Wednesday, February 22, 2006

DENVER MAYOR'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS A GRAND SUCCESS

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and a crowd of local arts-luminaries and fans came out last night in support of some of the cities most enduring advocates of the arts. The local program recognizes the strength of the arts in our community, honoring those who have led the way, with strong convictions and true vision to enhance the cultural attributes of the city.

An individual award was given to Ron Henderson, who's logged in almost three decades as the founder and artistic director of the Denver International Film Festival, making him one of the most beloved and recognizable faces in the cultural sphere of Denver. The duo of Daniel and Maruca Salazar were awarded for their consistent and strong vision as visual artists and pioneers in all corners of the community for over 30 years. And proving that it doesn't take 30 years to achieve the award, the Shadow Theatre Company was also recognized for their efforts as the nation's premier African-American Theatre company, bringing a vitality to the performing arts that crosses ethnic and cultural boundaries.

All three awards were introduced with video tributes, which incurred a small amount of technical problems that left the mayor having to regale the crowd with his abundant charm and quick thinking wit. Performances by talents from the Colorado Ballet, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Opera Colorado and Lannie Garrett served as entertaining transitions between the awards. And a new award for Cultural Legacy capped the evening, fittingly going to Ellie and her late husband George Caulkins who have instilled in Denver a passion for Opera and brought to life the phenomenal new opera house that hosted the evening's awards. It was a touching and vibrant night that recognized true impact in the support for the arts. Mayor Hickenlooper, along with his energetic and talented staff, can be lauded for their dedication to a cultural agenda that should prove to be its own legacy for the long term vision of the city and its residents.