The Bermuda Arts Council last night honoured six people who dedicated themselves to entertaining and inspiring the Island.

Musician and choir leader Cecil Smith, visual artist Will Collieson, actor Gavin Wilson and singer Pinky Steede were each presented Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Earl Cameron Theatre last night for their artistic contributions to the Island. Also honoured were Charles Bascome, who was presented with the Founders Award for his efforts to promote jazz in Bermuda, and the late Hereward Watlington, who was presented the Patron Award.

Mr Watlington, himself a prolific artist, created the core of the Bermuda National Gallery by donating a collection of European art — known as the Watlington Collection — under the condition that they be housed in world-class storage facilities, including climate, light and temperature control.

He also made major contributions to the Bermuda National Trust by purchasing, restoring and donating iconic Bermudian properties such as Bridge House.

Mr Bascome, meanwhile, has made a reputation through organising the annual “An Evening of Jazz” events, along with sunset jazz dinner cruises.

The audience heard that Mr Bascome developed his love of music after graduating, and began performing in the evenings. He eventually focused on his passion, studying at the Berkeley School of Music and returning to the Island.

Meanwhilem, the crowd heard that Mr Smith displayed an early passion for music, begging his parents to let him have piano lessons. His love of music transitioned to the organ and choral music. Over the years, Mr Smith led numerous choirs including the Police Male Voice Choir, which performed at numerous events, hotels and even before the Queen.

Mr Collieson, meanwhile, was born and raised in the UK, but came to the Island for the first time in the 1970s to dress windows for the Smith’s chain of stores. His art has been highlighted by numerous local galleries and his statues stand in front of both the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo and Waterloo House.

No stranger to the Bermuda stage, Mr Wilson has been a regular performer since the 1970s, establishing himself with the Um Um Show and a host of Bermuda Musical Dramatical Society shows. More recently, he has gained international acclaim portraying Mark Twain and local notoriety for his creation of St David’s Islander Lockjaw Fox.

Mrs Steede closed out the evening by not only accepting her award, but by taking to the stage in a heartfelt performance. Ms Steede initially gained fame singing with Gene Steede, performing across the Island and internationally. She later took her talents to London and Hong Kong, touring the world before settling down in Portugal.

“I actually feel guilty about this award,” she said between songs. “I feel like they gave it to the wrong person.”

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Minister of Community, Culture and Sports, praised all of the awardees for their dedication and devotion to developing Bermuda’s cultural landscape.