Orange County Arts Council announces recipients of 2011 annual art awards
Goshen The Orange County Arts Council will honor and celebrate those individuals and organizations who have made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Orange County in the last 12 months at its Annual Art Awards to be presented at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen on Thursday, Nov. 10. Recipients include individual artists, art patrons, volunteers, nonprofit cultural organizations and corporate patrons. Those nominated were evaluated on a variety of merits including artistic excellence, sustained contribution to the community, extraordinary achievement, perseverance and deep commitment to the arts and the community. Recipients were chosen by a selection committee appointed by the Orange County Arts Council. They are: Individual Artist James Emery, a noted jazz musician, composer and co-founder of the String Trio of New York. Arts Organization The Warwick Jazz Festival, a musician-based community arts event conceived and produced by Steve Rubin. Arts in Education Theresa Brown, director of the Fine and Performing Arts Department for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District since 2003. The Salute to Veterans Award Robert Fletcher, a Korean War veteran who is the author of Remembrance: A Tribute to American’s Veterans, the first book to depict veterans and military funeral scenes in watercolor paintings and pencil drawings. Champion of the Arts-Individual Award Elizabeth Reese, artistic director of the Warwick Summer Arts Festival. Champion of the Arts-Family Award The Ogden-Stern Family, founders of the Storm King Art Center in Mountainville. Corporate Champion of the Arts: Orange & Rockland Utilities, a major contributor, sponsor and volunteer team for all aspects of the arts in Orange County. Youth with Exceptional Promise Ryan Kennedy, a junior at Cornwall High School and a talented composer and pianist. The Lifetime Achievement Award Marya Kennett, dance instructor and founder of the Marya Kennett Ballet Theatre in Goshen. The Orange County Arts Council’s mission is to strengthen the arts in Orange County by providing educational, promotional and information services by coordinating relationships among the arts, schools, businesses, government and the public. The council’s vision is to support, promote and unite the arts in Orange County and make them accessible to all people. If you go The Orange County Arts Council will hosts its Annual Art Awards presentation on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m., at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen. Tickets are $60 for Arts Council members and $65 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Art Council offices at 845-469-9168 or by e-mailing info@ocartscouncil.org. To learn more about the Orange County Arts Council and its programs and services or to see a full calendar of arts events and opportunities in Orange County log onto www.ocartscouncil.org.