Local news- Press Release
City of Germantown Tennessee - GPAC Announces Patron of the Arts and Chairman s Award Winners 20 May 2022 ( news )
City of Germantown , state Tennessee ( By Press Release office)
May 20,2022
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The Germantown Performing Arts Center ( GPAC ) is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual Patron of the Arts Award and Chairman’s Award . Award winners
are announced each year at the organization’s annual fundraising gala . This year , each category had two recipients , making up for events missed during the COVID - 19 pandemic .
Patron of the Arts Award
The Patron of the Arts Award is given to an individual or a couple who have demonstrated exemplary support for the performing and visual arts . At this year’s gala on Saturday , April 30 , GPAC Board Member Carol Ross - Spang was acknowledged by GPAC Executive Director Paul Chandler for her outstanding leadership throughout the organization’s pandemic induced shutdown . Chandler cited her infectious enthusiasm , incredible patience and vast experience as inspiration for himself and the rest of the GPAC team . The second Patron of the Arts Award was given to long - time GPAC supporters Abbie and Duncan Williams . Chandler noted “Ten years ago this organization received the largest financial commitment from any individual or corporation in our history . Abbie and Duncan’s support opened the door for several other philanthropic individuals , foundations and corporations to recognize the great work we do here and its value to the community , and they eventually become supporters . That new support allowed us to grow and take risks - risks that paid off ten fold . ” Over 240 guests applauded Carol , Abbie and Duncan for their ongoing efforts and support .
Past Patron of the Arts Award winners include:
Sheila and Ferenc Vinczeller
Sharon and Lee Grinspan
Gary Lendermon
Mayor Mike Palazzolo
Susan & Bob Baker
Honey & Rudi Scheidt
Sandy Goldstein
Marcia & Jerry Kronenberg
Joey & Neal Beckford
About the Patron of the Arts Award
The Patron of the Arts award was commissioned to Memphis artist Bill Price . Bill is a blacksmith , working artist and a former professor of Metal Arts and Sculpture at the Memphis College of Art . His work has been shown extensively throughout the U . S . and abroad . Made of hand forged steel , the piece was inspired by the GPAC theater and all the artistry it presents . It includes a piece of the original pine stage , installed almost 28 years ago .
Chairman’s Award
The Chairman’s Award is given annually to a Germantown Performing Arts Guild member who has demonstrated great leadership throughout the year in support of GPAC’s mission - serving the community by presenting the highest quality artistic endeavors to educate , engage , enrich and transform . The 2022 Chairman’s Award winners are past GPAC Guild President Brenda Antwine and current GPAC Guild President Michelle Higdon . GPAC Executive Director Paul Chandler said of the award winners “Both of tonight’s Chairman’s Award winners demonstrated extraordinary leadership during most unusual times . Both the Guild and GPAC are stronger than ever thanks to the tireless leadership of these two award recipients . ” In addition to a bouquet of flowers , the award winners received tickets for all 15 shows in GPAC’s upcoming season .
Past Chairman’s Award winners include:
Pat McCaleb
Joanna Haines
Jean Matthews
Mary Meisse
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