SC Arts Commission Press Releases
2008 Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Awards Recipients Announced
Feb. 14, 2008
Media Contact:
Milly Hough
(803) 734-8698
COLUMBIA, S.C. –The board of the S.C. Arts Commission has selected seven recipients to receive this year’s Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Awards, the official Governor’s Awards for the Arts. Established in 1972, the annual awards are the highest honor the state gives in the arts and recognize outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina.
“These recipients represent excellence and the utmost commitment to the arts in South Carolina,” said Suzette Surkamer, executive director of the South Carolina Arts Commission. “The awards acknowledge their outstanding achievements and contributions to the arts in our state.”
This year’s recipients are:
Individual Artist – Jill Eathorne Bahr, Charleston
Arts in Education – Roy S. Fluhrer, Greenville
Business/Foundation – First Citizens Bank, Columbia
Government – Jay Hodge, Cheraw
Individual – Kwame Dawes, Elgin
Organization – Arts Council of Greenwood County, Greenwood
Lifetime Achievement – John Jakes, Hilton Head
The awards presentation is taking place during a special Statehouse ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, followed by an awards luncheon at the Columbia Marriott Hotel. In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Arts Commission, previous Verner Award recipients are being recognized during the luncheon. The S.C. Arts Foundation is presenting the benefit luncheon. For more information, call (803) 734-8696.
About S.C. Arts Commission:
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission is celebrating 40 years of increasing public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina and by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
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