Al Loewen says he's honoured to have received a Public Service Award at the annual Commissioner's New Year's Levee.

Loewen received the award for his ongoing dedication to the Yukon arts scene since the early 1970s.

The Commissioner's Award for Public Service goes to Yukoners in recognition of their significant and enduring contribution to the economic, social, academic, political or cultural life of the Yukon.

Loewen, who retired as a teacher in 1998, has been involved in a myriad of arts projects in the territory over the years, from theatre set design to singing in a barbershop quartet.

'I'm very honoured to receive the award... it's one of the best you can get,' Loewen said in an interview Wednesday.

'I love performing... I'm singing in a community choir these days,' he said.

'I was recently involved in the set design for Arsenic and Old Lace,' he added.

The Arsenic and Old Lace theatre production was seen by many at the Guild Hall in November and December.

'You never know in theatre... I could get a call anytime to design a set,' he said.

Loewen also enjoys acting. He has been known to take on performing roles on sets he has designed.

Loewen said he has always had to work around his 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. teaching schedule anytime he would take up a theatre project.

His most recent teaching experiences were at Porter Creek Secondary School and Elijah Smith Elementary School.

Loewen remembers with fondness staying up late with co-builders working on sets at the old Ice Palace, which is now the Yukon Transportation Museum.

'One time, we were trying to get a set built, trying to keep some heat in there, painting and putting things together... sometimes until four in the morning... those are good memories,' Loewen said.

Eric Epstein, the Yukon Arts Centre's artistic director, said Wednesday that Loewen is very deserving of the Commissioner's Public Service Award.

'Al was certainly active in the community long before I got here in '84,' said Epstein. 'He was active in Golden Horn (the former Musical Theatre Society) and was well-known for his contributions there.

'He's been a longtime set construction designer, and has proven himself to be very valuable over and over again,' he added.

'Al has always been a (theatre) standby... he is very much a team-player and will help out where he is most needed.

'His community service is not up for debate... it's great that he is being recognized,' he added.

Arlin McFarlane has been involved in Whitehorse's theatre scene in various capacities over the years, including directing.

She has had the 'pleasure of working with Al.'

'Everybody who works in theatre knows Al Loewen. He paints sets until ridiculously late hours.

'He was involved in the very first event I took part in upon arriving in Whitehorse Three Penny Opera some 20 years ago at the Guild Hall. He's a lot of fun.

'Often times he would act, sing and design sets for the same production,' she added.

Don Watt has long been a colleague of Loewen's through various theatre productions and set-designing stints.

'Al Loewen is a guy who has always understood my vision,' Watt said.

' He has an ability to design concepts three-dimensionally out of a few ideas written down on paper. I've always enjoyed working with him Al's creative input makes me look good.

'When Golden Horn was around, he would have singing parts. He would be backstage putting together a set, then run out to rehearse a vocal part,' Watt added.

Betty Irwin of Whitehorse and Amos Dick of Ross River also received public service awards.

The new Commissioner had words of praise for those who received the awards at her first levee, held last Sunday.

'These Yukoners, who have contributed so much to our communities through their commitments, their courage and their dedication to education, deserve to be recognized for their efforts,' Van Bibber said.

'Honouring them with these awards is as much a privilege to me as receiving the awards is to them.'