Penticton arts community mainstay Irwin Hobden made a vow when he was 19 years old, which he has kept to this day.
“If you face the challenges of life head on with a positive attitude then virtually nothing is impossible to achieve,” Hobden said. “That’s got me over more hurdles over the years in business, my social life and my private life.”
He was a bit surprised to find himself holding the Lifetime Achievement award at the Penticton Arts Awards March 2 at the Cleland Theatre.
Watch: Hobden reacts to winning Lifetime Achievement award
“It blew my mind, it absolutely blew my mind,” Hobden said minutes after accepting the award. “I was told I was nominated for the design award, for the designing I do with my woodworking. That’s what I thought it was, but they surprised me.”
Hobden is a former president of the Penticton and District Community Arts Council, the former head of Community Concerts for 30 years and much more, continuing his work as a member on the South Okanagan Performing Arts Centre board, looking to build a performing arts centre in Penticton.
“I’ve always been interested in art and woodworking and doing things with my hands. Always kept busy and involved in a number of other things,” Hobden said.
He made a living in a very non-artsy way, working as a diesel engine specialist as well as working at the Penticton Airport, doing specialty work with Transport Canada. Shortly after he retired, Hobden lost his eyesight.
“I also talk to other people who have lost their vision. It’s shattering when you lose your vision. What I try and tell them is your handicap is not the loss of your vision, but feeling sorry for yourself. You’ve got to get over that,” Hobden said. “Remain positive. Your enemy is being negative. So I’ve always had that attitude.”
He continues woodworking to this day, labelling his tools in a way so he can feel out which is which.
“I’ve had a very happy life. Things have worked out really well for me. I think working in the arts and culture really helps too. You meet super people,” Hobden said, noting Penticton’s first lady of the arts, Eva Cleland.
“I’ve known her for years, she had a tremendous memory. She knew everything, she knew our kids names and birthdates and everything else,” Hobden chuckled. “She never forgot anything. I always used to say Eva would walk up and put her arm on your shoulder and say ‘now my dear,’ and you knew you just volunteered to do something.”
Hobden touted the arts awards as well, held in the theatre named in honour of Cleland.
“This arts awards, being the fourth year now, since its started it has done more to bring the arts community than anything that has happened in the Penticton district. It’s probably one of the finest arts councils in British Columbia,” Hobden said. “It’s doing extremely well with the right people doing the right things. So I think they’ll keep up the good work.”
Hobden said he’s still working hard at making SOPAC a reality and plans to continue to be involved in the arts community.