The premiere Made In Alberta Awards revealed three Cochrane businesses who have made the cut in best of the best.
Penny Embroidery, Real Treat Kitchen and Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery have made the cut so far and now the final cut will be up to industry experts and an online voting process for Reader's Choice winners.
"It came as a surprise, we were just thrilled," said Shirley Stephens-Begg of Studio West, who is heading into her 50th year of business with husband Don Begg.
"Forty eight of those years have been right here in Cochrane," said Stephens-Begg of the industrial Cochrane location, noting that when they opened up shop the population of Cochrane was a mere 1,001.
In that time, the couple has created nearly 200 life-sized statues of their own design and "countless" bronzes for other artists. Their work can be seen throughout the town's landscape in the children at the library, the 'Chicken Lady' in Centennial Plaza and the recent First World War soldier statue at the Legion Cenotaph.
What is most noteworthy to Stephens-Begg, however, is that three Cochrane businesses made the cut.
"Doesn't that really say something about the Town of Cochrane? (About) the inspiration and the talent that is here," she said. "I've always believed that creative people bring other creative people around them."
Stephens-Begg said she will be voting for the other two businesses, with hopes to see their names among the finalists.
Real Treat Kitchen sells "unapologetically delicious" gourmet, organic cookies, using no palm oil, preservatives or artificial ingredients that are "made with love."
Penny Embroidery is a locally owned and operated hand-embroidered cross stiching store, with items to be purchase online through Etsy.
Hosted by Avenue Magazine, the Reader's Choice segment is now opened up for the voting. The finalists made it through magazine editorial staff judging with industry panel experts to narrow the shortlist down and an online voting segment to reveal Reader's Choice winners.
Learn more at https://madeinalbertaawards.ca.
