Governor's
Arts Awards
The Governor’s Arts Awards recognize and bring honor to individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the arts in Oklahoma. First awarded in 1975, the Governor presents the awards during a special awards ceremony at the Capitol.
2008 GOVERNOR’S ARTS AWARDS
On October 23, 2008, Governor Brad Henry honored 15 individuals and three organizations for their contributions to the arts in their communities or throughout the state at the 33rd Annual Governor’s Arts Awards. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the ceremony was held on the 4th Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol. A reception on the first floor of the Capitol followed the 4 p.m. ceremony that was free and open to the public.
Oklahoma Arts Council 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.
For more information about the Governor’s Arts Awards, please contact Ann Dee Lee at (405) 521-2931 or at anndee@arts.ok.gov.
The Governor's Arts Awards
This award recognizes longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts.
The honorees are:
Edna Mae Holden, Enid -
News Release, Photo
Gene Rainbolt, Okla. City - News Release, Photo
The Earl Sneed Memorial Business Award
This award recognizes businesses and corporations that exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma.
The honorees are:
Devon Energy Corp. , Oklahoma City - News Release, Logo
Legend's Restaurant, Norman - News Release, Logo
The Bill Crawford Memorial Media Award
This award is given to a person in the media who demonstrates a commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness, creativity and professionalism in reporting.
The honorees are:
Vicki and Leland Gourley, Friday, Oklahoma City - News Release, Photo
Leah Simmons, Daily Ardmoreite, Ardmore - News Release, Photo
The Arts & Education Award
This award recognizes an individual organization, school, educator or group for their outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefitting youth and/or arts in education. The honorees are:
Beth Berkenbile, Hennessey - News Release, Photo
Richard Billingsley, Wewoka - News Release, Photo
Becky Clinton, Norman - News Release, Photo
The Greenwood Cultural Center, Tulsa - News Release, Logo
The Community Service Award
This award
recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.
The honorees are:
Penny Askew, Clinton - News Release, Photo
Ken Busby, Tulsa - News Release, Photo
Roy Hamilton, Stilwell - News Release, Photo
Mike Turpen, Okla. City - News Release, Photo
Laura Warriner, Okla. City - News Release, Photo
Ted Welch, McAlester - News Release, Photo
Special Recognition Award
Dr. Hall Duncan will be honored for his personal lifelong campaign using art to educate Oklahoma children about their home state.
The honoree is:
Hall Duncan, Edmond - News Release, Photo
The Marilyn Douglass Memorial Award
This 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.
The honoree is:
Ira Schlezinger, Oklahoma City - News Release, Photo
Past Winners
See a complete list of winners from 1975 through 2007 and the categories in which they were awarded.
Selection
Each year the Oklahoma Arts Council solicits nominations for these awards. A panel of previous award recipients makes the final selection. The number of nominations received per nominee has no bearing on the selection process. The committee requests that nominators refrain from mounting campaigns that result in duplicative nominations and/or letters of support.
Eligibility
Nominees must be current residents of the State of Oklahoma and living in Oklahoma full time. Organizations and businesses must exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. Previous recipients of the Governor’s Award are not eligible.