Two Alberta artists recognized with the Alberta Order of Excellence

Date: Oct 23, 2024

Alberta’s best receive the province’s highest honour as eight remarkable Albertans are being recognized with the Alberta Order of Excellence. 

Two notable names to Alberta's arts community are:

Will Ferguson

Will Ferguson of Calgary is a best-selling author whose poetic work describes historic, human and geographic landscapes, expressing the shifting nature of humanity in genres as diverse as the novel, essay, travelogue and memoir, and in his reflections on Canadian identity. His work has contributed to greater understanding and awareness of contemporary Canada, as well as the nation’s rich history, among Canadian and international audiences alike.

The AFA has been pleased to support Will throughout his career through the Literary Individual Project Funding stream. Apart from sharing his talents locally and internationally, Ferguson has particpated as a panelist AFA's grant adjudication process.

Don Begg

Don Begg of Cochrane is an internationally respected, award-winning bronze sculptor known for his detailed and life-like works.

He has dedicated his art to preserving, honouring and showcasing the human spirit by creating life-sized and larger-than-life bronze figures that capture historical moments and daily life on the Prairies.

His body of work spans more than half a century and can be viewed throughout North America, South America, Europe and Australia.

About the Alberta Order of Excellence

Established in 1979, the Alberta Order of Excellence is the province’s highest honour and is an official part of the Canadian Honours System.

“The Alberta Order of Excellence inductees for 2024 reflect the best traits the people of our province have to offer: innovation, determination and a deep-seeded commitment to serving others. I know that their stories and their many contributions will serve to inspire fellow Albertans now and in the future.”

 Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani