2016 Governor's Arts Awards Recipients Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OKLAHOMA CITY (October 11, 2016) - The Oklahoma Arts Council has announced the names of 13 individuals and 8 organizations that will be honored for their contributions to the arts in Oklahoma during the 41st Annual Governor’s Arts Awards on Wednesday, December 7, 2016.
Governor Mary Fallin will present the awards during a special ceremony beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the fourth floor rotunda at the Oklahoma state Capitol. A reception will follow outside the Betty Price Gallery in the Capitol's first floor rotunda. The event is free and open to the public.
Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said Oklahomans submitted a record number of nominations this year.
“We appreciate the many grateful Oklahomans who submitted nominations,” Sharples said. “They shared inspirational stories of the generous individuals and organizations that are devoting time and resources to making the arts thrive in communities and schools across our state. We look forward to celebrating with this year’s recipients.”
Governor’s Arts Awards recipients are selected from submitted nominations by members of the Governor’s Arts Awards Selection Committee.
The Governor's Award recognizes longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts. Honorees are:
Ann Lacy, Yukon
Josephine Freede, Oklahoma City
The Business in the Arts Award recognizes individuals, businesses and corporations that exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. Honorees are:
Fowler Automotive, Norman
Park Avenue Thrift, Enid
The Media in the Arts Award is given to an individual member of the media or media outlet that demonstrates commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness, support, fairness, initiative, creativity, and professionalism in reporting. The honorees are:
Susan Miller Cadot, Oklahoma City
Tina Peña, Tulsa
World Literature Today, Norman
The Arts in Education Award recognizes an individual, organization, school, educator, or group for their outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefitting youth and/or arts in education. Honorees are:
FAME Academy, Comanche
Harding Fine Arts Academy, Oklahoma City
Joshua Muller, Hooker
Mike Knedler, Alva
Prairie Dance Theatre, Oklahoma City
The Community Service Award recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism. Honorees are:
Carol Armstrong, Norman
Michael Anthamatten, Muskogee
Michael Baron, Oklahoma City
Sandra Meyers, Oklahoma City
Theatre Tulsa
The George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award recognizes Oklahoma government officials or entities for outstanding support of the arts. Honorees are:
State Senator David Holt, Oklahoma City
State Representative Scott Martin, Norman
Mayor Jimmy Tramel, Pryor
A Special Recognition Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a unique contribution in support of the arts. The honoree is:
Arts Council Oklahoma City
For more information contact Joel Gavin, director of marketing and communications, at (405) 521-2037 or joel.gavin@arts.ok.gov.
About the Oklahoma Arts Council
The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahoma’s thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides approximately 500 grants to almost 250 organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state's arts and cultural industry, and manages hundreds of works of art in the public spaces of the state Capitol. Additional information is available at arts.ok.gov.
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