Florence Regional Arts Alliance announces 2013 Arts Awards recipients
The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) recently announced its 2013 Arts Awards recipients. Among the winners were two local arts leaders, one arts organization and a global corporation. “We’re very fortunate in Florence County to have more worthy candidates than awards to give away,” said Quincy Kennedy, president of FRAA. “We feel like our board did a great job in narrowing down the nominations we received from the community; it’s not an easy task."
Jane Madden, the engine behind the Art Trail Gallery’s quick and continued success, received the John W. Baker Distinguished Service Award. Madden’s efforts over the last five years have been a major factor in the “people side” of Florence’s downtown revitalization. “As improvements are continuously being made downtown, Jane is one of the main people promoting what's going on and what progress is being made,” said Kennedy.
The Florence Little Theatre received the Outstanding Arts Organization Award. “Most people are aware of the great shows FLT produces. Not everyone is aware of the outstanding programming they put on for young people and for lifelong learners through their Senior Readers Group. The impact FLT has on Florence County is truly amazing,” said Bruce Douglas, executive director of FRAA.
The 2013 Business & Arts Partnership Award recipient is Honda of South Carolina. Honda, which operates out of Timmonsville, supports several community-based programs, projects and events, both arts and non-arts-related. “Honda’s continuous support of the arts, and the Arts Alliance, is why they are receiving this award,” said Kennedy. Honda partners with FRAA to present the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to Florence County’s public high schools. Honda also funds FRAA’s quarterly grants program, which disburses money to organizations, artists and teachers throughout Florence County.
The inaugural Frank Crow Service Award winner is Bill Kress. Kress, a long-time Florence Regional Arts Alliance board member, staff member and volunteer, worked with Crow and was honored to receive the award. “This award means a lot to me because it has Frank’s name on it,” said Kress. Crow served as FRAA’s director from 2003-2012 before medical issues forced him into retirement. The Crow Award will be presented annually to an FRAA board member, staff member or volunteer who has had a tremendous impact on the organization.
The winners were presented with handmade clay trophies made by Pee Dee artist Patz Fowle.
In 2014, FRAA will add a fifth award to its lineup. The Greg Fry Arts Educator of the Year Award will be presented in May of next year. More information about the award will be announced soon.
Click the screen below to view a short video produced by FRAA to honor the winners..
2013 Florence Regional Arts Alliance Awards from Harrison Waters on Vimeo.
For more information about these awards or any other Florence Regional Arts Alliance program, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.
Via: Florence Regional Arts Alliance
Art on the South Carolina Cotton Trail
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The South Carolina Cotton Trail, stretching from I-95 to I-20 in the Pee Dee, offers a history lesson on cotton's influence in the rural South. It's also a map to the talent and diversity of the region's artists, thanks to the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail. The group brings together artists, artisans and retailers to attract tourists, share resources and educate the public about the area's tradition of fine visual arts and craft. Through Sept. 28, the Artisans will exhibit their work at the Art Trail Gallery in Florence. The exhibition is free and includes paintings, jewelry, mixed media, photography, glass, ceramics and more. Visit Pee Dee Arts for a list of artists and more information.
Photos: Examples of art work by six of the participating artists.
Via: Pee Dee Arts
The sculpture, entitled “On The Way To The Market,” depicts a woman with a basket of produce on her head walking to the market. Six years ago Palkovich read an article in a Charleston magazine about women who historically sold produce around the city, carrying it on their heads. The idea was hatched right then, but it took him years to find just the right model until he happened upon local nurse Deborah Baccus. The bronze sculpture will stand about 8 feet tall. Palkovich said he is planning on selling 36 copies as a limited edition release. Eventually, he hopes to get the sculpture installed on East Bay Street, in Charleston, near the outdoor market downtown. Of the several awards Palkovich has received for his sculptures, he said this one ranks at the top because it was chosen by people, not a committee. “It felt very special to receive this award,” he said. “Never in my life did I think I could get such an honor. The other awards were great too, but this is special.” Palkovich’s work can be seen around Florence with sculptures at the Florence Veterans Park and at Venters Landing in Johnsonville. This article originally appeared on SCNow.com and was written by John Russell.
