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.
2007 GOVERNOR’S ARTS AWARDS
On November 28, 2007, Governor Brad Henry honored 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 was held on the 4th Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol.
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.
A reception on the first floor of the Capitol followed the 4 p.m. ceremony that was free and open to the public. 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 Liddy Doenges Leadership In The Arts Award
This award recognizes individuals who are visionary and have furnished leadership in the arts that benefit the entire state.
The honoree was: Betty Price - News Release, Photo
The Governor's Arts Awards
This award recognizes longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts.
Honorees were:
Christy Everest -
News Release, Photo
Nancy Meinig - News Release, Photo
The Earl Sneed Memorial Business Award
This award recognizes businesses and corporations that exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma.
Recipients were:
Chesapeake Energy, Oklahoma City
Ideal Homes, Norman
Willis Granite Products, Granite.
The Bill Crawford Memorial Media Award,
This award is given to a person in the print and/or electronic media who demonstrates a commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness, creativity and professionalism in reporting.
The honoree was: Joan Gilmore, The Journal Record -
News Release, Photo
The Arts & Education Award
This award recognizes professional educators who go above and beyond the call of academia to promote arts education for Oklahoma’s students.
Honorees were:
Dr. Jack Herron, Oklahoma City - News Release, Photo
Fred Neuman, Alva - News Release, Photo
William Scoggan, Midwest City - News Release, Photo
Dr. Ann Tomlins, Tulsa - News Release, Photo
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.
Honorees were:
Kathy Buxton, Duncan - News Release, Photo
Garber Theatre Board, Garber - News Release
Frank Letcher, Tulsa - News Release, Photo
Jose Martinez, Moore - News Release, Photo
Christy Northcutt, Enid - News Release, Photo
Jerry Speck, Antlers - News Release, Photo
The George Nigh Mayor’s Award
This award
recognizes an Oklahoma mayor for outstanding support of the arts in the local community.
The honoree were: Mayor Maxine Thomason, Mangum - News Release, Photo
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.
Bill Grant, Hugo - 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 was: Wanda Otey Westheimer, Ardmore - 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.