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Inaugural Delaware Arts Advocacy Award winners announced

October 21, 2016

Delaware Arts Alliance Executive Director Dr. Guillermina Gonzalez, in collaboration with the University of Delaware and the Delaware Division of the Arts, announced the awardees for the inaugural Arts Advocacy Awards which were held Oct. 10 at the University of Delaware in Newark. The event brought out 250 members of the arts community to celebrate leaders in the arts.

For education, Joann Browning received the award for education. She is associate dean for the arts, College of Arts and Sciences and professor of theatre, from the University of Delaware. 

Marcia DeWitt and Nancy Lynch received awards for leadership. DeWitt is president of the board of trustees of the Biggs Museum of American Art. Lynch is president of the board of directors for the Delaware Shakespeare Festival.

For philanthropy, John Schoonover received the award. He is a trustee for Biggs Museum of American Art and Frank E. Schoonover Studios.

For volunteerism, James Hartzell received the award. He is a Possum Point Players board member and member of the director selection committee.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Robert Grenfell, former executive director, First State Ballet.

“The inaugural 2016 Awards Advocacy Awards paid tribute to these outstanding individuals who showed an inspired commitment to the arts in Delaware,” said Gonzalez. We are fortunate to have these champions of the arts, whose dedication has enriched the cultural landscape of the state.”

The program included performances from artists in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties. The performers were Anne Colwell and James Keegan, literary and theatre artists from Milton; Sankofa African Dance Company, comprised of students from Dover and central Delaware; and Vocal Point, a University of Delaware co-ed a cappella group.

For more information, go to www.delawareartsalliance.org.

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