2017 Creativity Connected Awards Presented

RICHMOND HILL – On Tuesday, November 7, Richmond Hill presented the 2017 Creativity Connected Awards to three creative recipients at the 7th annual Creative Industries Symposium. The Creativity Connected Awards recognize individuals and companies in Richmond Hill that demonstrate excellence in the creative industries field.

“The annual Symposium has a unique creative energy and the winners of the 2017 Creativity Connected Awards really embody that creative spark,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “I congratulate them on their award-winning work, which benefits our vibrant Town both culturally and economically.” 

Creative Laureate – Phil Shepherd, Shepherd Photography

Long-time Richmond Hill resident Phil Shepherd is the owner and principal photographer of Shepherd Photography. Shepherd created 1st Fridays Richmond Hill, a collaboration of artists and businesses in downtown Richmond Hill, intended to bring foot traffic and a sense of community to the downtown core. He also created the Richmond Hill Arts Alliance, an umbrella group for all arts and artists to connect and foster mutual interest. As a photography instructor, Shepherd Photography offers “Capture the Culture,” an initiative where participants are asked to immerse themselves in an environment and observe its people before taking photos to more thoroughly capture the culture.

Creative Laureate – Mark Pezzelato, Pezmosis Music Productions

Mark Pezzelato founded and incorporated Pezmosis Music Productions in 2003. Based in Oak Ridges, the audio and video recording company has produced thousands of songs for movies and commercials, and has worked with many artists, individuals and corporations. Pezzelato is also a children’s performer who has most recently written a rock musical called Marky Monday’s Adventures in Dreamland. The musical teaches children the values of love and respect as well as the importance of honesty and integrity. He is a professional drummer, guitarist, bassist, pianist and singer, and has written a number of books.

Best Creative Innovation - Ingrid Taheri, High Notes Avante Productions, Inc.

Ingrid Taheri is the Artistic and Executive Director of High Notes Avante Productions Inc. She is the creator of the HIGH NOTES AVANTE SOCIALs, intimate social educational events including music at local businesses in Richmond Hill, meant to reduce social isolation and create community and awareness. The next SOCIAL is November 17 with Frank Horvat at Pearl Pianos. Taheri also founded the HIGH NOTES GALA, a unique blend of TedTalk inspired speeches and Grammy-inspired music to bring positive attention to mental health.

Learn more about the winners of the 2017 Creativity Connected Awards on Richmond Hill Economic Development’s YouTube channel.

The annual Creativity Connected Awards were created to bring awareness to the tremendous talent and innovation within this economic sector in Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill’s recent Economic Development Strategy showed that almost half of the labour force in Richmond Hill is employed in creative occupations. These include IT, software designs, singer-songwriters, painters, writers, film makers and many others.

Applications for the 2018 Creativity Connected Awards are accepted until September 15, 2018. The 8th annual Creativity Connected Symposium will be Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Visit RichmondHill.ca/CCawards for more information.