Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Salt Spring National Art Prize Closing Gala & Awards. It was an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity, community, and contemporary Canadian art. Congratulations to all of this year’s incredible winners and finalists — your vision and artistry continue to inspire us all.

See below for the full list of award recipients.

SSNAP

The Joan McConnell Award Salt Spring Prize

Anna Gustafson “What George Said…”. $20,000 – Donated by Joan McConnell 

SSNAP Residency Award

Kuhlein Migue “Banai-Banai Overprint”.  $6,000 – Donated by Joan McConnell

Jurors’ Choice Awards

Dr. Kenneth Montague – Yomi Orimoloye “You Have Your Mother’s Eyes”. $4,000 – Donated by Margo and Brant Randles 
Sarah Milroy – Cheryl Simon “Sasap”. $4,000 – Donated by The Family Foundation of Jack and Peggy Sloan 
Dr. Heather Igloliorte – Mimi Gellman “Travelers”. $4,000  – Donated by The Wilding Foundation 
Mireille Eagan – Dillon Lew’chuk “One Brick at a Time”.  $4,000 – Donated by The Wettstein Family 

People’s Choice Awards

1st – Shoshannah Greene “My Heart Is With You, Take Care; Grief Storm”. $3,500
2nd – Bettina Matzkuhn “Alluvium”.  $2,500 – Donated by Nina and John Cassil 
3rd – Raul Mendoza Azpiri “Pianissimo #1”. $1,500
Youth Vote – Anna Belleforte “Undeniably Connected”. $1,500
Online Vote – Jessica Winters “Behind the Hill 2”. $1,000

PAS

The Matt Steffich PAS Jurors’ Choice Award

Jeannette Sirois “On the Table: Lorraine”. $5,000 – Donated by Windsor Plywood

Viewers’ Choice Awards

1st – Garry Kaye “Overgrown Fenceline”. $3,000 
2nd – Matt Adolf “HEResy”. $2,000
3rd – Cathryn Jenkins “Aligned”. $1,000 – Donated by Reinette Foundation
 
Thank you to all the artists, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors who made this year’s exhibition and celebration possible. Your support helps keep Canadian contemporary art thriving.