Oklahoma Arts Council Announces 2007 Governor's Arts Award Honorees

11-06-2007 -- Oklahoma City, OK -- Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry will honor 16 individuals and four organizations for their contributions to the arts in their communities or throughout the state at the 32nd Annual Governor's Arts Awards. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., November 28th 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.

Interim 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 Liddy Doenges Leadership In The Arts Award will be given to Betty Price, who served as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Arts Council from 1983 until her retirement in Oct., 2007. This award recognizes individuals who are visionary and have furnished leadership in the arts that benefit the entire state.

The Governor's Arts Awards, recognizing longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts, will be presented to Christy Everest, Oklahoma City; and Nancy Meinig, Tulsa.

The Earl Sneed Memorial Business Award recognizes businesses and corporations that exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. Recipients include Chesapeake Energy, Oklahoma City; Ideal Homes, Norman; and Willis Granite Products, Granite.

The Bill Crawford Memorial Media Award, given to a person in media who demonstrates a commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness, creativity and professionalism in reporting, will be presented to Joan Gilmore, The Journal Record.

Honorees of the Arts & Education Award are Jack Herron, Oklahoma City; Fred Neuman, Alva;William Scoggan, Midwest City; and Dr. Ann Tomlins, Tulsa. This award recognizes professional educators who go above and beyond the call of academia to promote arts education for Oklahoma's students.

The Community Service Award recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism. This year's honorees include Kathy Buxton, Duncan; Garber Theatre Board, Garber; Frank Letcher, Tulsa; Jose Martinez, Moore; Christy Northcutt, Enid; and Jerry Speck, Antlers.

The George Nigh Mayor's Award recognizes an Oklahoma mayor for outstanding support of the arts in the local community. This year's honoree is Mayor Maxine Thomason, Mangum.

Bill Grant of Hugo will receive a Special Recognition Award. Grant will be honored for his contributions to bluegrass music and his efforts to share the beauty, adventure and culture of our state.

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 award honoree is Wanda Otey Westheimer, Ardmore.

Source: Oklahoma Governor

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