FREDERICTON.- The Beaverbrook Art Gallery announced that the 2025 Theodore Prize has been awarded to Graeme Patterson, a Sackville, New Brunswick–based artist whose practice has garnered widespread recognition for its imaginative, immersive, and continually evolving approach to sculpture and installation. The Theodore Prize, valued at $20,000, celebrates exceptional achievement in the visual arts and recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to the Atlantic Canadian and national art landscapes.

Selected from a highly competitive field of candidates, Patterson impressed the jury with the excellence, ambition, and steady evolution of his artistic practice over nearly two decades. “It’s exciting to see the evolution of his visual language,” the jury noted, citing his “sustained, impactful practice.”

Known for his large-scale sculptural installations, Patterson’s work was praised for being “imaginative, thoughtful, and truly enjoyable, both as a presenter of his work, and as a visitor.” His recent exhibition, Strange Birds—co-organized by the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Dalhousie Art Gallery—was presented in Fredericton, Halifax, and Moncton to great popular acclaim, underscoring the resonance and accessibility of his creative vision.

“Graeme Patterson’s work stands as a remarkable example of how imagination, craft, and narrative can transform our understanding of place and experience. His ability to create immersive worlds—at once intimate and expansive—has made a lasting impact on audiences across Atlantic Canada and beyond. We are proud to recognize his sustained commitment to artistic excellence and thrilled to celebrate him as this year’s Theodore Prize recipient.” says Bernard Doucet, Executive Director, Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

“I feel blessed to have been part of the Atlantic Canadian community of creative professionals for the past 20 years and counting. During this time, I have been surrounded by countless supportive friends and colleagues. This is the place I found myself as an artist, and I know I will continue to grow, create, and collaborate here. Being awarded the Theodore prize and being recognized within this region by a community I admire and care for is truly an honour. I would like to thank the members of the jury, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and the Throop Family Foundation for offering this award to Atlantic Canadian visual artists. This type of recognition and support will certainly make a difference in our community. As a working artist, it will be a significant emotional and financial boost to maintaining and evolving my independent practice.” says Graeme Patterson, 2025 Theodore Prize winner.

The 2025 Theodore Prize jury consisted of Nisk Imbeault, Director/Curator of the Galerie d’art Louise-et-Reuben-Cohen at the Université de Moncton; Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Curator of Indigenous Art at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery; and David Diviney, Chief Curator at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.

The Theodore Prize is a family-funded initiative led by the Throop Family Foundation to celebrate the professional accomplishments of an Atlantic Canadian visual artist. Administered by the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Theodore Prize is awarded annually to an Atlantic Canadian artist whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic and creative excellence, mastery of their medium, and recognized impact within the regional curatorial and gallery community.

Artists interested in applying for the 2026 Theodore Prize are encouraged to stay up to date on announcements via our website at beaverbrookartgallery.org.