Annually, The Florence Regional Arts Alliance presents a series of awards recognizing the important contributions that individuals, groups and businesses make to the cultural life of our community. In addition, the efforts and hard work of students dedicated to the arts are celebrated through awards and scholarships. Nominations are solicited each spring from the community and awarded by the Florence Regional Arts Alliances Board of Directors. The awards presented are themselves works of art by a local artist.
For students planning to pursue a career in the arts, The Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Application. Application deadline has closed for 2017.
The 2017 Arts Awards
The Florence Regional Arts Alliance is hosting the Arts Awards Reception on May 9th, 2017 at 6pm. Join us at the Waters Building to Celebrate the Arts within Florence County. The event, generously underwritten by Edible Arrangements of Florence, is free and open to the public.
The 2017 Arts Awards Artist is Douglas Gray.
The 2017 Arts Awards Artist is Douglas Gray.
Douglas Gray is a Professor of Art at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. He joined the faculty in 1997 and is responsible for teaching Ceramics, Ceramics Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Design. Before coming to Francis Marion University, he taught at Sul Ross State University in Texas. He holds degrees from the University of North Texas and the University of Louisville.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Doug exhibits his artwork both regionally and nationally. His work has appeared in several periodicals and books including: Pottery Making Illustrated, Ceramics Monthly, Clay Times, Southern Living and the Lark Books’ 500 Series. Originally trained in functional pottery, his work has evolved to include sculptural and architectural forms. His current work utilizes a variety of traditional and experimental processes. He is particularly interested in color and surface, as developed on glazed and unglazed ceramic works. Additionally, he has developed various image transfer techniques on clay, a reflection of his interest in photography, printmaking, and story telling.
Doug regularly shares his creative process through demonstrations, workshops, and publications. Eager to promote, support, and serve fellow artists, Doug has coordinated several national, regional and local art exhibitions. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Ceramic Society’s Potters Council, where he held the office of Vice President.
Locally, he has served with the Florence Regional Arts Alliance and on various arts related Downtown Development endeavors.
The 2016 Arts Awards
The 2016 Arts Awards Artist is Jen Ervin.
The John W. Baker Award Recipient
Kelly M. Jokish
The John W. Baker Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual from Florence County who has significantly impacted the quality of life in our community through his/her activities, contributions, and/or accomplishments in the arts.
The Business & Partnership Award Recipient
F
lorence County
The Business and Arts Partnership Award recognizes a Florence County business for its vital commitment to the arts as evidence by operational and/or project support provided on a substantial and ongoing basis.
The Outstanding Arts Organization Recipient
The Lake City Concert Series
This award is presented annually to the Florence County arts organization that has a tremendous impact on the community. This may be through programming, projects, resource development, advocacy or other innovation. No organization may win this award twice in a four year period.
The Greg Fry Arts Educator Award Recipient
Dr. Erick J. Figueras
This award is presented annually to an educator who either resides or works in Florence County. Public and private schools educators are eligible for this award, as well as individuals in higher education and those who teach through registered 501(c)(3) arts organizations.
The Frank H. Crow Award Recipient
Uschi Jeffcoat
This award will be presented annually to an FRAA board member, staff member of volunteer who has had a tremendous impact on the organization’s growth and success (either over the past year or longer period of time).
2016 Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Recipients
The Betty Ann Darby Scholarships are merit scholarships awarded predominantly on the basis of demonstrated talent, passion for the arts and intention to pursue a career in an arts discipline or in arts education. The Program is named in honor of one of South Carolina’s most distinguished music educators. A member of the South Carolina Music Educator’s Hall of Fame, Ms. Darby served Florence Public School District One for thirty-nine years as a much beloved and highly revered music administrator and music teacher. The scholarships are made possible by the generous support of Honda to the FlorenceRegional Arts Alliance.
Kathleen Covington
Molly Watkins
Gillian Skipper
The 2015 Arts Awards are the creations of local sculptor Jim Gleason.
2015 Arts Awards
The John W. Baker Award Recipient
Ann Rodgers Chandler
The Business & Partnership Award Recipient
Willcox, Buyck, & Williams P.A.
The Outstanding Arts Organization Recipient
The Community Museum Society, Inc.
The Greg Fry Arts Educator Award Recipient
Steven Gately
The Frank H. Crow Award Recipient
Brad Parham
2015 Betty Ann Darby Scholarships
Grayson Cribb 2015 Recipient
Greer Spotts 2015 Recipient
Elliott Venable 2015 Recipient
2015 Honda of South Carolina Excellence in Arts Awards
Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards. Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement and performance, as well as involvement in school and community-base.
2014 Arts Awards
The 2014 arts awards are the whimsical and endearing creations of Hartsville’s Patz Fowle.
The John Baker Award Recipient
Julian Young
The Business & Partnership Award Recipient
The Clay Pot
The Outstanding Arts Organization Recipient
The Lake City Partnership Council
The Greg Fry Arts Educator Award Recipient
Wanda Hanna
The Frank Crow Award Recipient
Desiree Overby
2014 Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Recipients
Haley Ard 2014 Recipient
Philip Rast 2014 Recipient
2014 Honda of South Carolina Excellence in Arts Awards
Graduating seniors from each of the seven public high school in Florence County are eligible for the Excellence in Arts Education Awards. Nominations are made by arts teachers and are based on academic achievement and performance, as well as involvement in school and community-base.
2013 Arts Awards
John Baker Award Jane Madden
Business & Partnership Award Honda of South Carolina
Outstanding Arts Oraganization The Florence Little Theatre