Arts feted at Golden Nail Awards

Hundreds of supporters of the arts gathered at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts Thursday to celebrate the arts community and its volunteers throughout the Texas Panhandle.

Organizers said the 36th annual Golden Nail Awards program serves as a means of thanking supporters for their countless hours of work and millions of dollars of annual support to arts organizations.

“When people come to Amarillo, I think sometimes they’re surprised,” Amarillo Convention and Visitors Council Arts Committee chairperson Angela Knapp Eggers said. “I think they’re surprised about the arts in Amarillo and it always gives me a lot of great pride when people get to experience the ballet, symphony, opera, theatre or the visual arts. There is so much to offer in the Amarillo area and we are so very proud of it. In Texas the impact from the arts is more than $5.5 billion, but what I’m most excited about is your support here in Amarillo is $2.2 million, which is really incredible.”

Awards were presented in recognition of the best volunteers, financial supporters and those most dedicated to arts organizations throughout the area.

The individuals and organization receiving plaudits are listed as follows in a myriad of categories:

Distinguished Up and Coming Volunteer - for exemplary volunteer service by an individual under the age of 35 in Amarillo and the Panhandle.

Taylor Bonifield-Faught, Amarillo, nominated by the Amarillo Museum of Art

Sara Archer, Amarillo, nominated by the Amarillo Museum of Art

Distinguished Volunteer - for exemplary volunteer service by an individual in Amarillo and the Panhandle.

Terry Hein, Dalhart, nominated by the LaRita Performing Arts Center

Alice and Douglass Hyde, Canyon, nominated by the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

Foundation and Non-profit - for exceptional generous support of the fine arts by a Foundation and Non-Profit Organization in Amarillo and the Panhandle.

The Meadows Foundation, nominated by the Amarillo Opera

The Mays Foundation, nominated by the Amarillo Symphony and Amarillo Museum of Art

Business - for exceptional financial support of the fine arts by a business or corporation in Amarillo and the Panhandle.

Happy State Bank, nominated by the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Lone Star Ballet, Chamber Music Amarillo, Amarillo Symphony and Amarillo Museum of Art

Alliance Duncan and Boyd Jewelers, nominated by the Amarillo Symphony.

Golden Touch - for a new, unique, or innovative arts event or activity that has added a golden touch to arts fare in Amarillo and the Panhandle.

Live at the Paramount, West Texas A&M University

The Collection of Montgomery H.W. Ritchie Project, Amarillo Museum of Art

Canadian Tape Art, Citadelle Art Foundation

Individual - for outstanding support and service to the fine arts both financially and personally by an individual or individuals in Amarillo and the Panhandle.

Mike and Dalia Engler, Amarillo, nominated by the Amarillo Symphony and Amarillo Museum of Art

Eleanor Glazener, Amarillo, nominated by the Amarillo Symphony, Amarillo Opera and West Texas A&M University

Special

Center City of Amarillo for coordinating the successful campaign leading to the designation of the Amarillo Cultural Arts District

Summit - for outstanding devotion and support of the fine arts in Amarillo and the Panhandle over a period of years, including meaningful public involvement and

unstinting personal services as well as generous financial help. This award is given at the jury’s discretion without a formal nomination.

Dr. and Mrs. William T. Price, Amarillo, nominated by the Amarillo Museum of Art.