The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts has recognized Ayrlie MacEachern and her Big Heart Dance Camp with the Robert G. Kemp Arts Award.

The award is in honour of the local artist who was known for his love of the people and landscapes of the South Georgian Bay area.

Kemp built a 'chalet-studio' in 1958 and lived and worked in the area until his death in 1988. His painting featured landscapes of the region.

The award is given to an individual or group whose project benefits the community.

Big Heart Dance Camp does just that. For the past four years, the camp has offered an annual weekend of artistic endeavours, mainly dance, at Unicamp in Honeywood, ON.

MacEachern got the idea to start Big Heart Dance Camp after attending Dance New England for several years. She decided to create a similar experience locally.

The camp is described as “a multi-generational, multi-arts gathering aimed at creating conscious, creative community among artists from near and far. While it's primary emphasis is on dance, Big Heart Dance Camp welcomes artists of all media to contribute and strives to offer a space for creative self-expression for participants of all ages.”

The camp offers accommodations of tents, dorms, or cottages and offers packages of one, three, or four days.

Activities range from a variety of dance classes, music workshops, yoga, and more. Activities specific for kids are also available.

MacEachern is the 20th recipient of the Robert G. Kemp Arts Award. She will receive $1000 to go towards Big Heart Dance Camp.

The camp had more than 80 people attend June 21 to 24.

The award presentation will happen at the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts Annual General Meeting on Oct. 25.