With the Arts and Culture Alliance Awards, Reception, and Luncheon taking place at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall over the past week, we have been immersed with arts and culture in Sarasota, and we at the Van Wezel Foundation have one thing to say- WE LOVE IT!
Monday night the festivities kicked off with the 14tth Annual Awards Celebration. At the reception, eight winners were selected for Arts Leadership Awards for their outstanding achievements in Sarasota. It was an inspiring evening filled with great company, fabulous performances, and outstanding award winners. To highlight a few, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's own Mary Bensel won the Arts Management Award, well known philanthropist of Sarasota Lee Peterson was honored with the the Arts Leadership Award for Philanthropy, and Rich Swier graced us with his thanks for receiving the award for Arts Leadership in Media.
Pictured above is Rich Swier, who won the Media Award, beginning his thanks in "song". It was an exciting and hilarious treat!
Kimberly and Michele, both VWF employees, enjoy their evening at the reception.
Monica, VWF President and CEO enjoys the evening with Beth Duda and Laurey Stryker.
Then, yesterday, we had "The Arts Mean Business" luncheon in conjunction with the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, with Keynote Speaker Randy Cohen. This was an amazing luncheon with an exciting panel discussion. One of the most exciting pieces of information we learned was that Sarasota is well above other cities in the country with regards to arts and culture, but we cannot stop now! We must keep our best foot forward to keep the arts alive!
Above is Keynote Speaker, Randy Cohen
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