Robert Kroetsch, renowned poet, novelist, essayist and teacher, is one of Canada's most accomplished authors. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the U of A in 1948 and published his first novel, But We Are Exiles, in 1965. With a career spanning 40 years, Kroetsch has received numerous honours, including the prestigious Governor General's Literary Award for his book The Studhorse Man. He has penned nine internationally acclaimed novels, 12 books of poetry and five books of non-fiction, essays and exploration.
The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards celebrate excellence in and underlines the importance of the arts in Alberta. The awards recognize individual Albertans for outstanding achievement in the arts or for significant contribution to the arts in Alberta. Along with Kroetsch, Jane Ash Poitras also receives the award April 9.