Erminie Cohen Compassion Award

To promote awareness of children in need of families, and to celebrate Erminie Joy Cohen's legacy and caring contribution to so many causes, the New Brunswick Adoption Foundation is establishing a permanent annual award in her memory: the ERMINIE COHEN COMPASSION AWARD. The annual award will go to individuals who exemplify the similar passion and dedication that Erminie demonstrated for children without families in New Brunswick.

Through the generous financial support of New Brunswick Senators, past and present, a permanent sculpture has been created.

After an invitational competition of local sculptors, Werner Arnold’s submission was selected. Arnold whose work is known for its colourful, playful yet complex imagery describes his submitted sculpture concept as “Adoption is a joyous experience that involves great balance and support from the family. It is like a circus act where everything looks easy but takes a lot of work .”

A plaque with the recipients' names will be mounted on the base of the award. The award will be on display on a rotating basis at Public Libraries throughout New Brunswick.

Special thanks to

The Artist - Werner Arnold

An adventurous spirit brought Werner to Canada from Switzerland in the sixties. Settling in Toronto, he pursued his interest in visual arts by studying graphic art and interior design. Through working in these areas, he discovered a passion for woodworking which he pursued ardently, quickly developing his own unique, highly imaginative style. The pieces evolved from simple painted wooden props to today's' trademark intricately carved polished fantastic creations, incorporating appliqués and the use of elaborate washes of brilliant colour. As his work evolved, he received numerous awards from the Ontario artistic scene.

In 1994, he moved to the East Coast, where he continues to reside and work. His artwork has been exhibited across North America and in Europe and is included in private and corporate collections around the world.