Congratulations to the OCAD University community members who have been recognized with a Craft Award from Craft Ontario! 

Craft Ontario, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting professional craftspeople, presents these annual awards to honour outstanding talent and achievement in craft and design.

This year, five OCAD U community members, including students, faculty members and alums, were among the 19 award recipients. The recipients include:

  • Maria-Margaretta Cabana Boucher – (2023 alum, Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design) – Melinda Mayhall Memorial Award in Indigenous Craft
  • Gaia Gia – (OCAD U student, Material Art & Design) – Lacy West Supplies
  • Par Nair – (faculty member; 2020 alum, Drawing & Painting; 2022 alum, Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media and Design) – Shanks Memorial Award in Textiles
  • Dr. Nithikul Nimkulrat – (professor, Faculty of Design) – Lily Yung Memorial Award
  • Michelle Peraza – (instructor, Faculty of Art; 2018 alum, Drawing & Painting) – Leisa Rich Fibre Arts Residency Award at the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op

Congratulations to the award recipients! Learn more about the 2026 Craft Awards.