The Celebration
of Alabama Arts recognizes notable Alabamians for their work and
contribution to the arts in Alabama, across the United States, and beyond. The
efforts of artists, arts administrators, creative economy leaders, arts
educators, and stewards of traditional art forms across the state result in
prosperous communities. Alabama is strengthened when creativity and artistic
efforts thrive.
“These individuals represent the state’s immense artistic
talent, leadership, and generosity that are an integral part of the cultural
landscape of Alabama,” said Dr. Elliot Knight, executive director of the
Council on the Arts. “The 2022 honorees have contributed significantly to
defining our state’s creative community.”
The 2022 award recipients and categories follow:
- Wes Chapman, ballet dancer/artistic director from Birmingham – Governor’s Arts Award
- Jason Ferdinand,
conductor/composer from Huntsville – Governor’s Arts Award
- Clifton Pearson,
visual artist from Huntsville – Governor’s Arts Award
- Mary Settle Cooney,
arts administrator from Sheffield – Jonnie Dee Riley Little Lifetime
Achievement Award
- Patty McDonald,
arts patron from Birmingham (posthumous award) – Albert B. Head Legacy
Award
- Stanley Smith,
Sacred Harp singer/composer from Ozark – Alabama Folk Heritage Award
- David
Hood, musician from Muscle Shoals – Alabama Distinguished
Artist Award
The
contributions of these remarkable individuals will be recognized with memorable
performances in their honor. The free event will be held at Alabama Shakespeare
Festival in Montgomery, with Tonya Terry hosting. Complimentary tickets must be
reserved in advance through the ASF box office. Visit asf.net/celebrate or call 334-271-5353 for ticketing
details and arts.alabama.gov/celebrate to learn more about this exciting
Celebration.
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About
Alabama State Council on the Arts
The Council on the Arts is the official state
agency for the support and development of the arts in Alabama. The Council
works to expand and preserve the state’s cultural resources by supporting
nonprofit arts organizations, schools, colleges, units of local government, and
individual artists. Arts programs, assisted by Council grants, have a track
record of enhancing community development, education, cultural tourism, and
overall quality of life in all regions of the state. Alabama State Council on the Arts grants are
made possible by an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature and
additional funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal
agency. Learn more at arts.alabama.gov.
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