P.E.I. artist Becka Viau honoured by Governor General

P.E.I.'s Becka Viau has been recognized by the Governor General for her work in the arts.

Viau has received a meritorious service decoration whichrecognizes extraordinary people. Their acts are often innovative, set an example or model for others to follow, or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community, according to the Governor General's website.

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"I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed and incredibly joyous," saidViau."I got a call from the Governor General's office ... At that point I basically was in tears in my car when I pulled over on the side of the road."

Viauhas beenhonoured for rejuvenating contemporary arts on the Island. She is one of the founders of This Town is Small Inc.a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of contemporary art forms. Viau has also worked on the popular Art in the Open festival.

Champion for thearts

Viau has done a lot of volunteer work in the arts community and has worked to attract and retain contemporary artists on P.E.I. She is an artist herself andsaid she tries to be a champion for the arts.

I basically was in tears. Becka Viau

"I felt like there was a really big void in between emerging and professional artists the services and opportunities here so I teamed up with a really great community of young people and created This Town is Small Inc.," said Viau.

"The positive social impact of having access to a high standard of contemporary art and contemporary art makers, it has just been proven," said Viau. "Art is essential to our well-being, our expression, our sense of identity and place, our sense of community."

Viau plans to attend a ceremony for the medal in the new year.

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