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GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR THE ARTS 2010
As a young, up-and-coming leader in the arts and a visual artist, Michael Kalmbach is a fitting recipient of the Peggy Amsterdam Outstanding Achievement Award. His actions have made a significant impact on the arts in and around Wilmington over the past several years.
As the founder and Director of New Wilmington Art Association (NWAA), he has organized more than two dozen exhibitions of contemporary art in vacant storefront properties throughout the city's downtown. The NWAA has provided countless new opportunities for students and established artists in this region. As a result, Wilmington is gaining a reputation as a place that will support and sustain the work of a new creative class.
In his position as Assistant Director of Admissions at the Delaware College of Art & Design, Michael has participated in the recruitment of more than 350 students. He has also been able to foster numerous collaborations with art instructors and students at area high schools and the University of Delaware.
Most recently, he became a board member of the Shipley Village Community Development Corporation, working to market and create programming for Wilmington's newly developed artist live/work space, Shipley lofts.
The Peggy Amsterdam Outstanding Achievement Award has been created in honor of Peggy Amsterdam, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts from 1993-2000. Before her untimely passing in 2009, Peggy was a pillar in the arts world—recognized regionally and nationally for her leadership and vision, for expanding people’s access to the arts, and for supporting excellence in artistic expression.
