GOVERNOR PETER SHUMLIN TO PRESENT GOVERNOR’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS

For the first time, four Vermonters will receive this honor for their extensive contributions to the arts.

Brattleboro, Vermont – The Vermont Arts Council invites you to join Governor Peter Shumlin on Monday, December 10, as he presents the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts to author Karen Hesse, author Archer Mayor, cellist Sharon Robinson, and teacher and professional clown Stephen Stearns.

Thepublic are invited to attend the 2012 Vermont Arts Awards Gala, sponsored by Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee in association with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The Gala is on December 10, 8:00 p.m., at the Latchis Theatre, 50 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT. Reservations for the free Ceremony may be made by calling (802) 828-3293. Please RSVP by December 3, 4:00 p.m.

The public nominates individuals for the Governor’s Award and the Arts Council then passes on the top nominees to the governor, who makes the final selection. This year is a year of firsts; it is the first time the
award will be presented to four people and it’s also the first time the award will be presented outside of Montpelier. As all four awardees hail from the Brattleboro area, it only seemed fitting to hold the ceremony in Brattleboro.

The Governor’s Award is presented annually. Recipients must:
Currently reside in Vermont.

Have made a significant and sustained contribution to the advancement of an art form.
Are recognized for his/her contribution in an international, national or regional area.
Demonstrate a personal commitment to the development of cultural life in Vermont.
Demonstrate exemplary standards of professional integrity.

Please see the attachment for information about the awardees. This event is accessible. Click here for more information.

Since 1964, the Vermont Arts Council has been the state’s primary provider of funding, advocacy and information for the arts in Vermont.  It strives to increase public awareness of the positive role artists and arts organizations play in communities and to increase opportunities for Vermonters to experience the arts in everyday life. The Council is the only designated State Arts Agency in the U.S. that is also an independent, not-for-profit, membership organization. For more information on the programs and services of the Vermont Arts Council, visit www.vermontartscouncil.org.