26 May 2022 – Filipina artist Esmie Gayo McLaren was lauded during the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society (VAHMS) Community Awards Celebration held on 21 May 2022 at the PAL Studio Theatre. The other two awardees are artist Lam Wong and Pacific Canada Heritage Centre- Museum of Migration founder Winnie Cheung.
Ms. McLaren is a Filipino-Canadian visual artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She was recognized for her significant contributions to Pan-Asian Arts and Culture in the community and beyond. She has led and organized a number of art exhibits with other Asian artists. As Vice-Chair of the Generation One Art Exhibitions, Ms. McLaren promoted works of first-generation Canadians which encouraged the exchange of ideas cross-culturally and across generations.
Consul Ericka Anna Abad and Cultural Officer Ma. Lyra Ocampo attended the event to show support and witness the awarding ceremony.
VAHMS is a non-profit society that promotes the appreciation of contributions by Asian Canadians. Every year, VAHMS honours three individuals, community organizations, or educational institutions representing Pan-Asian communities that have made significant contributions to VAHMS’ vision of fostering, promoting and celebrating the arts and cultural diversity that Asian-Canadian communities bring to Canadian society. END
