The CK Arts Council will celebrate the 2026 Chatham-Kent Cultural Hall of Fame inductees on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Chatham Cultural Centre.
A reception and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. in Studio One, followed by the celebration at 7 p.m. Admission is pay what you will, with a suggested donation of $10. Meghan and Pat Whalen, known as Deep Southwest, will emcee.
The Hall of Fame honours individuals who have helped shape Chatham-Kent’s creative and cultural landscape. Inductees receive a permanent plaque and biography in the Hall of Fame at the cultural centre.
“2026 marks the fifth year for this important event,” said Laurie Langford, CKAC board chair. “Our six inductees represent unwavering commitment and ongoing dedication to their chosen fields. Their passion has contributed to the region’s cultural landscape while shaping the world around us.”
The inductees, selected through a community nomination process, are Brent Foster of Wallaceburg in visual arts; Ron Sparks of Chatham in performing arts; James Snyder of Chatham as cultural builder; Yejide Kilanko of Chatham in literary arts; Kevin McMillan of Chatham in music; and Joseph W. Storey as legacy inductee.
The council will also recognize Mazzelyn Galbraith, recipient of the Karen deKoning Scholarship for Arts & Culture Studies, and will present the inaugural Copeland Youth Award, sponsored by a donation from last year’s music inductee Steph Copeland.
The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent through the Together CK Core Grant program and Waste Connections of Canada, operator of the Ridge Landfill.
“We are tremendously proud to be a founding partner of this event,” said Cathy Smith, Waste Connections of Canada project manager.
Attendees can also explore a silent auction featuring works by local artists and sample catering by Susan Jeffery. More information is available at ckartscouncil.ca.
