Awards presented to each of the Hall of Fame inductees. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Hall of Fame

P.A. Arts Hall of Fame’s latest inductees officially honoured

Sep 30, 2023 | 8:00 AM

Four Prince Albert residents have officially been inducted into the local Arts Hall of Fame.

Donny Parenteau, Geoff Payton, and Robert and Lorna Gibson were given awards on Friday in front of a crowd of around 100 people.

Parenteau told paNOW he was shocked and humbled when he found out earlier this year that he was being recognized.

“Especially when you’re recognized for something you do from your home town and that’s very, very cool.”

Donny Parenteau with his family. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

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A longtime musician, Parenteau has over 100 nominations for seven major award shows including three JUNO nominations. He also spent 12 years touring with Neal McCoy and played on numerous shows along with performances on The Grand Ole Opry and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

As for the Gibsons, they were just as surprised as Parenteau when they found out they were being inducted.

“Very honoured, it doesn’t happen to us very often,” said Lorna.

Robert and Lorna Gibson. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

They both have a long history of teaching music in Prince Albert. Lorna has been teaching theory and piano from her home studio since 1962, while Robert taught band and choir at various schools and retired from Carlton Comprehensive High School in 1997

The pair were nominated by friends.

“I thought it was some sort of joke, after all, it was my job,” added Robert.

Accepting Payton’s award were his four siblings.

Geoff Payton. (Submitted Photo/Prince Albert Arts Board)

The avid photographer passed away in 2020, but not before leaving his mark on the local photography scene.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow