Hollins, Roanoke College present Perry F. Kendig Award winners for 2014
October 13, 2014
Roanoke, Va. - Local artist Bill White, Mill Mountain Theatre, Member One Federal Credit Union and the Roanoke Arts Commission all received this year's Perry F. Kendig Arts and Culture Awards.
The awards, co-sponsored by Roanoke College and Hollins University, were presented by the presidents of each institution during a ceremony at Hollins on Sept. 30. The awards are named for the late Perry F. Kendig, former Roanoke president and an avid supporter and patron of the arts.
They recognize distinction in arts and culture in the Roanoke Valley and are presented in each of the following categories: Individual Artist, Individual or Business Supporter, and Arts and Culture Organization.
White, a painter, educator, leader and facilitator who has contributed to the arts in Roanoke for decades, was this year's Individual Artist award recipient. He has earned acclaim for his artistic technique, his commitment to teaching, and his organization of exhibits at local museums.
Mill Mountain Theatre, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was recognized in the Arts and Cultural Organization category. Despite challenges during its half-century of existence, the theatre has succeeded through tenacity and perseverance. At the same time, it has given back to the community through education and partnerships with other arts organizations.
The Kendig Award for Individual or Business Supporter was presented to Member One Federal Credit Union. Member One provides financial support for arts and culture in the Roanoke Valley, along with leadership, volunteer initiatives and business practices.
Highlighting the ceremony was the presentation of the Harriett Stokes Memorial Award. This is a special award this year that commemorates the life and work of the Salem artist who was called the "grande dame of art in the valley" by LinDor Arts owner Dorsey Taylor.
Stokes, who passed away in May, was one of the originators of Art in the Alley and was an exhibitor at Roanoke's Annual Sidewalk Art Show for more than 50 years. Last October, she received the Kendig Award in the Individual Artist category.
The Roanoke Arts Commission received the Harriett Stokes Memorial Award. This all-volunteer body has worked to support and lead the development of arts and culture in Roanoke, developing the nationally recognized Park and Arts program and overseeing funding for local arts and cultural organizations.
The Kendig Awards were established in 1985 and presented annually by the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge through 2012. Hollins and Roanoke first partnered last year to present these awards.
For additional information, call the Roanoke College Public Relations Office at (540) 375-2282.
Released: October 13, 2014