By Staff
AWARD n Debbie Martin, right, presents awards to, from, left to right, Charlie Busler for artist achievement, Marsha Iverson for art education, Ann Alexander for art patron (individual), and Tommy Dulaney, president of Structural Steel, Arts patron (business).Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
April 7, 2001
The 30th annual Arts In The Park festivities officially got under way Friday with the Excellence in the Arts reception at the Dentzel Carousel in Highland Park.
People recognized for their contributions were as follows:
Artist Achievement Award: Charlie Busler, a local artist;
Arts Education Award: Marsha Iverson, an art teacher at Northwest Junior High;
Arts Patron Award (individual) Ann Alexander;
Arts Patron Award (business) Structural Steel Services, owned by Tommy Dulaney.
As he opened the program, Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith said the city has two major projects that promote the arts headed its way.
They include renovation of the Grand Opera House and Marks Rothenberg building in downtown and Meridian's designation as the site for a proposed Southern Arts and Entertainment Center
A new public project, "Around Town Carousels Abound," was also announced. The Meridian Arts Council is seeking sponsors to purchase 3 1-2 foot tall carousel horses, which are to be painted by local artists. This project was announced by Jamie Carter and Debbie Martin. For more information, call Martin at 485-1122.
The annual Arts In The Park T-shirt by Dwight Coleman was unveiled. It will be on sale this weekend at Arts in the Park.
Entertainment before the program was provided by the Barber Pole Cats, directed by Ken Patterson.
After the program, the crowd moved to the Frank Cochran Center for the 18th annual Big Band Bash. The music was provided by the Meridian Community College Big Band, and the Bash was sponsored by Lifetime Quest.
Arts In The Park continues today, 9 a.m.-6 p.m, and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.