 |
 2009 PASEO ARTS ASSOCIATION
OKLAHOMA ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARDS |
 Paseo Arts Association Honors Artists, Volunteers and Mentors
Oklahoma City – The Paseo Arts Association will honor artists, volunteers
and mentors who have contributed to the Oklahoma art community and arts
organizations across the state during their annual Oklahoma Artist of the
Year Awards, scheduled for Thursday, September 24 at the Oklahoma City
Community Foundation Community Room. The awards dinner and ceremony will
begin at 6pm; reservations are required and seating is limited.
This program is in its third year and gives four awards: Artist of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Volunteer Service and the Michi Susan Award (an
award that honors a person who mentors artists across the state; it was
named in honor of Michi Susan who has dedicated much of her time to help
young artists).
Because there were several deserving nominees in multiple categories, the
awards will be given to: Regina Murphy, Lifetime Achievement; Bert
Seabourn, Lifetime Achievement; John Seward, Michi Susan Award; Carl Shortt,
Volunteer Service; and Dr. Sandy Martin, Volunteer Service.
Regina Murphy is an accomplished artist who has work in public and private
collections across the nation, including the Oklahoma State Art Collection.
She has resided in Oklahoma since 1945 and has served the arts community
through membership and in some capacity on Boards of Directors. Although
she has pursued numerous creative projects, painting is her passion. Murphy
labels her work as, "a blend of abstraction and realism."
Bert Seabourn's Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented by Sue Hale.
Bert Seabourn's paintings have been exhibited extensively and held in public
and private collections across the nation and over seas. A graduate of
Oklahoma City University, Seabourn spent 23 years first as an artist and
then Art Director of OG&E before leaving to pursue a career as a fine art
painter. He was bestowed the title of “Master Artist” by the Five Civilized
Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma and presented the “Governor’s Art Award” by
Governor George Nigh. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane
Letters Degree at Oklahoma City University.
John Seward, a co-founder of Hobby Lobby, he served artists by offering
quality artistic supplies. He began seriously painting in watercolor in 1970
and after his retirement his interest in painting and photography could be
pursued full time. Seward’s support of local art organizations as a board
member and (usually anonymous) donor is renowned. He has served on the
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Oklahoma Arts Institute board, and OKC Mayor
appointed Arts Commission, as well as the Allied Arts board and Ballet
Oklahoma board. Throughout his life John has given freely of his time,
intellect, and creativity to the betterment of the arts and artists.
Dr. Sandy Martin has worked and consulted in the public relations field for
more than 20 years. After her graduation from Oklahoma City University, she
led the department of Marketing and Communications to become the largest
undergraduate major in the College of Arts and Sciences. As a volunteer for
the Paseo Arts Association, Dr. Martin has advised and consulted with the
Marketing and Public Relations Committee and assisted in the development of
the upcoming re-branding campaigns and the development of new programs and
services.
Carl Shortt, a woodworker, developed his love for the trade at a young age using discarded wood. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions throughout the Oklahoma City area and has been awarded multiple times at the State Fair of Oklahoma. His donated work and services include the American Heart Association in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, the Bishop McGuiness High School Parent/Teacher Organization, and the Allied Arts of Oklahoma City. Shortt’s work is featured in a variety of private and public collections, including that of Governor and Mrs. Frank Keating.
The Paseo Arts Association is a non-profit organization that serves the
Paseo Arts District and the arts community. For more information about this
event please contact the PAA at 405.525.2688 or at our E-Mail. |
|
|
|
|
