NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Sept. 24, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Ann Dee Lee
Public Information Director
Oklahoma Arts Council
(405) 521-2931
anndee@arts.ok.gov
2008 GOVERNOR’S ARTS AWARDS TO HONOR
THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE ARTS
Oklahoma City, OK -- Governor Brad Henry will honor 15 individuals and three organizations for their contributions to the arts in their communities or throughout the state at the 33rd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., October 23rd on the 4th Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol.
Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Suzanne Tate said recipients of the Governor’s Arts Awards were selected by previous winners of the awards from statewide nominations. “These prestigious awards are an opportunity to celebrate Oklahoma arts and the people that facilitate its success,” said Tate.
The Governor's Arts Awards recognizes longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts. Recipients are Edna Mae Holden, Enid; and Gene Rainbolt, Oklahoma City.
The Earl Sneed Memorial Business Award recognizes businesses and corporations that exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. Recipients are Devon Energy Corp., Oklahoma City; and Legend’s Restaurant, Norman.
The Bill Crawford Memorial Media Award recognizes individuals in the print and/or electronic media who demonstrate a commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness, creativity and professionalism in reporting. Recipients are Vicki and Leland Gourley, Friday; and Leah Simmons, Daily Ardmoreite.
The Arts & 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. Recipients are Beth Berkenbile, Hennessey; Richard Billingsley, Wewoka; Becky Clinton, Norman; and the Greenwood Cultural Center, Tulsa.
The Community Service Award recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism. Recipients include Penny Askew, Clinton; Ken Busby, Tulsa; Roy Hamilton, Stilwell; Mike Turpen, Okla. City; Laura Warriner, Okla. City; and Ted Welch, McAlester.
The Marilyn Douglass Memorial 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. This year’s recipient is Ira Schlezinger.
A Special Recognition Award will be given to Hall Duncan, Edmond, for his personal lifelong campaign using art to educate Oklahoma children about their home state.
A reception on the first floor of the Capitol will follow the 4 p.m. ceremony that is free and open to the public. A complete list of Governor’s Arts Awards recipients with their bios and photos are available at www.arts.ok.gov.
For more information, contact Ann Dee Lee, Public Relations Director, Oklahoma Arts Council, (405) 521-2931 or anndee@arts.ok.gov.
ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA ARTS COUNCIL
The Oklahoma Arts Council is a state agency whose mission is to improve lives through the arts by promoting and sustaining the development of a thriving arts environment, which is essential to quality of life, education and economic vitality for all Oklahomans.
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