The 2025 MERA Award of Excellence in Fine Arts and Fine Craft was awarded last week to artist and jeweler Ellen Fraser, with fashion designer Cheryl Straby receiving an honorable mention. The award, which comes with a cash prize of $1,000, was presented to Fraser at the MERA Schoolhouse in a beautiful community-driven ceremony that celebrated both artists’ work.

The jury connected with Fraser’s paintings over of her use of texture and multi-media. They note that her paintings “inspire a joyful play between representation of landscape and abstracted shape.”

Fraser herself describes her process: “I work with paint on the sculpted canvas in a process of applying and wiping off layers of colour. This method of embedding colour into the folds of cloth and recesses of texture gives the landscape imagery an abstract dreamlike quality.”

Fraser has years of experience within the art world, from career artist, to teacher and entrepreneur, and can now include award-winning painter to the list. Her jewellery can be found at Riverguild Fine Crafts in Perth.

Cheryl Straby was also acknowledged at the award ceremony as this year’s honorable mention. The judges noted the high levels of craftmanship and originality in the garments she creates, as well as her commitment to environmental responsibility. Straby is the owner of Strévé Design located at 64 Gore St. E in Perth.

The MERA Award of Excellence in Fine Arts and Fine Craft is awarded every two years, meaning the next award will be given out in 2027. This award is made possible through the generosity of Lanark Highlands residents Chris and David Dodge, whose initial donation has been managed by PDCF since 2007. For more information about MERA (McDonald’s Corners-Elphin Recreation & Arts), please visit their website at meraschoolhouse.org.