CambridgeToday received the following Letter to the Editor from Joe Lethbridge about the importance of the Bernice Adams Legacy.
Almost nine years ago, in 2014, I stood at the podium at Cambridge City Hall and accepted the Communication and Literary Arts award from the Bernice Adams Awards.
I stood there shaking and likely mumbling the words I said in thanks due to my anxiety but knowing the entire awards committee made me so welcome to be there. I, too, was one who either thought, "I'm not good enough" or " I'm not professional enough," but there I stood.
I had been nominated for the same award twice prior to winning, but I was as equally thankful to be nominated.
I forged on, not being a recognizable artist (most of what I wrote, I never shared; it was very personal). I feel this awards ceremony is sorely not recognized or known about, much like Jill Summerhayes' latest column about the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. It is the simplest nomination form I have seen.
"The Bernice Adams Legacy was initiated by The City of Cambridge in 1982 to recognize former Councillor Bernice Adams contributions to the community. Bernice’s greatest accomplishment was her passion to encourage and support others in the arts and culture."
Success in events can be measured in how long the events have been going on.
This May, one of, if not the longest-going arts event is The Bernice Adams Legacy/Bernice Adams Memorial Awards will hold its 40th ceremony.
Bernice wore many hats, being on air at CFTJ radio and a city councillor with a love for community and arts and culture being just a few.
If you know an artist - it doesn't need to be a professional artist in music, performing arts, visual arts, literary, communication or outstanding youth - please follow the link and nominate them. If you yourself are an artist who feels they are not "good enough" but someone else is, even one does have them nominate you.
There are also scholarships and bursaries as well. Since the inception of the award in 1982, $36,000 in bursaries have been awarded, helping 203 students.
Since its inception, 202 awards have been presented to artists who have impacted community.
I hope this year's event is a well-nominated and well-attended event. If you are a local shop and wish to support this event again or for the first time, you can contact 519 740 4681, ext. 4595
For more information on these awards and Bernice Adams, please visit berniceadamslegacy.com.
Joe Lethbridge
Cambridge