Arts Alliance celebrates local artists and advocates

By Nick Reichert
| 4:00 a.m. October 21, 2014

Jim Shirley and Kathryn and Jonathan Parks at the annual arts celebration.

Arts + Culture

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, an advocacy organization that raises awareness, gives grants, and advocates for local county art organizations and artists, held its annual arts celebration Monday, Oct. 20, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Featuring a reception, performances by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the Sarasota Orchestra Brass Quintet and the Sarasota Ballet, and an awards ceremony, the event was a time to rejoice and to look ahead to the future of arts in Sarasota County.

Awards were given in the following categories:

Artistic Achievement: Murray Chase, director of Venice Theatre

Arts Management: Mary Anne Servian, managing director of the Sarasota Ballet

Leadership in Philanthropy: Stanley Kane

Volunteerism: Leona Collesano, volunteer and board member of the Players Theatre

Media Leadership: WUSF Public Media

Arts in Healthcare: Fuzion Dance Artists

Nancy Roucher Arts Education Leadership Award: State Sen. Nancy Detert

Also, besides recognizing the above citizens and institutions, the Alliance also awarded the following grants:

John Ringling Tower Fund Grants:

Historic Preservation: Historical Society of Sarasota County

Literary: Phillipe Diederich