Solomon King, a Georgian College graduate among the class of 2018, was honoured with a 2025 Premier’s Award for Cultural and Creative Achievement at a ceremony on Monday in Toronto, hosted by Colleges Ontario.
The award recognizes and celebrates Ontario college graduates who make "important social and economic contribution" to Ontario and the broader world, the awards wesbite states.
King himself was specifically celebrated for his masterful integration of woodwork and stonemasonry that reflects and celebrates Indigenous heritage. His art has been showcased in prominent public spaces, including Nathan Phillips Square and the University of Toronto.
“I’m very honoured and humbled by the Premier’s Award and recognition, he said. "None of this would have happened without the support of my family and community. This award gives weight and voice to the work we’re committed to creating, which is intertwining art and craft with cultural stories and ways of being.”
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
The sculpture at Nathan Phillips Square, specifically, commemorates residential school survivors and serves as a symbol of truth, resilience and reconciliation.
Since graduating from Georgian's Cabinetmaking Techniques program, King has been the director at Toronto-based Stone Artisan Studios. He has also trained numerous apprentices over the past 18 years, with several achieving Red Seal accreditation.
“Solomon’s work exemplifies the power of creativity rooted in culture,” said Georgian College President and CEO Kevin Weaver in a release. “His dedication to preserving and sharing Indigenous traditions through art and mentorship is not only inspiring but vital. We’re incredibly proud to have Solomon among our alumni.”
King was among six former Georgian graduates nominated for awards.
OTHER GEORGIAN NOMINEES
- Rebecca Bartley (class of 2016, Veterinary Technician)
- nominated in the Health Care and Community Well-Being category
- Luke Bazely (class of 2002, Electrical Engineering in Automation)
- nominated in the Entrepreneurship and Economic Development category
- Dale Boyle (class of 2013, Business Administration, and 2021, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Management and Leadership)
- nominated in the Community Advancement category
- Darryl Gratrix (class of 1998, Mechanical Technician, Tool and Die)
- nominated in the Workforce and Skilled Trades Advancement category
- Steve Priestley (class of 2002, Environmental Engineering Technology)
- nominated in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovation category
"Georgian graduates are shaping communities, industries and the future," the institution said in a news release. "With more than 120,000 alumni around the world, their global achievements speak to the strength of a Georgian education and the power of applied learning."
