South Carolina Arts Commission announces Verner Award recipients

The South Carolina Arts Commission Board announces the 2013 Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Awards for the Arts, the highest honor the state presents in the arts. Established in 1972, the annual awards recognize outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina. This year’s recipients:

• Individual Artist: Mary Whyte, Johns Island
• Individual: Ethel S. Brody, Columbia
• Arts in Education: Mayo Mac Boggs, Spartanburg
• Business: Charles Fox, Fox Music House, Charleston
• Government: The City of Anderson, South Carolina
• Organization: Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, Myrtle Beach
• Special Award: Pearl Fryar, Bishopville
• Lifetime Achievement: John Ashbury Zeigler Jr., Charleston

“Again this year we have an outstanding, diverse group of Verner Award winners,” said S.C. Arts Commission Board Chairman Dr. Sarah Lynn Hayes. “These exceptional individuals and organizations illustrate the true depth of the arts community in our state. We are grateful for their passion, their contributions and their commitment to serving as ambassadors and standard-bearers for the arts. They are certainly worthy of this highest honor.” Awards will be presented at a Statehouse ceremony tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 2. The S.C. Arts Foundation will honor the recipients and the arts community at the South Carolina Arts Gala on Wednesday, May 1. The gala is a fundraiser supporting the programs of the S.C. Arts Commission. For more about the Verner Awards or the S.C. Arts Gala, call (803) 734-8696 or visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com.