The Cornwall & Area Arts Hall of Fame inducted the 2022 inductees at the Ramada Inn on Saturday, October 29, 2022. The new members cover the entire spectrum of arts and culture and their achievements span generations and great distances but all spring from the area.

The Cornwall and Area Hall of Fame for the Arts was developed by the Centre for the Arts Collective/le Collectif pour un Centre des Arts in 2015. The Hall of Fame is a key element in the campaign to establish an arts and culture center for Cornwall and the region. Its goal is to 'recapture the brilliant history and achievements of the artistic and cultural movements of the past and showcase the great contemporary work our citizens are contributing locally, nationally and internationally.'

The Hall of Fame showcases the significant achievements of patrons, supporters, builders and contributing artists in all the arts: the performing arts (music, theatre, and dance), literary arts, visual arts and media arts.

Akwesasne Mohawk Nation's weekly newspaper, Indian Time earned this distinctive honor on Saturday. Indian Time is a weekly newspaper that grew out of the late 20th Century movement to reclaim Kanien'kehá language and culture. Founded in 1983 in Akwesasne, Indian Time newspaper serves as an instrument of communication, culture, and identity for the Mohawk people of the Akwesasne territory. As well as serving its own community, Indian Time is a bridge to its extra-territorial neighbors. In addition to community news, Indian Time offers weekly lessons in Kanien'kehá language and articles on culture and history.

Marjorie Skidders, Editor of Indian Time Newspaper stated, "This is such an honor. We, the staff Indian Time, dedicate this to the late Helen Cook-Lazore and Mark Narsisian. It was their dedication and commitment to this paper, that has kept this paper alive all these years."

Indian Time was not the only one to be inducted into the Cornwall & Area Arts Hall of Fame, Akwesasronon Ben Benedict, a world class wood carver was also inducted in Saturday's ceremony. Benedict is a world class sculptor in wood who competes internationally at the Master's level. His work has earned him the title of "Master Carver." He has won "best of show" numerous times and his pieces are sought after by museums and private collectors internationally. In addition to animals and birds, Ben carves traditional masks used in cultural ceremonies. Benedict is no newcomer to fame. In 2018, he was inducted into the Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Benedict was featured in several past issues of Indian Time.

Benedict said, "I would like to thank the committee and all those who spent an endless amount of time organizing and creating another successful Hall of Fame event – recognizing so many people with amazing talent, gifts and artistry A special thank you to Elaina and Jose.

Benedict added, "I am so honored and proud to be part of this special event. Well done!"

Also inducted were;

Kate Ashby, Improv Queen, is a double nominated Gemini actor and renowned teacher at the Canadian Film Center and the Shaw Festival and a Guest Director at Ryerson University's Theatre School.

Rose Desnoyers is recognized as a builder, a painter and an ambassador for the arts. An accomplished painter of watercolors and acrylic, Rose is a natural leader.

Nicolas Doyon is a professional musician who has made a big mark on the French-Canadian scene. He is a founder and current member of the legendary Franco-Ontarian group.

Lorna Foreman is a visual artist, a media personality, a writer, and catalyst for community cultural activities.

Mario Gagnon is a force in French language theater and letters. He managed and directed performances with Les gens d'ici and Theatre de l'Amalgame.

Syd Gardiner is inducted for his decades-long art advocacy. Syd campaigned tirelessly to save Aultsville Theatre as it faced many funding challenges over the years. He served on the Board of the Theatre for over 17 years and participate in raising over $700,000 to refurbish the theatre.

Luc Groulx – The era of the Glen Theatre and Glen Productions was a seminal period for theatre arts, especially musical theatre, in Cornwall and Luc Groulx was the consummate musical director during its entire history.

Brenda Quesnel – From 1993 to 2018, Brenda Quesnel amassed over 20 production credits for production, direction, and performance, effectively ruling the stage. She performed with Glen Productions, Cornwall Little Theatre, Trapdoor Theatre, Cow Patti Theatre, Seaway Valley Theatre Company and Upper Canada Playhouse.

Master wood sculptor Ben Benedict and Indian Time Newspaper Editor, Marjorie Skidders.

James Peachey – The last inductee of 2022 was the first to engage in art in the area. In fact, with his induction, the hall of Fame for the Arts created a special historical category. James Peachey was a British soldier about whose life we know little, but with whose work as an artist we are very familiar. His iconic watercolor titled "Encampment of the Loyalists at Johnstown, a new settlement of the River St. Lawrence in Canada" is the first known depiction of Cornwall, the first non-Indigenous permanent settlement in Ontario. The painting dates from 1784.