Keyword Exclusive – Winning Governor’s Awards Artists For 2012
Supplement to “Basket fever”
The 2012 recipients of the Governor’s Awards in the Arts, announced by the Kentucky Arts Council, will be recognized at a celebration on October 9 at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort.
The annual awards will presented in nine categories:
Milner Award–William Francis, Prestonsburg: In honor of the late B. Hudson Milner, the award was established in 1978 and is the most prestigious arts award given by the governor. Francis, a philanthropist, supported Kentucky arts and was a board member for numerous cultural/arts organizations including: National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Jenny Wiley Theatre, Kentucky Arts Council, Southern Arts Federation, and Kentucky Humanities Council.
National Award–Bobbie Ann Mason, Lawrenceburg: Mason is a well-known author of fiction and nonfiction surrounding stories faced by Kentuckians lives and their issues. Mason impacted the literary scene with her first short story collection (1982) Shiloh and Other Stories.
Artist Award–Gray Zeitz, Owenton: Zeitz, founder of Larkspur Press, is known across the country for producing letterpress editions and book designs for 40 years. This award goes to an artist residing in Kentucky and recognized by a lifetime of achievement working in any discipline.
Business Award–UK HealthCare Arts in HealthCare Program, Lexington: This award honors a business for outstanding support of the arts. UK HealthCare’s Program incorporates all forms of art, including folk, wood, glass, ceramic, music, and dance.
Community Arts Award–Latitude Artist Community, Lexington: A Kentucky individual or organization having a positive impact on the community through the arts receives this honor. Since 2001, Latitude Artist Community has served people, including those with disabilities. Their innovative supports focus on encouraging physically challenged artists to participate.
Education Award–Christina Hartke-Towell, Morehead: The award goes to a Kentucky individual, school, school district, or organization for significant contributions to the arts in education. Towell, director of Morehead State University Orchestra, also directs, teaches, and founded the Lucille Caudill Little String Program for Rowan County Schools. This program, initiated in 2006, provides instruction to students, elementary-high school, as well as those with hearing and physical disabilities, giving children an awareness and appreciation of music performance.
Folk Heritage Award–Leona Waddell, Cecilia: This award is given to an individual or organization for outstanding effort to perpetuate and promote Kentucky’s unique artistic heritage. South-central Kentucky was the historical center of white oak basket making, dating back to the early 1800s. Waddell, 84, continues to make baskets and instructs several apprentices. Her skill remains a source of pride in the region that remains an important economic and historical tradition.
Government Award–U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, Louisville: This award is given for significant support of the arts through government action to a government entity or leader. Yarmuth represents Kentucky’s 3rd Congressional District and donates his total congressional salary to various nonprofit and charitable organizations. Several focused on art have gone to: Louisville’s Fund for the Arts, Kentucky School of Art, and the Governor’s School for the Arts.
The Media Award–Jeffrey Lee Puckett, Louisville: This award honors a Kentucky journalist or media organization with an outstanding commitment to bringing the arts to the attention of the public. Puckett, who writes for The Courier-Journal, is widely known for the area’s and national music scene. His knowledge of music and special writing ability informs the community with valuable up-to-date information. Puckett also writes a blog, “Tune in Louisville.”
Nominations for the Governor’s Awards in the Arts are accepted annually from the public. Nominations for the 2013 awards will end November 1, 2012. The Kentucky Arts Council coordinates nominations/selections and makes recommendations to the governor.
The Kentucky Arts Council, http://www.artscouncil.ky.gov, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in, and benefit from the arts. The Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment provide Kentucky Arts Council funding for the arts.
To read the Kentucky Living September 2012 feature that goes along with this supplement, go to Basket fever
