Engen Books would like to offer heartfelt congratulations to Wallace Ryan on his awarding of the 2023 ArtsNL Artist Achievement Award.
"What an incredible night! After three long years, we’re beyond excited to be hosting the 38th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Awards right here in Stephenville," says ArtsNL Executive Director, Melanie Martin. "This was a gathering designed to celebrate artistic achievement and those who dedicate so much of their time to supporting and preserving our art and culture. Over the last three years, we lost many colleagues—artistic giants—and we also took a moment to reflect on their lives, the indelible mark they left on this place, and the generations of artists to come."
"ArtsNL is proud to play an integral role in the lives of artists by fostering the creation and enjoyment of art, and supporting our cultural sector across all artistic disciplines, and throughout all regions of the province," ArtsNL Chair, Don Dunphy, added. “Thank you to the performers who entertained us tonight, and once again my sincere congratulations to all the nominees and the winners of the 38th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Awards."
Nominations for the awards are submitted by the arts community and the public. This year, a multidisciplinary panel of six artists assessed the nominations, established a short list, and made the final selections. All winners received a $2,500 cash prize.
Wallace Ryan and his work is one of the subjects of our 2023 non-fiction book Off Panel: A History of NL Comix by Elizabeth Whitten. Wallace also drew the book's amazing cover, featuring his signature character, Sherlock Platypus. Preorders for the book are open.