Pelham Art Festival Award Winners
Celebrate the artists recognized for exceptional creativity and craftsmanship.
2026 ARTISTS AWARDS
The Pelham Art Festival is a vibrant annual celebration of visual arts, bringing together talented artists and art enthusiasts from Niagara and beyond each Mother’s Day Weekend
People’s Choice
Voted by festival visitors, this award celebrates the artwork most loved by the public. The 2026 People’s Choice winner is Joachim Gmoser, known for his bold colour and vivid realist scenes inspired by everyday local life.
Mayor’s Award
Chosen by Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, this award honours creativity and community. The 2026 Mayor’s Award goes to Debi Lockhurst for Tiger, noted for its strong detail, movement, and expressive use of colour.
Best of Theme
The 2026 Best of Theme award was presented to Shelley Prior for Misty Morning Paddle, the winning work for our theme, “This Land.” The piece celebrates the beauty and personal meaning of Canada, the place we call home.
CURATED AWARDS
Selected by experienced guest curators who bring professional insight & artistic expertise.
Curated by: Emma O’Rourke
Sponsored by Logan Quinton Welland Co-Operators
I Saw Three Ships by JudyBlue Anderson
Curated by: Debra Attenborough
Sponsored by Adamson Wealth Group
Romeo & Juliet by Tamara Kwapich
Curated by: George Langbroek
Smoke Lake Milky Way by Jonathan Sau
Curated by: Grace Smith
Sponsor: 416 Coffee Co.
Punching Bag Forest, 1978 by Barb Williams
Curated by: David Gilbert
Sponsored by Welland Toyota
JUDGED AWARDS
Selected by experienced guest curators who bring professional insight & artisitc expertise.
2026 cURATORS
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Photography
Painting
3D Works
Fine Craft & Design
Abstract
