The Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation is proud to announce that Alanna Baird is the 2024 recipient of the Marie Hélène Allain Fellowship Award. Since 2014, SHMF has offered this award to celebrate the accomplishments of a contemporary New Brunswick artist and also to support innovation and experimentation in proposed new work.
The Board of Directors is grateful to the independent jury panel of representatives of the New Brunswick Art Directors Association for the thoughtful and professional adjudication of all materials submitted for this award. In their recommendation they noted “The 2024 Marie Hélène Allain Fellowship Award recognizes Alanna Baird’s diverse artistic practice, using ceramics, printmaking, etching, engraving and sculpture to explore and advocate for environmental awareness. Her proposed Fellowship project promises to contribute to global dialogue around marine conservation. It is cutting edge exploration, using recycled materials to create appreciation and awareness, extending her career-long stewardship work linking science and art.” As stated in Caroline Walker’s nomination letter “ Baird’s “ceaseless experimentation and innovation connect her deeply to New Brunswick and reflect the Bay of Fundy and its precious environment. She creates magic and wonderment in her art”.
Ms. Baird will be presented the Marie Hélène Allain Fellowship Award on September 28, 2024 at an awards Ceremony being held at Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre in St. Andrews.