OLEAN, N.Y. — The Tri County Arts Council is currently accepting nominations for Arts and Cultural Awards, with winners to be announced at the Celebration Of The Arts in August.
Any individuals in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties can be nominated through July 1, via email by Friday, July 1 and can be sent to TCAC Executive Director Paula Bernstein at paula@tricountyartscouncil.org. Include the name of the nominee, which award they are nominated for and why, as well as who nominated them. Submit all nominations via email.
The following Arts and Cultural Awards will be presented during the Celebration Of The Arts:
Thomas Barnes Lifetime Achievement, named after longtime Arts Council board president: This award celebrates the career of an individual artist, organization, individual at an organization, or individual artist who, among other distinctions, has demonstrated particular commitment to his or her work throughout a long career and has made important contributions regionally, nationally or internationally in his/her field, especially at a milestone marker, such as retirement, job change, posthumous recognition, etc.
Distinguished Artist of the Year: This award honors individual artists in any discipline for their creative excellence and superior accomplishments in 2021.
Outstanding High School Senior: This award recognizes an outstanding 2022 high school senior graduate who will be continuing their education at any college or university, and pursuing studies in dance, fine arts, graphic design, music, or theater. This award comes with a $250 scholarship proudly sponsored by Hedley Brook Insurance and Christie’s Boutique.
Excellence in Arts Education: This award honors an arts educator for their work in providing art instruction that helps to guide the next generation of artists in our region and cultivating lifelong supporters of the arts.
Volunteer of the Year Award: Many of the region’s arts and cultural organizations rely on volunteers to put on the show! This award recognizes the outstanding volunteer efforts of an unpaid individual or group that has had a major impact on the arts and culture sector.
Program of the Year: This award will honor the achievement, dedication, and creativity of an individual or organization from each county of the three counties.
Winners will be celebrated at the Celebration Of The Arts starting at 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Woodside Tavern on the Range, 3319 W River Road, Olean. Tickets are $40 for one person or $75 for a couple.
