Gov. Brad Henry celebrates service to the arts

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Published: October 21, 2009

Gov. Brad Henry honored 16 individuals and five organizations Tuesday for their contributions to the arts. More than 300 people attended the 34th annual Governor’s Arts Awards sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council at the state Capitol.

Henry, in congratulating the winners, said they are “sending a strong message that in this time of economic uncertainty, the arts in Oklahoma play a vital role in our lives.”

The Governor’s Arts Award, which recognizes individuals for leadership and significant contributions to the arts, were given to Gleny Beach of Durant, W. Roger Webb of Edmond, and Michael E. Joseph and Donna Rinehart-Keever of Oklahoma City.

Recipient of the Business in the Arts Award is Rand Elliott, an Oklahoma City architect. The Media in the Arts Award went to Robert Allee of Oklahoma City and the Lawton Constitution.

The Arts & Education Award, which honors individuals, organizations, schools and educators for service that benefits youth and/or arts in education, was given to the Good Times Community Theatre of Poteau, Mitzi Hancuff of Edmond, the Oklahoma Arts Institute of Norman and the Sadler Arts Academy of Muskogee.

Recipients of the Community Service Award were Julie Baird of Enid, Gina Flesher of Duncan, Kris Gill of Lawton, Tom Lee of Norman, Kitty Roberts of Tulsa and Women of the South of Oklahoma City. The George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award was given to Medicine Park Mayor Dwight Cope and Gary Ridley, state Transportation Department director and state secretary of transportation, of Oklahoma City.

The Marilyn Douglass Memorial Award, which recognizes an outstanding arts council member, went to Jim Tolbert of Oklahoma City. The Special Recognition Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a unique contribution in support of the arts, was awarded to Kyle Dillingham of Oklahoma City.