GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR THE ARTS
October 4, 2010, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Schwartz Center for the Arts, Dover

On October 4, 2010, Governor Jack Markell, the Delaware State Arts Council, and the Delaware Division of the Arts presented the 2010 Governor's Awards for the Arts to four individuals and organizations that have made outstanding, long-term contributions to Delaware's artistic and cultural life. The awardees include:

Collaboration Category
University of Delaware Art Conservation Department and Winterthur Museum and Country Estate

Individual Category
William M. Shea

Organization Category
The Music School of Delaware

Peggy Amsterdam Outstanding Achievement Award
Michael Kalmbach

Be sure to click the four awardees above to read more about them and see a brief video clip of their work!

To see who is pictured, click the fullscreen icon on the bottom right and then "Show Info" on the top right.

The Governor's Awards for the Arts ceremony took place at the Schwartz Center for the Arts, 226 S. State Street, with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. The evening featured remarks by Governor Markell and performances by the Bowman-Braddock Duo playing flute and guitar, Clear Space Theatre Company singing excerpts from "100 Years of Broadway," and student violinist Nathan Lowman accompanied by Lotus Cheng.

Award Piece

Peter Saenger, ceramic artist living in Newark, was commissioned to create this year's award piece for each of the honorees. He designed a porcelain vessel and base in black and white that are keyed to fit into each other. The form rises from a faceted foundation, symbolizing the Diamond State, and flows upward into a hollow vessel. The distinguishing design line represents Delaware’s coastline and arcing northern border. A snaking line clearly declares the state of origin to Delawareans, as it forms the right-hand edge, arcing from top to bottom, suggesting a water pitcher symbolizing the flowing Delaware River.

History of the Governor's Awards for the Arts

Since 1970, Delaware has paid tribute to distinguished individuals and organizations that have had a profound and lasting impact on the state's artistic and cultural life. Governor Jack A. Markell, the Delaware State Arts Council and the Delaware's Division of the Arts are proud to honor the 2010 recipients of the Governor's Awards for the Arts. This marks the tenth celebration since 1970 of individuals and organizations that have helped to shape Delaware's rich culture & arts.

For listing of past Governor's Award recipients, click here.