The Arts Council of Mendocino County announces
the 2nd Annual Champion of the Arts Awards

The Board of Directors of the Arts Council of Mendocino County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2004 Champion of the Arts Awards. Covelo resident Mildred Norseen Pinkham was selected for sharing the gift of classical music through teaching, leading the Norseen Singers of Round Valley, and bringing music performances and music education to her community. Potter Valley residents Skip and Barbara Newell were selected for generously supporting youth in arts, local musicians and performing artists, and civic events that feature art. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens was selected for hosting the annual "Art in the Gardens" and "Winesong" events, both of which highlight the talents of local artists and artisans. And Art Explorers, a Fort Bragg non-profit organization, was selected for providing art classes, vocational training, community exhibits, and a supportive environment where adult artists with special needs can grow as individuals and learn new skills through the visual arts.

The 2nd Annual Mendocino County Arts Champion Awards were presented on November 9, 2004 at the County Board of Supervisors’ meeting. The Supervisors issued a proclamation in recognition of the awards, and the Arts Council hosted a public reception for the award recipients, their families, friends, students, and employees. As a commemorative gift, each Art Champion was presented with a copy of “The Painter Lady,” a book on the life and art of Grace Carpenter Hudson donated by the Grace Hudson Museum of Ukiah.

Mildred Norseen Pinkham with Supervisor Shoemaker	Skip & Barbara Newell with Supervisor Wagenet

Linda Brown, Rich Owings, and Lynelle Johnson from the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens with Supervisor Campbell (second from right)

Kristin Otwell and Joan Burleigh, Co-Directors of Art Explorers	Arts Council Executive Director Anna Kvinsland with Supervisor Colfax

For more information on the awards, please contact the Arts Council of Mendocino County at (707) 961-5449 or email director@artsmendocino.org.