The 2009 Santa Maria Arts Council Grants Showcase will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 18 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Santa Maria. This year, the council is awarding $10,000 in first- and second-place awards to the valley’s top emerging artists in dance, drama, visual arts, and music. The evening includes visual arts displays and performances, along with gourmet deli food, dessert, wine, and the opportunity to meet promising new artists.
Each year, the grants are awarded in the name of an honoree who has made significant contributions to the local arts community. This year, the Arts Council honors ceramic artist Bob Nichols, who has been a fine arts instructor at Allan Hancock College for the past 21 years. His community involvement includes leading a group of artists in the design and installation of the Highway 101 mural project, which features 48 ceramic murals on local freeway overpasses. He’s also been a generous contributor to the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
The Arts Council individual grants awardees in dance are Kendra Pearson, first place, and Aaron Lopez, second place. In drama, the first place award goes to Katie Newcomer and second place award to Michael Maisonneuve, who also won first place in the music category, while second place was awarded to Erin Hustine. The top emerging visual artists are Ariana Sarinara, first place, and Beckie Hellwig, second place.
Tickets for the Grants Showcase cost $20 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children. Reservations can be made by calling 934-0492. m
Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Shelly Cone. Send items for consideration to scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 7-14, 2009.
