Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada—January 8, 2026: The MacKenzie Art Gallery is proud to announce the establishment of a new biennial art award created in memory of Saskatchewan artist Anthony Thorn (1927–2014): The Thorn Prize. Made possible through a generous donation from his sister, Lyn Goldman, the prize will support mid-career artists who, like Thorn, seek to express something transcendent through their work—art that challenges, inspires, and uplifts.

The Thorn Prize is dedicated to supporting artists at a pivotal stage in their careers: those who have moved beyond early-career opportunities but are not yet fully established within systems of patronage and support.

Each recipient will receive:

  • A $50,000 award to support a self-directed period of exploration, including travel and living expenses.
  • A solo exhibition at the MacKenzie Art Gallery.

“It is a joyous moment to see the establishment of a new award that celebrates artists, not only as recipients, but also through its name,” says MacKenzie Art Gallery Executive Director & CEO John G. Hampton. “Anthony Thorn was a singular artist whose vision has enriched us all. Similarly, this award will not only have a profound impact on five artists, but it is also an investment in our broader cultural health, supporting the work that supports us all.”

For Lyn Goldman, the creation of The Thorn Prize is a personal tribute to her brother’s life and work.

“Tony was such an important part of the Regina arts community, and I am proud that his legacy will be honoured in this way,” Lyn says. “The Thorn Prize will support mid-career artists as they continue experimenting and staying true to their voice—just as Tony did throughout his career. I’m grateful to the MacKenzie Art Gallery for housing this award; it’s a trusted and respected institution that will bring the integrity and care this prize deserves.”

Over the next ten years, recipients will be selected every two years by a jury of five peers and curators, chaired by a senior representative of the MacKenzie’s Curatorial team—resulting in five total recipients. Jurors will consider artistic excellence, innovation, and conceptual rigour, with eligibility limited to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have worked professionally for 10–20 years and maintain an active studio practice in Canada.

The inaugural Thorn Prize exhibition is scheduled to open at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in 2027.

 

ABOUT ANTHONY THORN

Anthony Thorn is the adopted name of Arthur Goldman, born in Regina in 1927. He studied English literature at the University of Saskatchewan and University of Chicago before taking up painting in 1948. Classes with Kenneth Lochhead at Regina College led to further studies at the Art Institute of Chicago and Banff Centre. A move to Paris in 1953 allowed him to study stained glass design at the Centre d’Art Sacré and drawing at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. In 1955 Thorn was apprenticed to prominent muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros in Mexico City where he also studied acrylic technique with José Gutiérrez. He attended the 1957 Emma Lake Artists’ Workshop led by Will Barnet. In later years he studied watercolor and sumi painting with Mataichiro Isoda in Kyoto, Japan, and metalsmithing in Corfu, Greece.

Thorn’s work has been exhibited widely in Canada as well as in France, Mexico, the Canary Islands, and the United States. His work may be found in public collections, including: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria Public Library, MacKenzie Art Gallery, and SK Arts. Thorn was a Lecturer in Fine Arts at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay (1977–1979) and an Instructor in painting for the Department of Extension at the University of Victoria (1981–1984). A gifted writer, he served as art critic for the Toronto Citizen (1971–1972). Anthony Thorn lived in Victoria, British Columbia from 1980 until his death in July 2014.

 

ABOUT THE MACKENZIE

The MacKenzie Art Gallery envisions a world where art inspires and heals across generations. Located in Treaty 4 territory / oskana kâ-asastêki / Regina, the MacKenzie is Saskatchewan’s oldest public art gallery, with a 50-year history of championing Indigenous art from Indigenous perspectives. The MacKenzie embraces its unique position within the Canadian and international art landscape, celebrating the diverse perspectives of all artists within the Plains region and Canada. It has a focus on Indigenous and contemporary art, contextualized through select historic and international work.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Allison Weed

Communications Manager

MacKenzie Art Gallery

aweed@mackenzie.art

(306)-584-4250 x4284

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