Okotoks community leaders immortalized on canvas

Okotoks' inaugural artist in residence Tanya Zakarow culminated the Month of the Artist by unveiling portraits she painted of community leaders on Sept. 29. 

The portraits were revealed at the second annual Face to Face Conference, which brought creative minds together at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre to share ideas about arts and culture in Okotoks. 

Originally submitting a portrait of late Mayor Bill Robertson, Zakarow also immortalized late Christ the Redeemer chair Ron Schreiber, former Okotoks events manager and decades-long volunteer Marg Cox, beloved kindergarten teacher Lori Chibry and Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn.  

Following the announcement of Zakarow as the first-ever artist in residence, the community was polled to nominate subjects for her to create portraits of during her residency.  

Over 1,500 votes were cast for 13 community members nominated, with a final decision being made by a committee based on votes, volunteerism, community involvement and service to the public. 

The winners were announced at a meet-and-greet event at the Okotoks Public Library on Sept. 6. 

“All the people that have been nominated here tonight have had a substantial impact on this community and the lives of others,” Zakarow said at the time. “They are so worthy of recognition and honour.”