The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County held its annual Celebration of the Arts event yesterday at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Hosted by Alliance Executive Director Jim Shirley, the evening brought the community together to recognize grant recipients and leading advocates for arts and culture. The Alliance presented the Arts Leadership Awards to the following people in the following categories: Volunteer – David Schuler, The Ringling Museum; Arts Education – Kelli Maldonado, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; Arts Management – Sally Faron, La Musica; Philanthropy – Beverly Koski; Artistic Achievement – Nate Jacobs, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe; and Cultural Champion – Jean Weidner Goldstein.

The Alliance also recognized the winners of the State of the Arts Opportunity Grants: Belle Canto, Inc., Center for Architecture Sarasota, Inc., The North Port Chorale Inc., North Port Art Center and Musica Sacra Sarasota. Additionally recognized were the winners of the John Ringling Tower Fund Grants: Monica Cross for the performing arts; Pamela Callender for the visual arts; and Hermitage Artist Retreat for historic preservation.

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County