Several years ago, I was appointed by the governor to serve on the board for the Washington State Arts Commission, ArtsWA. Also representing Central Washington is the newly reappointed Yakima arts leader, Noel Moxley. Formerly the executive director of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Moxley currently serves on the board for the Tieton Arts & Humanities and the Friends of the Boxx Gallery as well.
Serving as a commissioner is a honor and provides a distinct insight into the truly exceptional work being done across the state. This past week we celebrated the annual Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards (GAHAs) to recognize Washington’s outstanding arts and cultural leaders, artists, culture bearers and organizations. ArtsWA administers the awards on behalf of the governor.
“These awards are a true community celebration,” said Karen Hanan, executive director of ArtsWA.
“Nominations poured in from across the state with a clear message: Washington is home to outstanding artists, organizations and culture bearers that deserve to stand up and be recognized. Their work enriches our communities and enlivens the entire state.”
Established in 1966, the Governor’s Arts Awards honor those making significant contributions to the State’s arts and cultural development. In 1989 the Governor’s Heritage Awards were added to recognize the dedication of those preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage and traditions.
Many notable individuals and organizations from Central Washington have been honored since the GAHAs were created. From Yakima, the musician Salvador Baldovinos and the Yakama Nation’s basket maker Nettie Kuneki Jackson were honored. From Ellensburg we recognized the late artist Richard Elliott, creator of the recently restored Circle of Light installed on the Yakima Valley SunDome, also the late artist and curator Carol Hassen, and Gallery One for which she was the director for many years. Hassen also curated the 4th Street Theatre’s Art on the Wall gallery for 10 years and previously served as director of the Larson Gallery.
As chair of the Board of Commissioners, I was honored to join Karen Hanan and Tony Gomez, a Tacoma-based musician and educator who also served as emcee for this year’s ceremony, in kicking off the awards celebration.
Two individual awards were given this year. The first went to Italian-born artist Lino Tagliapietra who introduced Venetian glassblowing traditions to students at the Pilchuk School. The other honored glass artist and author, Ginny Ruffner, founded SOLA, Support for Old Lady Artists, which encourages and celebrates accomplished women artists whose work has not been widely recognized.
Urban ArtWorks and Sequim City Band both received Organization Awards. The Seattle-based Urban Artworks engages youth, artists and communities in the creation of public art that inspires connections and honors their voices through mentorship and training. Formed in 1992, the Sequim City Band was the only community concert band on the Olympic Peninsula. With over 70 musicians, it performs free symphonic concerts, promotes music education and preserves the symphonic band tradition.
Collin J. Pittmann of Spokane Valley received the Young Leader Award. Currently completing his MFA in theatre directing in London, he also serves as production manager at Spokane Valley Summer Theatre. Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs received the Legacy Award. He currently serves as music director for the Everett Philharmonic and Tacoma Youth Symphony Orchestras.
The Educator Award honors the work of Dr. Ashley DeMoville, interim dean, Visual & Performing Arts at Spokane Falls Community College. Her most recent research involves a national study on theater-specific initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Community Impact Award recognized the work of Allied Arts of Whatcom County, and the first ever Arts & Heritage Champion Award went to Mimi Gardner Gates, former director of the Seattle Art Museum.
We have a great deal to celebrate in those recognized by the 2023 GAHAs. I encourage you to learn more about this year’s honorees and explore the amazing work happening across the state. You might just end up nominating someone next year for the amazing work that helps make Washington such a creative and enriching place to live.
• Charlie Robin is CEO of The Capitol Theatre. He contributes a column in the Explore section every four weeks.