Governor's
Arts Awards
The Governor’s Arts Awards recognize and bring honor to individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the arts in Oklahoma. First awarded in 1975, the Governor presents the awards during a special awards ceremony at the Capitol.
2009 GOVERNOR’S ARTS AWARDS
On October 20, 2009, Governor Brad Henry will honor 16 individuals and five organizations for their contributions to the arts in their communities or throughout the state at the 34th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the ceremony will be held on the 4th Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol. A reception on the first floor of the Capitol will follow the 4 p.m. ceremony that is free and open to the public.
Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Suzanne Tate said “these prestigious awards are an opportunity to celebrate Oklahoma arts and the people that facilitate its success."
For more information about the Governor’s Arts Awards, please contact Public Information Director Ann Dee Lee at (405) 521-2931.
The Governor's Arts Awards
This award recognizes individuals for longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts.
The honorees are:
Dr. Gleny Beach, Durant -
News Release, Photo
Michael E. Joseph, Okla. City - News Release, Photo
Donna Rinehart-Keever, Okla. City - News Release, Photo
Dr. W. Roger Webb, Edmond -
News Release, Photo
Business in the Arts Award
This award recognizes individuals, businesses and corporations that exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. This award was created in memory of Earl Sneed, a prominent arts advocate.
The honoree is:
Rand Elliott, Oklahoma City - News Release, Photo
Media in the Arts Award
This award is given to an individual member of the media or media outlet who demonstrate commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness, support, fairness, initiative, creativity and professionalism in reporting. This award was created in memory of Bill Crawford, veteran professional journalist.
The honorees are:
Robert Allee, Oklahoma City - News Release, Photo
Lawton Constitution, Lawton - News Release, Logo
The Arts & Education Award
This 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. The honorees are:
Good Times Community Theatre, Poteau - News Release, Logo
Mitzi Hancuff, Edmond - News Release, Photo
Oklahoma Arts Institute, Norman - News Release, Logo
Sadler Arts Academy, Muskogee - News Release
The Community Service Award
This award
recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.
The honorees are:
Julie Baird, Enid - News Release, Photo
Gina Flesher, Duncan - News Release, Photo
Kris Gill, Lawton - News Release, Photo
Tom Lee, Norman - News Release, Photo
Kitty Roberts, Tulsa - News Release, Photo
Women of the South, Okla. City - News Release, Logo
George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award
This recognizes an Oklahoma government official for outstanding support of the arts.
The honorees are:
Mayor Dwight Cope, Medicine Park - News Release, Photo
Secretary of Transportation Gary Ridley, Okla. City - News Release, Photo
Special Recognition Award
This award recognizes an individual who has made a unique contribution in support of the arts.
The honoree is:
Kyle Dillingham, Okla. City - News Release, Photo
The Marilyn Douglass Memorial Award
This award
recognizes an outstanding Arts Council member and was established in 1980, upon the deaths of Marilyn Douglass, a council member, and her husband Rev. Richard Douglass.
The honoree is:
Jim Tolbert, Oklahoma City - News Release, Photo
Past Winners
See a complete list of winners from 1975 through 2008 and the categories in which they were awarded.
Selection
Each year the Oklahoma Arts Council solicits nominations for these awards. Recipients of the Governor's Arts Awards (GAA) are selected by members of the GAA Selection Committee. The number of nominations received per nominee has no bearing on the selection process. The committee requests that nominators refrain from mounting campaigns that result in duplicative nominations and/or letters of support.
Eligibility
Nominees must be current residents of the State of Oklahoma and living in Oklahoma full time. Organizations and businesses must exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. Previous recipients of the Governor’s Award are not eligible.