At 92, Ernie Poignant still makes his way around town to sketch his cartoon drawings.
You will see him sitting, observing, pencil in hand at most community events, said Judy Whyte, who is the executive director with the Abbotsford Arts Council.
“He is a lifetime volunteer. His whole life is based upon the arts.”
Poignant will be honoured next Saturday, Oct. 29 during the eighth annual Arty Awards presented by the Abbotsford Arts Council.
The cartoonist will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his artistic efforts, which include working with the MSA Museum on a book illustrating the history of Abbotsford. The Second World War veteran was born in 1919 on Matsqui Prairie.
The ceremony will also celebrate and pay homage to a gentleman whose character as a person has garnered the respect of the arts community.
Poignant often travels to schools, libraries, hospitals and senior homes with his chalk art program, to share his passion of what he calls, “comic comment through art,” with those old and young.
Artists are nominated by the public for their contributions to the arts in categories: performance, theatre, music, visual arts, literacy and art advocacy.
Doors open 6:30 p.m. at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way, where there will be a silent auction. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m., followed by a catered reception. Tickets are $10 and are limited. To purchase, visit the Kariton Art Gallery, 2387 Ware St.