The Arts Council of Brazos Valley (ACBV) honors eight members of the community for their dedication and service to the arts in Brazos Valley during Celebrate the Arts, Sept. 1, 2021. This year ACBV recognizes Javier Chaparro as the M.L. “Sonny” Moss Artist of the Year.The award was stablished in 2012 as Artist of the
Year and renamed the M.L. “Sonny” Moss Artist of the Year in 2014 in memory of Brazos Valley artist Sonny Moss. This award recognizes artists that have excelled in their field and by making a lasting impact on the Brazos Valley arts community.
This year ACBV recognizes Greta Watkins with the Jane Wolfe Distinguished Arts Leadership Award, named for founding member of the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, Jane Wolfe, in 2007. The Jane Wolfe Distinguished Arts Leadership Award goes to individuals whose work in the arts, culture, and heritage of Brazos Valley provides leadership beyond their organization and across discipline while building partnerships with business, government, and the multitude of community leaders. Prior to 2007 this award was known only as the Distinguished Arts Leadership Award.
This year ACBV recognizes Stephanie Sale with the D.A. “Andy” Anderson Award, the longest standing and most distinguished award presented by the Arts Council of Brazos Valley. It is given to those individuals who have proven again and again over many years exemplary support of the arts, culture, and heritage of the Brazos Valley. It is the Arts Council of Brazos Valley’s lifetime achievement Award.
ACBV recognizes both Chris Lawrence and René Graham with the Business Arts Patron Award. The Business Arts Patron Award recognizes those business leaders in our community who, through continued and generous financial or in-kind support, prove dedication to the arts culture & heritage of the Brazos Valley.
This year ACBV recognizes Eugene Smith as the Arts Champion. Established in 2006, the Arts Champion Award recognizes the dedication of one individual to improving our lives every day and in every way through the arts.
Hans Hammond is recognized this year as Volunteer of the Year by ACBV. This award honors an individual who has given their time, energy, and heart to the arts, culture, and heritage of the Brazos Valley. In 2006 the rules were changed so that the community actually chose the winner. Affiliate groups are asked to nominate a volunteer for his or her contribution to that group and then four finalists are submitted to the public for final voting. In 2007 online voting became possible.
This is the first year for the Special Recognition Award. It has been created to recognize affiliated organizations for their service and dedication to the arts, culture, and heritage in Brazos Valley. This year ACBV gives special recognition to the Brazos Valley Symphony for 40 years of service and the long-term dedication of their orchestra.
Information provided by The Arts Council of Brazos Valley
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley also wants to thank Brazos County, The City of College Station, The City of Bryan, The City of Navasota, and Becky & B. Don Russell for their support. To learn more about the honorees and their service visit acbv.org/events/celebrate-the-arts# .
