Governor’s Awards for the Arts

ARTS ADMINISTRATION
Individual who has shown sustained, impactful, and visionary executive leadership of an arts organization.

Raye Jones Avery
Raye Jones Avery has been a leader in the arts and education sectors in Delaware for more than 30 years. Since 1991, she has been the Executive Director of the Christina Cultural Arts Center in Wilmington where classes are offered to foster creativity and artistic achievement. During her tenure, she has successfully made the arts accessible to urban children and youth through innovative and affordable programming. Raye has also been a partner in Wilmington’s Creative District, focusing on creative production and consumption of the arts by diverse audiences.

ARTS EDUCATION
Individual or organization that has made significant contributions through leadership and creativity to advance arts education in Delaware’s schools and communities, or in community organizations.

Charles J. Conway
Charlie Conway joined the staff of the Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) in 1983 and became a part of the Theatre’s Education Department in 1991 when he was named the first Director of Education. He continued as the founder and director of the DTC’s award-winning Department of Education and Community Engagement. Formerly a teacher, Charlie combined a background in Psychology, Education, and Child Development with his experience as an actor. He provided drama instruction to children, adults, and special-needs populations for many DTC programs, as well as numerous schools and institutions throughout the state.

 

Arts Patron, Corporate: M&T Bank
Individual, foundation or entity that, over time, has sustained and enhanced the arts in their community or the state of Delaware through contributions of their time, effort, or financial resources.

M&T Bank continues Wilmington Trust’s tradition of sustaining and developing the local community and region with a goal of creating an attractive, vibrant, and culturally superior place for residents and for employers to draw workers. They are one of a small number of companies with true statewide reach and interest with ongoing support of arts organizations in all three Delaware counties. In addition to financial support, the company encourages its employees to volunteer for area non-profits, both as direct service volunteers, and as members serving on boards and committees.

Arts Patron, Individual: Carla Markell
For the last two decades, Carla Markell has led by example, showing Delawareans that we all have a vital role to play as patrons of the arts. Consistently, she has made the public case that supporting the arts is an economic responsibility for the benefit of the local community and the state as a whole. As a patron, Carla used her public role as Delaware’s First Lady to underscore the impact of the arts as a jobs creator, community-wellness asset, and a unique tool to impact underserved populations. Carla has participated in numerous small and large fundraising opportunities for the arts. Her commitment and passion has led her to promote and lead major fundraising events and to just as easily work behind the scenes.

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Individual or organization that works to create or strengthen interactive arts participation among diverse community members while increasing the public awareness about the role of the arts in community life.

Art Therapy Express
Founded in 2003 by Lisa Bartoli, Art Therapy Express is an organization that provides innovative therapeutic arts programming throughout the state of Delaware. They serve over 1,000 children and adults with mild to severe intellectual, physical, emotional, and communication disabilities within special education school programs, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations.  Their vision has been to provide a safe and empowering space for all people to express themselves, connect with peers, and feel joy through the power and creativity of art. This is often accomplished through the use of adaptive technology with custom-designed tools, art media, and equipment.

PEGGY AMSTERDAM AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
This award was created in honor of Peggy Amsterdam, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts from 1993-2000. Before her untimely passing in 2009, Peggy was a pillar in the arts world – recognized regionally and nationally for her leadership and vision, for expanding people’s access to the arts, and for supporting excellence in artistic expression.

Debora Hansen
Deb Hansen has worked tirelessly to advance the arts in Delaware and in our schools through her work at the Delaware Department of Education, as an art teacher, within arts education organizations, arts advocacy groups, and by contributing her leadership to national arts advocacy and education causes.  Since 2000, Deb has been the Education Associate for the Delaware Department of Education responsible for the coordination of arts education, programs for gifted and talented students, and the implementation of the Professional Learning Standards. Energetic and enthusiastic, Deb has diligently pledged that all K-12 students should receive arts education in Delaware.