VOICE OF THE ARTS & HUMANITIES AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

On February 18^th, to the delight of more than 175 people in attendance, the James River Council for the Arts & Humanities presented its inaugural Voice of the Arts & Humanities Awards to recognize exceptionally creative individuals and organizations, whose achievements spotlight the creative spirit within Central Virginia. The event, sponsored by CENTRA, garnered nominations for 37 individual and organizations submitted from throughout the James River Council service area, including the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell for the 7 awards presented. A panel of local arts and culture supporters met to review the nominations and select winners for each category.

Master of Ceremonies Marc Schewel, CEO of the Schewel’s Furniture chain, kept the audience entertained and performances by E.C. Glass Theatre and Otter’s Court Early Music Group were enjoyed by all. The award itself is an original art piece by local stained glass artist Denise Ehlers; its design symbolizes the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains that connect the communities of Central Virginia.

Congratulations to the winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award went to Helen McGehee for “bringing distinction to Lynchburg and to Virginia for her legendary contributions to high attainment in modern dance.”  Upon graduation from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Ms. McGehee joined the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company in New York, eventually becoming its lead dancer and moving into roles originated by and for Martha Graham.  Later she formed her own dance company and created her personal body of choreographic work.  After returning to Lynchburg in 1980, Ms. McGehee established the distinguished Visiting Artists Program at Randolph-Macon.

Cultural Organization Award: Riverviews Artspace, a pioneer in downtown Lynchburg’s revitalization, Riverviews is a multi-faceted organization, a private non-profit with a public arts focus, a residential community with public programs, exhibitions, studio artists and art-related businesses.  Andy MacCallum is president of the Riverviews’ board; Mary Ann Racine is executive director.

Voice of the Arts & Humanities Arts Education Award went to James Arnold and Susie Owen who were recognized for their work with the Ellington’s Music Bridge program for at-risk children.  Albert and Lori Carter received the award as well for their work with the theatre program at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation.

The Humanities Volunteer Award went to Jane Baber White in recognition of her motivating spirit in helping to frame the quality of life in Central Virginia. In particular, her contributions to the Old City Cemetery Museum and Arboretum were cited.  Arts Volunteer Award recipient was Sara Braaten of Bedford’s Bower Center.  As the volunteer director of the non-profit, she was recognized for “almost single handedly transforming a quiet, little-known group into a lively and exciting center for the visual and performing arts.”

The Corporate Citizenship Award went to Genworth as Partners in the Arts with many organizations and programs, and in particular for their active support of arts education, providing scholarship for children who would otherwise not be able to participate.

Public Relations/Media Campaign Award went to The News & Advance’s entertainment guide, The Burg and its Editor Casey Gillis. They were honored for promoting and helping to raise the visibility of cultural program and events.

For additional information about the James River Council for the Arts and Humanities and the Awards program, go to www.jamesriverarts.org