2019 Lawton Cultural Award Winners Announced
2019 Lawton Cultural Award Winners Announced
The City of Lawton and the Lawton Arts & Humanities will celebrate the talents of artists and the importance of individuals and businesses who are creating the cultural landscape of the Lawton-Fort Sill community.
This recognition is given in the form of six Lawton Cultural Awards in the category of citizen of the arts and humanities, educator in the arts and humanities, business/organization in the arts/ humanities, and artist of the year.
“We are delighted to be able to shine a spotlight on the talent and commitment of those who made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of our community,” said Administrator Billie Whipp of the City of Lawton Arts & Humanities Division.
The activities of the nominees chosen have made a significant impact through volunteerism, service to underserved populations, increased funding and resources, increased public awareness, contributions to arts and humanities education, and increased public access to arts and humanities programs.
The Roma Clift Montgomery Citizen of the Arts will be presented to Addam Tate in spearheading the annual haunted house and family carnival at the Lawton Community Theatre.
Linda Chapman will receive the Roma Clift Montgomery Citizen of the Humanities for her voluntarism with the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Educator in the Arts award will be presented to Mandee Thomas, an elementary gifted and talented teacher, for her work with incorporating the arts into different school subjects to enhance the students’ learning.
Phyllis Young, volunteer for the Southwest Oklahoma Genealogical Society and the Lawton Heritage Society, is the recipient of this year’s award for Educator in the Humanities.
KSWO TV 7 was selected as the Business in the Arts for generously providing on-air PSAs, and its news coverage for the local arts.
Sandra Dunn, a well-known Medicine Park artist and Lawton Eisenhower Middle School art teacher, will receive the Artist of the Year award.
“The Cultural Awards not only showcase these individual talents, but also the impact of the arts on Lawton,” said Whipp. “Arts and culture not only drive economic benefits to Lawton, but give our city vitality, vibrancy, and quality of life we would not have if we did not have a Playhouse, a Philharmonic, museums, and an art gallery. We believe arts and humanities programs are essential to the well-being, and attractiveness of our community."
Nominations are submitted by the public from September through November and a panel of members from the Arts & Humanities Council review the nominations and select the winners, who are recognized at the Annual Arts For All Kick-off Fund Drive Luncheon.
This year’s event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 135 NW 2nd Street in Lawton. The guest speaker is Glen Henry, the former Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Arts Director and currently a Cameron University adjunct instructor who teaches Beginning and Advanced Sculpture, and Graphic Design.
Reservations are encouraged for this very popular event which is co-sponsored by the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce. Call the Chamber at (580) 355-3541 for reservation information.
About The Lawton Arts & Humanities Division
The Lawton Arts & Humanities Division supports the cultural endeavors of the City of Lawton by providing resources and outreach to area organizations and individuals. The division manages the McMahon Memorial Auditorium and is part of the Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, it provides assistance to the City of Lawton's various boards and trusts, to include the Lawton Arts & Humanities Council and the McMahon Auditorium Authority. The Division coordinates the annual Freedom Festival and the International Festival. The office also serves as the point of contact for film, music & video production support requests. More information is available at www.lawtonok.gov/departments/arts-and-humanities.