DEARBORN – The public is invited to attend Dearborn’s version of the Oscars for the arts – the Mayor’s Arts Awards — to honor the achievements of outstanding artists and thank those who support the arts.
The Dearborn Community Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office, in partnership with the Dearborn Community Fund, will present the 31st Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony at 7 p.m. April 10 in Studio A at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. An afterglow reception featuring the honorees will follow in the Padzieski Art Gallery.
Admission to both events is free.
The Mayor’s Arts Awards Selection Committee will honor the following individuals and organizations for enriching lives and communities in 2018 through their artistic talents or their dedication to supporting the arts:
The Mayor’s Award will be presented to sculptor Lois Teicher. This award is given to a Dearborn resident who has achieved prominence in the arts through support or performance. Teicher’s work is on exhibit through April 11 in the Padzieski Gallery.
The Artist/Performer Award will be presented to opera singer Quinto Milito, founder of the Friends of the Opera Michigan. This award is given to a fine arts artist or performing artist from the greater Dearborn community who has consistently made an impact in his or her artistic discipline.
The Arts Educator Award will be presented to Becky Ventura. This award recognizes an arts educator from the greater Dearborn community who has provided students with exemplary educational opportunities and has shown the importance of the arts through example.
The Patron Award recognizes individuals, businesses or corporations that have supported excellence in the arts by contributing to an arts organization or to the greater Dearborn arts community. The 2018 Patron Award will be presented to Howard and Jennifer Pingston of Cricket Properties.
The Organization Award will be presented to the Museum Guild of Dearborn. This award recognizes an arts organization for outstanding contributions to the advancement and support of the arts in the greater Dearborn community.
The Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who, through volunteerism, has demonstrated significant accomplishment in advancing and supporting the arts in the greater Dearborn community. The 2018 Volunteer Award will be presented to Ghinwa Karkaba.
This year the DCAC will present an award that is not given every year. It is reserved for individuals who, through exceptional selfless dedication to the arts on a broader scale, have made a significant impact on the Dearborn community and beyond. This year, the DCAC presents its Special Recognition Award to Dearborn Symphony President Sandy Butler.
Entertainment for this year’s program includes pianist Jacqueline Csurgai-Schmitt and Edsel Ford High School students performing selections from their upcoming musical, “Mary Poppins.” Master of ceremonies for the evening is Richard Moore, known for his long association with the Players Guild of Dearborn.
Awards sponsors include Don and Mary Kosch, The Glass Academy, Ameriprise Financial-Jim Thorpe, and Park Place Banquets & Catering.
The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126.
For more information about the Mayor’s Arts Awards or the DCAC, go to www.dcacarts.org or call 313-943-3095.