Each year Doña Ana Arts Council (DAAC) honors special individuals who are actively involved in promoting and enhancing the visual, performing and literary arts in our community through leadership, support and advocacy. Nominations are solicited from the community at large and the awards are presented at DAAC’s Annual Arts Awards Gala. This year the Annual Arts Awards Gala will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Rio Grande Theatre.
The 2009 Award Winners are:
THE PAPEN FAMILY AWARD - Dr Greg Fant
Dr. Fant’s career is music-based, where his teaching responsibilities were focused on performance and/or training music teachers. He has moved up the academic ladder at New Mexico State University, where he is now in the dean’s office of the College of Arts and Sciences. Currently, he devotes his time and energy in making the Center for the Arts a reality. Greg has been named the A.E. McClain Outstanding young band director by the Mississippi Bandmasters Association, received one of the Patricia Christmore Excellence in Teaching Awards at New Mexico State and was named outstanding alumnus by his Alma matter Delta State University.
THE DEBI TRUE ROUNDS NEWCOMERS AWARD - Lanova Sheets
Lanova is very active with DAAC as a volunteer, always willing to help at the Downtown Ramble, Renaissance ArtsFaire and in the office when needed. She is also a Big Sister to a first grader at University Hills and is looking forward to volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club this summer. She and her husband Clark have lived in Las Cruces for three years.
THE ARTS IN EDUCATION AWARD - Corina Gabaldon
Corina is a passionate educator and gifted artist herself. She has worked tirelessly in her programs to educate, inspire and promote family programs which have exposed parents and children to the wonderful world of the arts. Corina’s vision has produced the incorporation of the Music Together Curriculum which has led her staff to embrace the arts in their teachings. This collaboration consists of weekly art/writing workshops with the parents of the Even Start Family Literacy Program, entitled Mi Herenzia/My Heritage.
THE 2009 COMMUNITY ARTS AWARD - Ink, Roy van der Aa & Robin Baxa/Larry Chandler
The Ink was established in November 1998 and taken over by Roy and Robin since March 2000 to the present. It is a regional monthly arts newspaper that covers most of Southern New Mexico and West Texas which highlights both prominent and emerging artists in many media throughout the region. They are very active in the arts community as members and volunteers for various organizations.
Larry is not only experienced and talented; he is a genuinely kind individual who is very humble about his contributions to the local theater scene. He had 40 year experience in theater, stage and movies before retiring to Las Cruces. His contributions in set design and construction along with direction have raised the quality of our community theater productions tremendously.
THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES AWARD - Glenn Schwaiger
Glenn has lived in Las Cruces since 1987 and strives to be a part of the community as an artist and a teacher. He has been very instrumental in decorating the existing architecture of many school buildings and enhancing them. Glenn was also involved in the Rio Grande Theatre tile restoration and is currently working on a gateway project at the corner of Hadley Avenue and Manzanita Avenue sponsored by Las Esperanzas.
THE EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE ARTS AWARD - Will Ticknor
Will has guided the work of four City of Las Cruces’ museums. He has brought world class exhibits which include King Tut and Auguste Rodin for the communities and people of Southern New Mexico and West Texas. Mr. Ticknor exemplifies the highest standards and commitment as he continues to enhance the performing arts experience for our community.
We also have two special recognition awards this year. Mary Kay Papen is the recipient of the JOHN GLOWACKI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. We are also paying a special Memorial Dedication to Keith Wilson who passed away this year. Keith was the only poet laureate the City of Las Cruces has had.
“A Night at the Theatre”, is this year’s theme, and the Gala will be held on June 4th in the historic Rio Grande Theatre. The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and an open cash bar, and continue with the award presentations and live entertainment on stage in the Theatre. The evening will close with desserts, coffee and complimentary champagne under the stars. Tickets are $25 General Admission and $20 for Seniors/Students.
The invitation to this year’s Arts Award Gala can be found in PDF format, here.
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE THROUGH BROWN PAPER TICKETS
For more information, please call the DAAC office at 523-6403 or visit our website at www.las-cruces-arts.org .