Governor's Arts & Heritage Awards Recipient Biographies2007 recipients of the Governor’s Arts Awards:Richard Elliott, Artist, Ellensburg. Elliott is a renowned Washington artist whose artistic style utilizes light, color, and radiant geometric patterns. His primary medium is industrial grade reflectors. In 1971 he received a degree in art from Central Washington University and in 2000 was named Distinguished Alumni of the School of Arts & Humanities. His work is included in a number of collections including the State Arts Collection, Oregon Arts Commission, Henry Art Gallery, and many others. Additionally, Dick and Jane’s Spot, his much decorated home in Ellensburg with his wife Jane, is an ever-changing array of dozens of other artists’ works and constructed installations constantly on display for everyone to enjoy.
Elizabeth Herres Miller, Executive Director, Allied Arts of Yakima Valley. As Executive Director of Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, Miller’s contribution to the artistic vitality of the area has been tremendous. Miller established and revitalized numerous programs and events, the Mariachi Initiative was established in 2002 to develop mariachi programs in local schools, a family theatre program, poetry readings, and the One-on-One program for youth referred by Juvenile Detention, create arts and community participation opportunities throughout Yakima Valley. And due to her tenacity, vision, and commitment, the Millennium Arts Plaza was created in 2000; it serves not only as a great piece of public art, but also as a community gathering spot and has helped spark a downtown renaissance.
Gage Academy of Art, Seattle. Founded in 1989 by architect Pamela Belyea and painter Gary Faigin, the Academy has become a major visual arts school in the Northwest. While its curriculum focuses on teaching artists the fundamentals of form, color, and composition through time-honored artistic principles, the Academy has also developed a number of programs that demonstrate its outreach and impact in the community. After-school, weekend, and summer programs allow the Academy to serve close to 1,000 children and teens each year through tuition-based and free Youth Programs.
Michael Sandner, Director of Arts Education and Curriculum Integration, Bethel School District – specifically for his work in Arts Education. Sandner’s contributions to the arts and arts education can be seen at the local, regional, and statewide level. From his participation in the statewide Arts Assessment Leadership Team established by OSPI to develop and implement Classroom Based Performance Assessments in the Arts, to his work to help establish the Bethel Foundation which provides funding for arts activities throughout the community, and his leadership, knowledge and support for arts education in every school within the district.
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