This year’s Governor’s Arts Awards celebration was a huge success and wonderful evening spent celebrating the arts in Arizona. More than 500 people from all around the state joined us for a lovely evening at the Herberger Theatre.
This year’s honorees are:
ARTIST: Martin Moreno – Moreno’s permanent and portable murals have been driven by a mission to enlighten the public by depicting not only the beauty of mankind, but those areas that are frequently hidden away. He is a founding member of the Arizona Latina Arts and Cultural Center and was one of 12 Chicano/Latino artists selected for the “Locals Only” exhibition at Phoenix Art Museum, the first exhibit of its kind in the museum’s history.
ARTS IN EDUCATION (Individual): Ann Ludwig - Ludwig, the founder and artistic director of A. Ludwig Dance Theatre, has guided many students and artists into successful careers as choreographers. She has served as Graduate Director of the Arizona State University Department of Dance and is a recent recipient of a presidential award from the National Dance Education Organization in recognition of her service, impact and passion for dance.
ARTS IN EDUCATION (Organization): Tonto Community Concert Association - For more than three decades, the all-volunteer Tonto Community Concert Association has programmed performances ranging from classical to country and baroque to The Beatles that reach communities and schools in Payson and the surrounding areas. Complementing each performance are student outreach programs designed in collaboration with each of the performing artists. Students of every age are bussed to Payson High School to participate in the programs.
COMMUNITY: Free Arts for Abused Children in Arizona - Free Arts for Abused Children in Arizona is the state’s only organization combining arts with a social service setting to reach 5,500 children from age 3 to 21 each year. Through the program that has reached nearly 65,000 abused and at-risk children living in poverty since its founding in 1993, young people are able to productively channel their emotions, improve social skills and develop trust in adults. The organization relies on 800 volunteers who serve children at 110 foster care homes, emergency shelters and residential treatment centers.
BUSINESS: Cox Communications of Southern Arizona - Cox Communications of Southern Arizona has been a consistent supporter of arts and culture for many years. In one year alone, the company donated more than 1,000 employee volunteer hours, provided more than $1 million in cash sponsorships and more than $1 million in public service and in-kind ads. Among the organizations supported by Cox in Southern Arizona are the Loft Cinema, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson Children’s Museum and Opening Minds Through the Arts.
Another Highlight of the evening were the Shelley Award winners and the acceptance speeches. In fact you can read Bill Sheppard’s speech here.
