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ERABANNERADVOCATE FILE PHOTOS Event affords artists experience exposure from page I helped me get to New York where I took dance classes I recommend Celebration of the Arts highly Any competition that lets you demonstrate your talents and puts you out there is a good thing to do Somebody who can help your career will be watching for sure Justifiably pleased with the success of the event is founding executive Ian YRMGs publisher Celebration means the arts and culture in York have found a real voice and leader ship thats helped propel the efforts of many people and organizations he said We didnt go into this thinking that but the arts have a significantly higher profile and Celebration of the Arts has helped make that happen Mr applauds a growing spon sorship base many of whom have been on board since the beginning In the first year we were the sponsor he said Since then each municipality has put support on the table Many organizations large and small have reached out The arts resonate with them The burgeoning event affords young art ists experience and exposure The inaugural celebration has spawned other municipal artsspecific and sponsored opportunities SHERYL THOMAS Program great for young artists event producer says As a result of Celebration we get requests from many organizations asking for our art ists to perform Its phenomenal But the highlight year after year is the joy the expressions on the kids faces when theyre performing Celebration cochairperson and marketing analyst Marisa Schembri agrees Our performers love the competition she said They excel We see the cream of the York Region crop and often many use their bursary funds to get further training Performers who successfully audition through a series of levels will receive awards in different artistic genres Bursary amounts average 1500 Sheryl Thomas owner of Auroras Mar quee Productions and producer of the event since 2004 also observes her companys 10th anniversary this year The participants not only gain financial awards but performance opportunitie as well she said Celebration of the Arts is great for the artists and arts in York Region Ms Thomas herself a seasoned stage and film actress and singer recommends aspir ing artists consider the competition Everyones version of what they think is good talent is relative to what theyve experienced she said Some performers try and try and dont make it until their third or fourth time No one should ever give up They will find their time and Celebration of the Arts is a great opportunity Attesting to finding breaks in your own back yard is Newmarkets Sarah Parkin who won the vocal category at 15 in 2003 I was so young but it was such a good experience she said I got to meet all sorts of people who do different things I made valuable connections and friendships that have lasted Her 1500 prize allowed the classical and operatic singer to enrol in a summer train ing program Shortly after she won a role in Eton Giovanni at York University She has performed professionally in Opera Atelier at Torontos Elgin Theatre and in different musicals including Bye Bye Birdie Today Ms Parkin is working on earning a vocal performance masters degree at the University of Toronto Celebration of the Arts is a cherished stepping stone she said I recommend it she said Its about performance experience and backstage time It helped my self confidence and in making connections Celebration of the Arts applications are being accepted now Ms Thomas said While competitions such as Canadian Idol are lim ited to singers Yorks version includes dance vocals theatre arts and group dance and vocal Many of the winning 2009 performers entertained at last Saturdays event All proceeds from the 15 tickets go toward prize money for this years winners The show staff is volunteering their expertise and time For tickets call the theatre at 905953 or visit newmarkettheartreca For online Celebration of the Arts applications and information visit SHOP Fix Auto Aurora Operated by s Codison 9057278700 3 INDUSTRIAL PKWY SOUTH AURORA PROVIDING QUALITY COLLISION REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES MODELS IN THE AURORA NEWMARKET AREA FOR OVER YEARS APPROVED REPAIR CENTRE FOR ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES RENTAL CMS AVAILABLE Customer For the month of February 5 to 50 OFF We are open Family Day in a clean su ft atmosphere of Quality Antiques York Regions Lamest Antique Store 20091 Woodbine Ave Queensville 9054784022 wwwqueensvilleantiquemallcom