FRAA announces its 2013 Arts Awards

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) recently announced its 2013 Arts Awards recipients.  Among the winners were two local arts leaders, one arts organization and a global corporation.  “We’re very fortunate in Florence County to have more worthy candidates than awards to give away,” said Quincy Kennedy, President of FRAA.  “We feel like our Board did a great job in narrowing down the nominations we received from the community; it’s not an easy task though,” Kennedy remarked.  

Jane Madden, the engine behind the Art Trail Gallery’s quick and continued success, received the John W. Baker Distinguished Service Award.  Madden’s efforts over the last five years have been a major factor in the “people side” of Florence’s downtown revitalization.  “As improvements are continuously being made downtown, Jane is one of the main people promoting events and encouraging folks to visit our revitalized downtown,” said Kennedy.  

The Florence Little Theatre received the Outstanding Arts Organization Award from FRAA.  “Most people are aware of the great shows FLT produces.  Not everyone is aware of the outstanding programming they put on for young people and for lifelong learners through their Senior Readers Group.  The impact FLT has on Florence County is truly amazing,” said Bruce Douglas, Executive Director of FRAA.  

The Business & Arts Partnership Award recipient for 2013 is Honda of South Carolina.  Honda, which operates out of Timmonsville, supports several community-based programs, projects and events, both arts and non-arts-related.  “Honda’s continuous support of the arts, and the Arts Alliance, is why they are receiving this award,” said Kennedy.  Honda partners with FRAA to present the Excellence in Arts Education Awards to Florence County’s public high schools.  Honda also funds FRAA’s quarterly grants program, which disburses money to organizations, artists and teachers throughout Florence County.  

The inaugural Frank Crow Service Award winner is Bill Kress.  Kress, a long-time Florence Regional Arts Alliance board member, staff member and volunteer, worked with Frank Crow and was honored to receive the award. “This award means alot to me because it has Frank’s name on it,” said Kress.  Crow served as FRAA’s director from 2003-2012 before medical issues forced him into retirement.  The Crow Award will be presented annually to an FRAA board member, staff member or volunteer who has had a tremendous impact on the organization.  

In 2014, FRAA will add a fifth award to its lineup.  The Greg Fry Arts Educator of the Year Award will be presented in May of next year.  More information about the award will be announced soon.  

To honor the winners, FRAA produced a series of videos.  Visit floscarts.org or http://vimeo.com/channels/peedeearts to view the videos.

For more information about these awards or any other Florence Regional Arts Alliance program, contact Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.