Press Release – Four Artists Named to 2025 Sackville Arts Wall

Press Release – For Immediate Release
September 10, 2025

Four Inductees to Be Honoured on the Sackville Arts Wall

TANTRAMAR, NB – The Sackville Arts Wall will grow this fall with the induction of four new honourees representing excellence across artistic disciplines: Victor “Pinky” Dauvin (Performing Arts), Virgil Hammock (Literary Arts), Jennie Del Motte (Arts Builder), and John Hammond, RCA (Visual Arts).

The induction celebration will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). The evening will conclude with the unveiling of plaques at the Sackville Arts Wall on Main Street, overlooking the Waterfowl Park.

Established in 2008, the Sackville Arts Wall honours artists from the Sackville area who have achieved distinction regionally, nationally, or internationally in the Literary, Performing, and Visual Arts, as well as in the category of Arts Builder—recognizing individuals or groups who have significantly contributed to the cultural and artistic life of the community.

“Each of this year’s inductees has made a lasting impact on Sackville’s artistic identity,” said Mayor Andrew Black. “From musicians and educators to visual artists and builders of the arts community, their creativity and commitment have strengthened the cultural fabric of Tantramar.”

The 2025 honourees include:

Victor “Pinky” Dauvin – Performing Arts
Born in Sackville in 1946, Pinky began performing in 1962 with The Continentals and later co-founded The Stitch in Tyme, which performed throughout Expo ’67. In 1969, he became the original lead singer of Lighthouse, appearing at major venues including Fillmore East, the Monterey and Newport Jazz Festivals, and Carnegie Hall. He received a posthumous Certificate of Recognition from Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2023 for his contributions to Canadian music.

Virgil Hammock – Literary Arts
An art critic, author, and educator, Virgil taught at the University of Alberta, the University of Manitoba, and Mount Allison University, where he served as Head of Fine Arts from 1975 to 2004. He has written extensively for national and international art journals and held leadership roles with the International Association of Art Critics (AICA), including President of AICA Canada and Vice-President International.

Jennie Del Motte – Arts Builder
Originally from Edmonton, Jennie arrived in Sackville in 1998 to study music at Mount Allison University and has since become a cornerstone of the local performing arts community. A pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator, she has inspired countless musicians through her work with Live Bait Theatre, Mount Allison Music, Atlantic Ballet of Canada, McSweeney’s Dinner Theatre, and local churches.

John Hammond, RCA – Visual Arts
A Montreal-born artist and educator, Hammond arrived in Sackville in 1893 to lead Fine Arts at the Mount Allison Ladies’ College and administer the Owens Art Gallery. A member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, Hammond exhibited internationally and left a permanent mark on Sackville’s landscape through architectural landmarks such as the Hammond Gates and the Ladies’ College Pond fountain.

“This event is a celebration of creativity, legacy, and community pride,” said Arts Wall Committee Chair Allison Butcher. “The Arts Wall stands as a reminder that the arts have long been central to who we are as a community.”

The Sackville Arts Wall was first established during Sackville’s designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada. Up to four inductees are added every two years through a public nomination process and jury selection.

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For more information, contact:
Jeremy McLaughlin
Communications Officer
Municipality of Tantramar
J.McLaughlin@TantramarNB.com