The ArtSea Community Arts Council has named Ben Hood of Claremont Secondary and Makaeda Kelleway-Proulx of Stelly’s Secondary as the 2026 recipients of the Dianne Cross Award for the Arts. The scholarship gives each graduating student $1,250 to support their next steps in arts education.
The awards will be presented by ArtSea President Hope Hilliard at each school’s ceremony later this month. “ArtSea Community Arts Council President, Hope Hilliard, will attend the award ceremonies at both schools to present the scholarships and extend best wishes on behalf of ArtSea, as these talented young artists continue their educational and creative journeys,” the organization said.
The Dianne Cross Award looks beyond grades, focusing instead on artistic promise and financial need. It is open to graduating students across all School District 63 high schools, including Claremont, Stelly’s, Parkland, and others. The award was created in 2017 to honour Dianne Cross, a founding member of ArtSea who passed away in 2020. “Dianne Cross was one of the original founders of the Society,” the council notes. “A student scholarship, The Dianne Cross Award for the Arts, is sponsored by ArtSea each year in honour of Dianne’s remarkable contribution to arts and cultural activities on the Saanich Peninsula.”
This year marks the first time since 2024 that two students have received the award. Last year, only one student, David Magnusson of Claremont, was selected. The $1,250 per student amount has been steady since at least 2024, and the program remains a key part of how the community council encourages young local artists.
ArtSea itself has been a fixture on the peninsula since 1991, operating the ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park and running events like the Salish Sea Lantern Festival. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between March and December. Anyone wanting to congratulate the winners or learn more can visit the council’s website.
