On October 1, 2008, Governor Steven L. Beshear presented the 2007-2008
Governor's Awards in the Arts in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort.
The
Governor's Awards in the Arts are the commonwealth's most prestigious awards in
the arts honoring outstanding achievements in the arts and contributions to the
arts in Kentucky.
L-R:
Governor Steven L. Beshear; Marcheta Sparrow (Tourism Arts and Heritage
Cabinet Secretary); Dr. Lundeana Thomas (accepting on behalf of Suzan-Lori
Parks); Robert Brock (Kentucky Repertory Theatre at Horse Cave); Mayor Butch
Callery (City of Covington); John Timmons (owner of ear X-Tacy); Owsley Brown
II; Vince DiMartino; Julie Ann White; Carol Ison (Cowan Community Action
Group); Charlie Hughes; Lori Meadows (Executive Director Kentucky Arts Council;
Todd Lowe (Chairman Kentucky Arts Council Board); Lindy Casebier, Deputy
Secretary Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet.
The 2007-2008
recipients exemplify the range and diversity of accomplishments in all areas of
the arts and the irreplaceable value of those contributions to the state’s
communities, educational environment and economy. The combined achievements and
contributions of this year’s esteemed group further demonstrate the many
ways that Kentucky citizens uphold the tradition of creating a rich cultural
legacy.
The Milner Award was established in
1977 in honor of B. Hudson Milner, a Louisville utility executive and civic
leader, whose contributions to the arts in Kentucky remain important to this
day. The Milner Award is presented for outstanding philanthropic, artistic or
other contributions to the arts and their role in the economy, community and
culture of Kentucky and remains the most prestigious tribute presented.
The National Award is awarded to a Kentucky
native son or daughter who has achieved national or international acclaim in
the arts.
The Artist Award recognizes a
lifetime of achievement in the arts by an artist in any discipline who is a
resident of Kentucky.
The Business Award
honors a Kentucky business or businessperson for outstanding interest in and
support of the arts.
The Community Arts Award
is awarded to a Kentucky individual or organization that has made a positive
impact on their community through the arts.
The Education Award for significant contributions to the arts
in education is awarded to a Kentucky individual, school, school district or
organization.
The Folk Heritage Award is
presented to an individual resident of Kentucky, an organization located in
Kentucky, or an individual or organization closely related to Kentucky that has
made an outstanding effort to perpetuate and promote Kentucky's unique artistic
traditions.
The Government Award for
significant support for the arts through government action is awarded to a
government entity located in Kentucky or a government leader in Kentucky.
The Media Award honors a Kentucky journalist
or a media organization in Kentucky with outstanding commitment to bringing the
arts to the attention of the public.