REGINA — A new art award established in memory of artist Anthony Thorn was announced by the MacKenzie Art Gallery Thursday .
Friends and Gallery staff gathered to celebrate the donation by Thorn’s sister, Lyn Goldman, making The Thorn Prize award possible, her personal tribute to her brother’s life and work.
“Tony was such an important part of the Regina arts community, and I am proud that his legacy will be honoured in this way,” Goldman says. “The Thorn Prize will support mid-career artists as they continue experimenting and staying true to their voice — just as Tony did throughout his career. I’m grateful to the MacKenzie Art Gallery for housing this award; it’s a trusted and respected institution that will bring the integrity and care this prize deserves.”
The gallery says that over the next 10 years, recipients will be selected every two years by a jury of five peers and curators, chaired by a senior representative of the MacKenzie’s Curatorial team — resulting in five total recipients.
“It is a joyous moment to see the establishment of a new award that celebrates artists, not only as recipients, but also through its name,” says MacKenzie Art Gallery Executive Director & CEO John G. Hampton. “Anthony Thorn was a singular artist whose vision has enriched us all. Similarly, this award will not only have a profound impact on five artists, but it is also an investment in our broader cultural health, supporting the work that supports us all.”
The inaugural Thorn Prize exhibition is scheduled to open at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in 2027.
