Directors at art galleries chosen for awards

Fredericton city hall is honouring the cultural contributions of two women who operate small, independent art galleries in the downtown area.

The City of Fredericton announced Wednesday that its 2026 Arts Achievement Awards will be presented to Germaine Pataki-Theriault and Nadia Khoury.

Their selection comes as a result of a nomination process that began in late January.

The awards program, established in 2017, is designed to recognize and celebrate individuals, organizations and/or businesses every two years for the contributions they’ve made in arts and culture in Fredericton.

“Germaine and Nadia have created spaces in Fredericton for artists at all stages in their careers to display work in supportive, welcoming environments. These spaces provide people living in and visiting our city opportunities to experience visual arts,” Mayor Kate Rogers said in a news release Wednesday.

“The knowledge and outstanding contributions of these women has helped shape and strengthen Fredericton’s vibrant, artistic, and cultural landscape. We are grateful for their dedication to the arts and leadership in our community.”

Pataki-Theriault heads up Gallery 78, a family-run commercial gallery that’s marking its 50th anniversary this year.

Through her time serving on boards of community organizations, volunteering on committees and participating in juries for arts competitions, she’s consistently contributed to the capital’s cultural fabric, a city news release said, and she’s mentored artists and created an arts hub in Fredericton that’s recognized as an inclusive environment for creators.

Khoury is the director, curator and founder of Gallery on Queen, a commercial art gallery that’s marking 10 years in business this year.

Her gallery has spotlighted new and emerging artists, the release said, but more importantly, she’s ensured the venue has showcased and supported the art of different cultures with its annual Wabanaki, Black History Month and Chinese community exhibitions and celebrations. Khoury has also served with several cultural boards, foundations and fundraising committees in the capital region.

“Germaine and Nadia have each contributed to the arts and culture sector in Fredericton throughout their careers in countless ways and are both incredibly deserving of this honour,” Nathalie Dubois, chairwoman of the city’s arts and culture advisory committee, said in the release.

The women will be honoured at a ceremony April 15 and presented with pins, designed by a former New Brunswick College of Craft and Design student Joël Belliveau, as part of a collaboration project with NBCCD metal students.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.