Governor's Arts awardees named

Six recipients ranging from artists and educators to businesses and nonprofit organizations dedicated to the advancement of the arts were awarded the Governor's Arts Awards by the Nevada Arts Council.

-- Larry Williamson of Virginia City will receive the award for Excellence in the Arts.

-- Pamela "Sue" Coleman of Carson City will receive the award for Excellence in Folk Arts.

-- The Sierra Arts Foundation of Reno will receive the award for Service to the

Arts: Organizations and Individuals.

-- Stremmel Galleries of Reno will receive the award for Service to the Arts:

Businesses and Patrons.

-- The Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts will receive the award for Arts and Education.

-- Former University of Nevada, Reno, President N. Edd Miller will receive

an award for Distinguished Service in the Arts.

The Governor's Arts Awards recognize outstanding and enduring contributions to Nevada through artistic achievement, commitment, and service to the arts. The awards are an important acknowledgement of the recipients' commitment to add to the state's present day quality of life while ensuring a strong cultural legacy for future generations.

Award winners will receive a piece of original artwork made by Nevada artist Lynda Yuroff commissioned by the Arts Council. A presentation ceremony and reception honoring the recipients of the 23rd Annual Governor's Arts Awards is scheduled for the evening of March 5, at the Brewery Arts Center's Performance Hall. The awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs' Oasis Conference.

The Governor's Arts Awards were inaugurated in 1979 as the Decade Awards and became an annual event the following year. Through this program, the Nevada Arts Council and the governor have recognized 160 individuals, arts organizations and businesses for their dedication to a rich cultural life for the state.