Columbus, Ohio – The Greater Columbus Arts Council’s Community Arts Partnership Awards program, now in its 29th year, recognizes the community’s crucial contributions to the arts including financial support, non-cash contributions, volunteer involvement and board participation. Strong partnerships between businesses, community members and the arts stimulate economic growth, promote the city’s revitalization, encourage tourism and enhance Columbus’ cultural image and give life to the city.
The event will honor winners in six categories at a luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 18 at the Statehouse at 1 Capitol Square downtown.
Each year, as part of the program, GCAC purchases the work of three local artists to present to the three business honorees. Ten local artists were selected to show two works each at the CAP Art Selection show in August, hosted by Ray’s Living Room Gallery. Three works were chosen through a jury process by GCAC’s Board of Trustees to present at the awards program in October.
Artists whose work was chosen to present to this year’s business honorees:
Jay Ashrafi: Ashrafi’s architectural background has influenced his artwork greatly and helps in his visualization and creation of 3D objects and forms. Ashrafi first sketches on paper and then develops various 3D objects and textures to bring his designs to life. His canvases are covered with a layer of sand base paint (a mix of cement and latex paint), creating a coarse texture for the background which accentuates different layers of paints which are sprayed later. Ashrafi uses additional materials such as copper, aluminum, paper, gold foil, wire mesh, wood and various recycled materials including auto parts in his work. The title of Ashrafi’s piece chosen for the awards is Cityscape.
Larry Hamill: After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and drawing from the Ohio State University, Hamill’s interest in photography developed into a full time career. Since launching his business in 1973, his clients have included the Battelle Memorial Institute, Oak Ridge National Labs, DOE, MedFlight, Kenyon College and Columbus State. Continued growth in digital computer graphics has enabled Hamill to integrate his artistic and photographic talents. The title of Hamill’s piece chosen for the awards is Buttles Westward.
Derrick Hickman: Myth vs. memory is a reoccurring theme in Hickman’s work. Hickman’s paintings tend to revolve around the concept of memory, its constant state of evolution and how people grapple to define and make static such a nebulous concept. Text is often a vehicle used in his works, sometimes as the subject itself or as a supporting element. Always distorted or fragmented, it is meant to lead viewers as well as misguide or misdirect. The title of Hickman’s piece chosen for the awards is Peacocks and Clowns.
In addition, the work of Sue Cavanaugh, acclaimed local fiber artist, will be presented to the individual award winners. Cavanaugh is a recipient of GCAC’s 2012 International Artist Residency in Dresden, Germany.
GCAC will announce the winners of the Arts Educator, Emerging Arts Leader and Arts Partner awards prior to the event; Large, Medium and Small Business award winners will be announced at the event.
Additionally, GCAC will present the Artistic Excellence Award of $10,000, given annually to an arts organization that has demonstrated innovation, risk and artistic excellence in a performance, exhibition or program. Nominees for the Artistic Excellence Award are chosen by the GCAC staff members, and the winner is chosen by the board and announced at the event.
Contact Jennifer Sadler at (614) 221-8492 or jsadler@gcac.org with any questions about the nomination process or the event.
About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. Thanks to the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Ohio Arts Council for their ongoing support.
IMAGES OF ARTWORK AND PHOTOS OF ARTISTS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
