Kemp is an accomplished artist in many media, including oil, watercolour, Norwegian Rosemaling and encaustic wax. Her work is featured in the Night of Artists magazine in the National Art Gallery of Canada’s archives and she was recently appointed to the board of directors of the International Encaustic Artists, based in California.

Instrumental in the establishment of the Spruce Grove Art Gallery, Lorna Kemp also plays an integral role in the Allied Arts Council. She promotes artistic creativity in others by teaching art classes and her paintings hang in local galleries and in collections throughout Alberta, across Canada and in the United States, England, France and Norway.

Lorna Kemp has held a large number of volunteer positions in Spruce Grove’s art community, including Exhibition Director for the Spruce Grove Art Gallery, and President of the Allied Arts Council. She was also a member of the task force that developed the Awards of Excellence Recognition Feature that now exists in Central Park.

“Although Lorna’s formal art education began later in life, she has taken full advantage of the opportunities that were presented to her,” said Mayor Stuart Houston in presenting the award. “In doing so, she has not only excelled in her field, but has also taken a lead role in mentoring and teaching others to excel as well.”

Spruce Grove’s Awards of Excellence were established in 2003 as a way for City Council to recognize outstanding community members who have contributed in the areas of athletics, arts, education, the environment, innovation, community service or significant achievement.