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Artists and art enthusiasts will receive a momentous honor when they join a prestigious line up during the sixth annual Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame Spectacular this weekend.
The annual event will honor those who dedicate themselves to the arts and will take place Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Simmons Center.
The next class of inductees, who will receive honors during the Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame include: Merle and Priscilla Brandon, recognized posthumously with the Pathfinder Award; Darcy Reeves, honored with a Pathfinder Award; JD Taylor, the Patron Award; and artist awards will go to Dave Carney, Robby McMurtry, recognized posthumously and Jennifer Steil.
Along with the inductees, there will be awards from art organizations, like the Chisholm Trail Arts Council presenting the Ambassador Award to Lou Baggett, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center presenting the Lead Rider Award to Jay Snider, Duncan Little Theatre presenting Ovation Awards to Michael Harris and Floyd Wininger and Heartbeat Dance presenting the Shining Star Award to Jeff Gregston.
Over the course of the evening, there will be several performances from Blake and Chelsea Parks, Heartbeat Dance, Haley Morrow and Stephen Robison, along with Laura Stockton, Kyle Gossett and Michael Wilder.
Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame Chair Cindy Parks said The Brandons owned and operated “Brandon’s Music Company” in downtown Duncan for several decades.
“They impacted countless lives of many students leading them in a positive direction musically,” she said.
Parks said Reeves has worked as the executive director of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council for over ten years.
“She has been extremely instrumental in promoting the arts in Duncan and in Stephens County,” Parks said. “She is responsible for four main programs — Art Education in Schools, Arts Explosion, the CTAC Art Gallery and the CTAC Live Concert Series.”
Parks said Taylor’s worked as a leader with for the entire technological system for Duncan Public Schools for 26 years.
“He has also voluntarily helped local organizations with videos and recording, such as United Way, Red Cross, Cancer Society, CTAC, Humane Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Duncan Jaycees,” she said.
While Carney attended Velma-Alma School, Parks said Carney has an intense musical background from performing with numerous bands.
“He is currently the road manager for Keith Urban and has toured Australia with him fifteen times,” she said.
Parks said McMurtry will be honored posthumously as well. She said he graduated from Velma-Alma High School, then went onto become an illustrator, novelist, painter, playwright, teacher and storyteller.
“He wrote several historical graphic novels, including one about Jesse Chisholm,” she said. “He passed away in 2012.”
Parks said Steil has taught art in public schools, as well as provide lessons private lessons at Cedar Cove business, Gabriel’s House, The Cancer Center, Arts Explosion and more.
Parks said Steil generated “a huge impact on many of the lives of children and adults in our community and beyond.”
Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame Spectacular tickets are on sale and can be obtained from the Simmons Center, by calling 580-252-2900 ext. 2 or online at www.simmonscenter.com.
VIP tickets are $75 and feature closer seating to the stage, a private meet and greet reception with visual artists at 5:30 p.m., as well as parking privileges, a reception following the event and their name included in a drawing for a piece of artwork by Eve Cornejo.
For general admission, tickets are $35, and include general seating and the after show reception with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on tickets for DAAHOF, visit the Simmons Center box office or call 580-252-2900 ext. 240.
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