Various individuals recognized for arts support at Arts Council's 40th anniversary event

[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Screen-Shot-2016-09-22-at-4.48.32-PM.png” credit=”Courtesy Arts Council of Long Beach” align=”left” lightbox=”on” caption=”Outgoing Arts Council of Long Beach Board President Marco Schindelmann (far left), Arts Council Executive Director Griselda Suarez (third from right) and incoming Board President Tasha Hunter (second from right) stand with honorees of the council’s various awards during the 2016 State of the Arts event.” captionposition=”left”] [aesop_character name=”Cory Bilicko” caption=”Managing Editor” align=”right” force_circle=”off”] It was a special day for the Arts Council for Long Beach on Sept. 22— not only because the organization bestowed numerous awards to local individuals and groups, but also because it was doing so on the exact day of its 40th anniversary.
With a full house that ended up being standing-room only, the Liberty Art Gallery at 435 Alamitos Ave., formerly Willie’s Tin Shop, served as host for the 2016 State of the Arts ceremony Thursday morning.
Outgoing Arts Council Board President Marco Schindelmann officiated the event and introduced Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, saying that he has been a dependable supporter of the local arts.
“The nice thing is the support (from Garcia) has actually increased,” Schindelmann said. “Sometimes, when it comes to support for the arts, it kind of wanes, but, with him, it’s been getting stronger and stronger, and I really appreciate that.”
Garcia took to the podium and said that he’s always believed that arts and culture thrive in any city that is successful. He added that what artists have in common is shared values in appreciating the differences in people and helping the less fortunate.
“Artists build and have created this strong, progressive, thoughtful and caring community in our city,” the mayor said. “And I want to thank you for that.”
After Garcia spoke, the Arts Council’s executive director, Griselda Suarez addressed the gathering and shared some of the cultural successes made during the last year as well as announcing a new project.
“Granted by the California Arts Council, we are working in partnership with Cambodia Town, mid-town and Anaheim Corridor communities to create murals along Anaheim Street,” Suarez said.
Board member Tasha Hunter was also introduced as the new board president, and she thanked her parents, who were in the audience, for being her biggest supporters.
The event ended with the Arts Council announcing the recipients of its awards.
The Incite/Insight Award, which “shines light on the multifaceted arts and varied perspectives of culture in Long Beach,” was given to Elizabeth González, Dr. Daniel Walker and Prumsodun Ok.
Distinguished board members Renee Simon and Barbara Blackwell were also honored.
The James A. Ackerman Arts Philanthropist Award, which honors a person who exemplifies the spirit of giving through their extraordinary support of the arts in Long Beach, was given to Mike Wylie.
The Arts Volunteer Award, which honors a person who exemplifies generosity through volunteerism in the creative sector, was presented to Francois Hussenet.
The Arts Educator Award, which honors a person who has made a meaningful impact in arts, was given to Cherilyn Walker.
The Arts Innovator Award honors a person, organization or group that brings innovative change to Long Beach through the creative sector and was given to Ron Nelson.
The Economic Development Arts Trailblazer Award honors a person, organization or group that contributes to the economic development of the city through the creative sector in Long Beach, and its recipient this year was Kerstin Kansteiner.