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.  

Four New Board Members Join the Florence Regional Arts Alliance

L to R: Jade Perkins, Shaw Thompson, 

Larry Anderson, Hilton Howe Cooper

FRAA Board Welcomes Four New Directors

Quincy Kennedy, President of the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA), recently announced the addition of four new members to the FRAA Board of Directors.  Jade Perkins, Hilton Howe Cooper, Larry Anderson, and Shaw Thompson attended their first Board Meeting on July 24^th. 

“This group of new board members comes to us an exciting time.  The arts are thriving in our County and region.  They’re going to help us keep that momentum going,” said Kennedy.    

Jade Perkins is the Content Producer for the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau.   A native of Ohio, Perkins also has experience in broadcast journalism.  Currently, she resides in Florence.

Hilton Howe Cooper of Scranton currently is employed by DHEC.  She became involved with FRAA through her connection with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 

Larry Anderson is Chair of the Art Department at Francis Marion University.  In addition to serving on the FRAA Board, Anderson serves on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Arts Alliance.  He has a long history of involvement with the arts in Florence County. 

Shaw Thompson, an active member of the Florence Little Theatre and the Masterworks Choir, is also new to the FRAA Board.  A native of Florence, Thompson is employed at Shaw Lumber Company and serves as an adjunct faculty member at FMU.

FRAA Board Members serve three-year terms and may serve up to two terms before rotating off. 

Established in 1984, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance is a community-based non-profit organization that is committed to preserving, supporting, and promoting the Arts in Florence County.  Additionally, FRAA strives to promote and strengthen the arts in the region through its online arts marketing initiative, Pee Dee Arts. 

For more information about FRAA, visit their website: peedeearts.org.     

Kennedy replaces Parham as Florence Regional Arts Alliance President

Quincy Kennedy of Hilliard Lyons was recently voted in as the President of the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA).  Kennedy will replace U.S. District Attorney Brad Parham, who will serve as an ex-officio to the FRAA Board of Directors. 

“Brad’s leadership was instrumental during a huge transitional period for the organization.  We’ve moved our offices and had a change in Executive Directors.  Brad helped make those transitions seamless,” said FRAA director Bruce Douglas. 

Quincy Kennedy & Bruce Douglas

Kennedy, who has served on the FRAA Board since 2008, is looking forward to assuming his role as President of FRAA. “This is an exciting time to be involved in the arts in Florence County.  With all that’s happening in downtown Florence and the incredible things taking place in Lake City, the arts in Florence County are thriving.” 

Established in 1984, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance is a community-based non-profit organization that is committed to preserving, supporting, and promoting the Arts in Florence County.  Additionally, FRAA strives to promote and strengthen the arts in the region through its online arts marketing initiative, Pee Dee Arts. 

For more information about FRAA, visit their website: peedeearts.org.