Celebrating the next generation of artists

In recognition of their talents and academic achievements, York’s Faculty of Fine Arts recognized its student award winners of 2004-2005 at a Faculty reception held Nov. 7 at Winters College.


In his address to the recipients, Dean Phillip Silver spoke about the importance of financially supporting excellence and congratulated the award winners. “You are a remarkable group of people,” he said. “We are Briar Crawfordvery lucky in the Faculty that we have generous supporters and donors.”


Left: Briar Crawford


First-year music student Briar Crawford expressed his gratitude for receiving an award. “Out of all the talented and inspiring students here at York,” Crawford said, “it is a true honour to be considered for the York University Talent Entrance Award. I know it will motivate me to continually reinvent myself and be the best I can be.”



Brendon Foster-AlgooBrendon Foster-Algoo (BFA ’05) described his joy at receiving the E.S. Rogers Film & Video Production Award. “It was a huge boon to my production budget for my final year film-making. I am honoured and humbled to receive it. I’m sure that it will inspire me to continue making high quality work in the future.”


Right: Foster-Algoo



In keeping with the Fine Arts creative spirit, music alumnus Michael Davidson (BFA ’05) played vibraphone with vocalist and fourth-year music student Felicity Williams. Both are multi-award winners who are sure to heard about in the future.



Visual Arts Professor Malcolm Thurlby was presented with the annual Dean’s Teaching Award for 2004-2005. Silver praised Thurlby on his level of commitment to arts education. “In recognition of the students’ and Faculty’s appreciation of your teaching, we dedicate this award to an exceptional faculty member.” As part of an initiative to support excellence within the faculty, Thurlby will be donating $500 to a Fine Arts award of his choice.


Dean Phillip Silver with Malcolm Thurlby


Right: Silver presents teaching award to Malcolm Thurlby


Photography for this YFile story is by third-year Visual Arts student Jennifer Morin. Quotes from Briar Crawford and Brendon Foster-Algoo were reported by third-year Visual Arts student Niloufar Ameli. Both are Fine Arts Student Ambassadors.