Tyvan artist David Johnson was recognized for his exceptional work with stained glass windows in heritage buildings around the province, with an award presented by the Lieutenant-Governor, Dr. David Barnhart.

The award was presented at the 12th annual Heritage Awards of Excellence ceremony held at Government House in Regina on Thursday.

The awards were presented on behalf of the Saskatchewan Architectural Heritage Society, which actively promotes the preservation and protection of heritage buildings in the province.

The society's acting executive director, Joe Ralko, read the citation before the Lieutenant-Governor presented the award to Johnson.

In the citation, he noted most of these awards, presented since 1996, are presented to a heritage building's site owner, architect or general contractor, but in this instance, Johnson was bestowed with an award by himself.

"David Johnson may be the best stained glass artist in all of Canada," said Ralko in his citation. "He was trained in England and Italy, and possesses knowledge and skill that is unparalleled in Saskatchewan. Recognition to David is long overdue."

Ralko went on to note Johnson's work is "of superlative and meticulous quality, and has graced the most important designated heritage buildings in the province. He is responsible for a legacy that will ensure that these buildings not only last, but that they truly express and preserve Saskatchewan's colourful heritage."

Johnson has restored the stained glass in over 30 heritage buildings around the province, including at Stanley Mission and the Saskatchewan Legislature Building. In addition, his original stained glass work can be found in dozens more buildings, including St. Vincent de Paul R.C. Church in Weyburn.

The society is a registered charity, and the awards ceremony celebrates outstanding contributions in building restoration, renovation, adaptive re-use and built heritage programming.