The College of Charleston School of the Arts is proud to be a recipient of the South Carolina Arts Commission’s 2015 Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Governor’s Awards for the Arts, which recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina.
The School’s Dean, Valerie Morris, expresses, “It is an honor that our school has been recognized for its dedicated artist-scholars, tremendous academic programming, and extensive community outreach – through its bustling schedule of cultural events and its community partnerships. As we celebrate the School’s 25th anniversary, this award is a testament to the positive growth and direction that we’ve strived to achieve.”
Read more about the School’s achievements.
“South Carolina’s quality of life, education and economy are enhanced tremendously by those who dedicate their work and lives to the arts,” said S.C. Arts Commission Chairman Henry Horowitz. “The Verner Awards recognize that service of commitment and passion. We are honored again this year to present the awards to a most worthy group of organizations and individuals. We are grateful for their contributions to our state.”
Awardees will be honored at a Statehouse ceremony on Wednesday, May 13. The complete list of recipients are:
- Individual Artist: Aldwyth, Hilton Head Island
- Individual: Dr. Donald Portnoy, Columbia
- Arts in Education: Howe Hall Arts Infused Magnet School, Goose Creek
- Business: Wells Fargo Bank
- Government: The City of Lancaster, South Carolina
- Organization: College of Charleston School of the Arts, Charleston
- Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Terry K. Peterson, Kiawah Island
About the S.C. Arts Commission
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.