Governor's Awards for the Arts

Governor's Awards for the Arts brings the richness and diversity of the arts in Virginia to the attention of the general public and to state officials. Over 40 states host Governor's Arts Awards programs. The Awards recognize lifetime achievement for the recipients, are a public demonstration of the Governor's commitment to arts and culture, and are an opportunity for celebration of the cultural life of a state.

Overview
Governor's Awards for the Arts have been presented four times in Virginia - in 1979 by Governor John Dalton, in 1985 by Governor Charles Robb, in 2000 by Governor James Gilmore and 2008 by Governor Tim Kaine.

2008 Governor's Arts Awards Recipients

Bob Brown Puppets, Fairfax
Hampton University Museum, Hamptonr
Richmond Ballet, Stoner Winslett, Artistic Director
Richmond Jazz Society
Theatre IV, Richmond, Bruce Miller and Phil Whiteway, Founders
William King Regional Arts Center, Abingdon
Dr. Ralph Cohen and Jim Warren, Staunton
Dr. Ralph Stanley, Coeburn
David and Susan Goode, Norfolk
Shenandoah: The Washington and Lee University Review, Lexington

2000 Governor's Arts Awards Recipients

Galax Moose Lodge #733, sponsor of the Old Fiddlers Convention
George Garrett, Charlottesville, novelist, essayist, poet, and teacher
Dr. Nikki Giovanni, Christiansburg, poet and teacher
Adolphus Hailstork, Virginia Beach, composer
Philip Morris Family of Companies, patrons of the arts
Theresa Pollak, Richmond, painter and founder of the VCU School of the Arts
Daisy Portuondo, Wise, impresario and arts patron
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Sweet Briar, artists retreat
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Vienna

1985 Governor's Arts Awards Recipients

Jewett Campbell, painter and educator
Janette Carter and the Carter Family Fold
the Chrysler Museum
Sydney and Frances Lewis
Dr. Undine Smith Moore, composer and educator
Thea Musgrave, composer
the Fairfax Symphony
Peter Taylor, author
CSX Corporation, supporter of the arts
Norfolk Southern Corporation, supporter of the arts

1979 Governor's Arts Awards Recipients

Dabney Stuart, poet and professor of English at Washington & Lee University
Isaiah Jackson, conductor
the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center
Nell Blaine, painter
Marian Van Landingham, founder of the Torpedo Factory Arts Center
the Richmond Symphony
the Virginia Opera
the Barter Theatre
Catherine Filene Shouse, founder of Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts
Leslie Cheek, Jr., director of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Miller & Rhoads Department Store, supporter of the arts
Thalhimer's Department Store, supporter of the art

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Virginia Commission for the Arts ▪ Lewis House ▪ 223 Governor Street ▪ Richmond, VA 23219
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