging through art.
“Winning Airdrie’s Professional Artist award was an amazing experience. I truly feel supported by the community, and I look forward to contributing more to Airdrie’s public art scene. I’m grateful to the AMNA, Airdrie Arts Council and the mayor for celebrating Airdrie’s artists!”
Arts Educator Mackenzie Cox – Art instructor
Mackenzie Cox empowers inclusive creativity through art education and community partnerships that nurture self-expression.
Mackenzie is a visual artist and educator whose inclusive teaching philosophy empowers creativity at every level. Through her studio, MackiMakes, she offers accessible art education for youth, seniors and neurodiverse learners, emphasizing confidence, curiosity and self-expression. Mackenzie’s mentorship extends beyond the classroom through her Spring Art Show, where students exhibit alongside professional artists. Her partnerships with groups like the Airdrie Public Library and Sensory Connections have enriched community access to the arts, nurturing creative confidence and connection across generations.
“I’m really honored and so very grateful. This moment is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with teaching the arts. I’m constantly shaped by my students’ curiosity and courage, and this recognition pushes me even further to keep showing up for them with patience, leadership, care, and a touch of glitter and rainbows. It is a pleasure to teach my students, and this award belongs just as much to them and my community that has and continues to support my journey, vision and ever-developing dream of a safe space for Airdrie’s artists to grow, learn and connect. Thank you for such a magical evening and for this beautiful reminder that the work art educators put in for Airdrie’s artists is seen and appreciated.”
Youth Artists
Leah Chan – Vocalist, dancer, actor
Leah Chan is a triple-threat performer shining in music, dance and theatre while mentoring Airdrie’s young artists.
Leah’s talent has brought national recognition to Airdrie’s arts community. From Storybook Theatre’s Chicago and Pippin to earning provincial and national vocal awards, Leah has become a celebrated young artist in classical voice and musical theatre. Her dedication extends beyond performance — mentoring younger performers and championing cultural representation in the arts. As a Gold Medal recipient from the Royal Conservatory of Music, she continues to uplift and inspire audiences through her artistry, discipline and commitment to excellence.
“It is such an honour to receive the Youth Artist Award and to be considered alongside so many talented youth who I call my friends, who I have danced with, performed in musicals together, and took piano lessons at the same studio. Not only am I excited about receiving this award, I am also excited to see all my friends who were nominated and won in their categories. I feel it is very important for me to mention my sense of pride towards my Airdrie community. From the age of seven to 19, all my lessons were taken from arts educators right in this community where I grew up. Shelly Fullerton, who is my voice coach; Susan Laing with Airdrie Dance Academy; and Lynne Dalcin, my piano teacher, have all been an integral part of the arts in Airdrie for decades. These three women have supported, mentored and guided me to be as successful as I am today. I am proud to say our community has some of the best arts educators. I am also grateful to the Airdrie Rotary Performing Arts Festival and the Airdrie Community Choir, who have provided a platform and opportunities to take my art to higher levels. I am always so proud to represent this community on the provincial and regional level; to showcase that excellence can come from small communities with strong arts support. I would like to thank Mayor Heather Spearman, AMNA Awards, the AACC and all its sponsors for this prestigious award.”
Youth Champion of the Arts Owen Casavant – Pianist, composer, photographer
Owen Casavant inspires through piano performance, composition and teaching, blending mentorship with multimedia art.
Owen embodies creativity across disciplines — from classical piano and theory to photography and film. A longtime participant in the Airdrie Rotary Festival of Performing Arts, Owen shares his passion for music as a lead instructor at Musicworks Canada, mentoring more than 20 students. His dedication to composition, community performance and arts education enriches Airdrie’s creative ecosystem. Whether performing, teaching or showcasing his photography through OC Photography, Owen inspires through curiosity, collaboration and his commitment to shaping the next generation of Airdrie artist.
“It was an incredible honour to be a part of the evening, and an even bigger one receiving the Youth Champion of the Arts! Music has played a vital role in my life, and has taken a lot of time, discipline and patience. This award reminds me that the work does in fact matter, and to have that recognized by my community is really special. I’m beyond grateful for everyone who’s been there every step of the way, and I can’t wait to keep moving forward.”
Emerging Youth Ayla Rayne – Actor, singer, musician
Ayla Rayne shines across stage and song, bringing authenticity, musicality and vibrant storytelling to every performance.
A multifaceted performer, Ayla has built an impressive portfolio across theatre, music and community engagement. With leading roles in productions at Storybook Theatre, Renert Theatre, Calgary Young People’s Theatre and more, she brings emotional depth, charisma and originality to every character she portrays. As the lead singer of Concrete Countdown, Ayla performs at major community events — including the Airdrie Food Bank Fundraiser, Airdrie Festival of Lights and Airdrie Health Foundation Gala — blending 11 years of vocal training with her natural stage presence. Her volunteerism, mentorship and international artistic influences make her a standout emerging artist with a powerful creative voice and a bright future.
“I am so happy to receive this award, as it reflects the effort I’ve put into something I am incredibly passionate about. It inspires me to keep growing, learning and sharing my passion with the world.”
2026 Cultural Ambassador: Kiersten Mohr
For its inaugural year, the AACC is honoured to recognize Kiersten Mohr as the first Cultural Ambassador Award recipient with the Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts.
Through her leadership with Airdrie Pride and her ongoing advocacy work, Kiersten has played a vital role in advancing inclusion, visibility and understanding within the community. Her work has helped create safer, more welcoming spaces for people to express who they are, engage in dialogue and participate fully in community life.
Kiersten’s leadership exemplifies cultural ambassadorship in action: showing up with courage, compassion and consistency, often in challenging moments, and doing so with a focus on connection, rather than division. Her efforts have meaningfully contributed to Airdrie’s evolving cultural identity and reflect the values this recognition is intended to celebrate.
Looking Ahead
The Cultural Ambassador recognition will become an adjudicated award in future years, building on the foundation established in 2026. Through this recognition, the Airdrie Arts & Culture Council aims to continue celebrating leaders who strengthen Airdrie’s cultural ecosystem — not only through the arts, but through the everyday work of building understanding, belonging and community.
Enjoy highlights of the evening below!
