Governor's Arts Awards - Nov. 12, 2008
The Community Arts Center offered a dazzling venue for the Governor's Arts Awards on Wednesday, the keystone event in a weeklong cultural celebration throughout the city. Outside the Arts Center, in three tents on West Fourth Street – which temporarily was renamed "Avenue of the Arts" – dancers, musicians, artists and crafters showcased their gifts for an appreciative public undeterred by autumn's chill. Gov. Edward G. and Judge Marjorie O. Rendell presided over the public awards ceremony, a 28-year gubernatorial tradition honoring outstanding Pennsylvania artists, arts organizations and patrons who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the arts. This year's honorees included actor Michael Keaton (perhaps best known for his roles in "Beetlejuice" and the two Tim Burton-directed "Batman" movies) and Williamsport residents Barbara Hudock and Sascha Feinstein. Earlier in the day, the facility hosted "Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative," a free keynote address by Sir Ken Robinson about arts education.
– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue; Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist;
Cindy D. Meixel, photo editor; and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
Members of the Milissa Augustine Dance and Fitness Academy were joined by three other troupes for some "Dancing in the Streets."
Actor Michael Keaton, winner of the Distinguished Arts Award.
Colorful banners line West Fourth Street for the week's celebration.
Hundreds mingle in the festive air outside the Community Arts Center.
Hospitality student Russell Hackenburg joins Chef Paul Mach, assistant professor of hospitality management/culinary arts, on the CAC balcony.
Williamsport businesswoman Barbara Hudock receives the 2008 Patron Award.
Batman (Timothy J. Mallery, Penn College's assistant director of residence life) plays superhero to two area teachers of the arts: Stefanie Welty, Curtin Middle School, and Tess Bower-Gist, Jersey Shore High School.
Betsy Rider, of Otto's Bookstore, offers related titles in the Arts Center lobby.
Colorfully lighted ice sculpture lends ambience to the proceedings.
Sir Ken Robinson signs copies of his book after the keynote speech.
Brian Toomey, among the night's busy School of Hospitality students.
Students of the Uptown Music Collective jam at the performing-arts tent.
Checking out the handmade creations inside the crafts tent.
Judge Marjorie O. Rendell, Pennsylvania's first lady.
"Found art" adds whimsy to student exhibit in the former M&T Bank.
Gov. Edward G. Rendell presides over the evening's awards ceremony.
Pre-awards reception catered by School of Hospitality students.
Robert Salaki's "Celebrate Art" ice sculpture catches the colors of the nearby Pilato mural.
Michael Keaton greets well-wishers and fans in the Capitol Lounge.
Attendees fill the Arts Center lobby.
Special night is spelled out on the CAC marquee.
Michael Patterson, a Penn College alumnus, talks with fellow artisans – including Deb Parsons, left, and Kathy Sterngold, right – in the craft tent.
Miss Pennsylvania Kendria Perry.
Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour delivers welcome.
Music fills the Community Arts Center.
Michael Keaton accepts his award.
Lizabeth S. Mullens, the college's vice president for academic affairs/provost, and her husband, Russell A., talk with Tom Zimmerman, assistant professor of psychology.
The COTAlums, three young jazz musicians, entertain the audience.
Famed jazz musician and educator Phil Woods and the Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts receive the Pennsylvania Creative Community Award.
Gov. Edward G. and Judge Marjorie O. Rendell pose for a photo with Williamsport Mayor Gabriel J. Campana.
Michael Keaton reunites with David Newell, better known as Mr. McFeely from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," on which he began his show-business career.
Local author, musician and Lycoming College professor Sascha Feinstein accepts the 2008 Artist of the Year Award.
Hospitality student Sean Simpson helps accommodate the hungry crowd.
Williamsport Area High School's Strolling Strings perform in the Arts Center lobby.
West Fourth Street renamed "Avenue of the Arts" for the week.
Sir Ken Robinson offers an impassioned keynote address.
Sterling students on the serving line are, from left, Kyle Hanjaras, Elisabeth Callahan and Krystal Lewis.