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Type: Public
Created: Jun 2, 2009
Members: 1
Views: 2385
Location: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
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Pgh Arts Council 2009 Work of Art Awards
GREATER PITTSBURGH ARTS COUNCILANNOUNCES 2009 WORK OF ART AWARDS WINNERS PITTSBURGH, PA (June 2, 2009) – The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council honored winners selected in each of nine award categories at their 2009 Work of Art Awards held last night at the Pittsburgh Opera's new home in the Strip District. The purpose of this biennial event is to celebrate the individuals and entities that create and support the arts in the Pittsburgh region. Winners were each presented with a unique art award designed by artist Justin Rothshank. Attendees included a diverse crowd of local artists, arts managers, and private and governmental leaders including Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who presented the Mayor's Award for Public Art to R.M. Fischer for “Langley Observatory Clock” on the North Shore. See below for detailed descriptions of all award winners. With the real and looming threat of arts and culture funding being eliminated from the state budget, Mitch Swain, the Arts Council's CEO and emcee for the evening, briefly struck a somber note as he called the audience to take action. “Your being here is an act of advocacy,” Swain stated. “We surveyed arts and culture leaders and learned that we stand to lose 30% of our workforce if [the current state budget] holds.” The award ceremony opened with a commissioned video by Chris Ivey, and later featured performances by actors Wali Jamal, Kimberly El, the classical-rock fusion group Cellofourte and The Pillow Project dance company. Afterwards, guests were ushered into the lively after-party and entertained by local rock band favorite Donora and DJ Edgar Um. 2009 WORK OF ART AWARDS WINNERS (in order of appearance): Mayor's Award for Public Art recognizes an individual or organization's efforts in the development of a public art project that contributes to the quality of life and economic development of a Pittsburgh community. Winner was selected and presented by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. R.M. Fischer for “Langley Observatory Clock,” part of the North Shore Riverfront Park, this site-specific installation is a response to the industrial history of Pittsburgh while simultaneously appearing timeless and looking forward. The Leadership in the Arts Award recognizes an individual or organization from the business, legal, arts or civic sectors whose work has had a significant impact on the region's cultural landscape. The 2009 Award was presented to Allegheny Regional Asset District in recognition of the significant contribution this program has made and will continue to make on the arts in this region. Best Practices in Arts Management Award recognizes an innovative and creative arts management practice that can serve as a model for the advancement of arts and culture in the region and beyond.New Hazlett Theater, which has delineated a unique operating policy and structure that allows nearly 30 of Pittsburgh's small and mid-sized arts organizations, as well as individual artists, to pursue their own missions, present their own programs and connect with their own audiences. The Award for Outstanding Volunteerism recognizes outstanding contributions of an active volunteer, firm or business from the Arts Council's Business Volunteers for the Arts® and/or Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) programs. The 2009 award was presented to Pepper Hamilton LLP, whose attorneys volunteered nearly 250 hours through VLA—a market value of almost $50,000. Creative Arts and Business Partnership Award recognizes a successful collaboration between an arts organization and a business that furthered the interests of both parties.Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School (ToonSeum) & Gypsy Café, who partnered to host the Pittsburgh chapter of a world-wide movement that brings together artists, musicians, burlesque performers and unique models in a quirky, social atmosphere of drawing and imagination. Arts & Technology Award honors an artist or organization that has successfully incorporated technology in a skillful or inventive way to do their artistic or management work.Manchester Craftsmen's Guild Youth, which partnered with the Pittsburgh “Robot 250” project and artist Dror Yaron, using Gigapan Technology to develop learning experiences that connected youth with their communities and opened collaborations around the world. Working Artist Award recognizes an individual artist who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, boldness and creativity when working on the business/promotion side of his or her art.David Motak, a leading promoter and practitioner of the Cracow Szopka art form in the United States, whose individual works, student workshops, szopka exhibitions and cultural events have shown tremendous leadership, innovation and drive in promoting his Pittsburgh-based initiative. Excellence in Arts Education Award honors an individual or organization in the Pittsburgh region who has worked over time to implement excellence in arts education. This award is presented in partnership with the Arts Education Collaborative and Gateway to the Arts.Marilyn Egan, who has grown the quality and reach of the Pittsburgh Opera's wide array of programs for educators, students, schools, families and adults, helping educators integrate the arts meaningfully into all subject areas. People's Choice Award recognizes a favorite arts or culture event and is selected through a public polling process. Handmade Arcade, an indie craft fair created to give grassroots, independent crafters an opportunity to show and sell their wares and to provide an alternative to traditional craft fairs.
SPONSORS: The 2009 Work of Art Awards was generously sponsored by BNY Mellon, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dominion Foundation, Giant Eagle, ThoughtForm, Flyspace Productions, Elliott Marketing Group, First Commonwealth, WYEP, The Prop Shop, Kreider Printing, Ameriprise Financial, Alphagraphics and Thorp Reed.
The mission of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is to make the arts central to the lives of individuals by expanding the reach, influence and effectiveness of the region's diverse cultural community. We accomplish our mission through programs and services to over 230 annual members, advocacy, facilitating connections and promoting self-sufficiency and artistic endeavors. Enjoy the Pictures of this event, and if you see something you like, They are available for Purchase at very good prices!Purchase Pictures HereMedia/Editorial downloads also available for usePhoto's by:George Mendel PhotographyPittsburgh, PA
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