Arts Recognition Honorees

2019

Dr. Lawrence E. Anderson (Danville): Founding Musical Conductor of the Danville Community Bank in 200, and a lifelong Music Educator and Band Director.

Dr. Napoleon Dargan (San Pablo): Developed an innovative, arts-based program for some of the most vulnerable in our community, addressing anxiety and depression. 

Rosalinda Grejsen (Brentwood): Co-founded the Art Guild of the Delta, under the Brentwood Art Society and Gallery Director at the Delta Gallery Community Art Center.

Leslie Noel (Lafayette): Founder and Director of the Peter Pan Foundation to inspire children of all ages to find their inner talents and confidences; on and off the stage.    

Kelsey Wengel (San Ramon): Facilitator of learning to her students at Daugherty Valley High. A visual art mentor for the San Ramon Valley Unified School district.

Lafayette Town Hall Theater: Awarded a Commission Special Award in Celebration of their 75^th year of presenting theatre of the highest professional standards. Their Town Hall Education program provides high quality theater education for children pre-k through high school

Blue Devils Performing Arts (Concord): Awarded a Commission Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts for  a commitment to youth development and performance excellence worldwide within the Blue Devils Performing Arts Organization. 

2017

Dr. Alan Siegel (San Pablo): For his work with the Art of Health and Healing at County Regional Center and health Centers.

Clarinet Fusion: A Clarinet chorus that performs throughout the County, and is now developing programs to reach music lovers of all ages all over the world.

Sharon Redman (Brentwood): Founder and Artistic Director of Vagabond Players.  She celebrates Seniors talents by having them perform in her shows and this troupe of performers do shows at Senior centers, Assisted Living facilities and small venues in Central and East county.

Richard and Natica Angilly (Richmond): For all of their work with Poetic Dance Classes and Poetic Dance Theatre events for more than 30 years all over the world.

Jack Cattan (Walnut Creek): On the Board of Diablo Ballet and has substantially contributed his leadership to Diablo Ballet's PEEK Outreach for title-one schools and the Juvenile Justice system program.

Robin Moore (Pleasant Hill): For her Distinguished Service and Leadership to the County’s Poetry Out Loud Program for High school students.

Diablo Regional Arts Association (Walnut Creek):  For their Outstanding Contribution to the Arts through their Art Access program and for providing Grants to many of the performing arts organizations in the County. 

2016

Richmond RYSE Center Performing Arts

Sylvia Amorino: Founder and Artistic Director of Solo Opera.

Michael and Shannon Demers

Jay Bedecarre

Lawrence Kohl: Past president of the Orinda Art Council and Pacific Chamber Symphony Music Director.

2015

Rhu A. Bigay: Oil painter specializing in Historical aircraft

Pamela Freund-Stiplen: Co-founder of the Gold Coast Players

Peter Maund: Percussionist and founding member of Ensemble Alcatraz

2014

Sylvia Fein: Painter

Joel Summerhill: Landscape architect and painter

Silvester Henderson: Music Department Chair, Los Medanos College

2013

Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center (San Pablo)

Corey Mason (El Cerrito): Educator and Founder WorldOne Radio/Festival

James Phillip Wright (Orinda): Architect

2012

St. Mary’s College Museum of Art

Michelle Seville (City of Richmond): Arts & Culture Manager

Hershell West: Artist and Arts Advocate

2011

Shogard Butler: Artist

Joan Marable: Arts Educator, Lafayette Partner’s In Education

Mario Scharmer: Artist

2010

Diane Gilfether: Musical Director, Blackhawk Chorus

Anthony McCarty: Founder and Artistic Director, Galatean Players Ensemble

Women Sing: Martin Benvento Artistic Director

2008

Jerrold Hatchett (Richmond): Arts Benefactor

Joan Landis: Poet

Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff: Children’s Author

Oscar Reynolds: Musician

Richmond Art Center