The Nebraska Arts Council’s 2010 Governor’s Arts Awards is honoring 10 Nebraska artists and organizations this year. Bob Hall, a Lincoln theater director and illustrator, is the council’s artist of the year. Other winners include:
Emerging Leader Awards
Jennifer Boomgaarden, vice president of education and community partnerships for the Omaha Symphony, for creating innovative education programs.
Barbara Zach, executive director of the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, for creating festivals, commissioning new music and establishing community collaborations and partnerships.
Leonard Thiessen Award
Fred and Eve Simon, Omaha, for their long-time philanthropic support of Opera Omaha, Omaha Symphony and other arts groups.
Excellence in Education Award
John Mangan, Walthill, Neb., for promoting music, theater and language arts in the state’s Native American community.
Heritage Arts Award
Gospel Music Workshop, Omaha, for promoting and perpetuating gospel music with youth and adult church choirs around the region.
Organization Achievement Award
Brownville Concert Series, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this season, for bringing the world’s top classical, jazz and cabaret artists to Nebraska.
Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney, began in 1976 with 30 artworks and now has more than 5,000, which tell the story of Nebraska through art.
Thomas C. Woods III Partner in the Arts Award
John Beasley, Omaha, for founding the John Beasley Theater and Workshop.
Keith Heckman, Lincoln, for his service to music education as a musician and vice president of Dietze Music House in Lincoln.
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