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Springfield News-Leader
Ozzie arts awards finalists announced. Here's when the ceremony will be
By Linda Leicht,
9 hours ago
Ozzie finalists announced
The Springfield Regional Arts Council has announced the finalists for the 2024 Ozzie Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the arts in Springfield. The winners will be revealed at the 39th Annual Ozzie Awards ceremony Oct. 19.
The finalists in each category are:
Arts Ambassador Award — Blake Haynes, Molly Healey and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Arts Champion Award — Art Inspired Academy by Abilities First, Hatch Foundation and Springfield-Branson National Airport
Volunteer of the Year — Nicole Brownsworth, Janet Hopkins and Sonya Wise
Excellence in Arts Education Award — Kat Allie, Taylor Bryson and Allison Fleetwood
Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase at https://www.springfieldarts.org/ozzie-awards/ or by calling SRAC at 417-862-2787. Individual tickets are $75 for SRAC members ($100 for non-members), and tables seating 10 are available for $750. Sponsorships begin at $1,000.
The Springfield Regional Arts Council announced the inaugural edition of "Bad Art by Good People," in conjunction with the opening reception for "Ozarks Icons" exhibition at The Creamery Arts Center during the First Friday Art Walk Sept. 6.
"Bad Art by Good People" teamed up community leaders with local artists to create art pieces inspired by their love for Springfield. The event seeks to demonstrate that artistic expression transcends skill levels and brings people together through the shared joy of creativity.
The participants include:
Callie Carroll, Springfield City Council and VP at OMB Bank, mentored by Colby Kern, to create a textural abstract painting;
Erin Danastasio, executive director of The Hatch Foundation, paired with Heidi Herrman, to make an encaustic art piece;
Brandy Harris, CEO at Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, collaborating with Madeline Smith, to create ceramic miniatures;
Maurice Jones, deputy city manager of Springfield, guided by Britt Mayse, to try his hand at photography;
Matt Morrow, president and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, working with Kevin Richardson, to learn multi-media and abstract painting;
Danny Perches, assistant director of economic vitality for Springfield, teamed with Linda Passeri, to learn hand sculpting;
Aaron Schekorra, executive director of GLO Center, partnered with Mari Moore-Mosby, to throw pottery.
Plugged-In gets $50,000 grant
White River Valley Electric Cooperative has received $50,000 in grant monies for its “Plugged-In” Community Enhancement Program, which provides grants and volunteers to organizations seeking assistance for community-driven projects in Taney, Stone, Christian, Douglas and Ozark counties.
The money will be used for a variety of projects throughout the service territory, including community gardens improvements, arena improvements, lighting updates, new welcome signs, human trafficking awareness and a culinary program for children.
The Arc of the Ozarks celebrated its 60th anniversary Aug. 8 and recognized its history at a special celebration. In 1959, in response to the lack of disability resources and services for families in the Springfield area, Carolyn Newport and several other parents united to address their needs and those of their children. Driven by a desire to create better opportunities for her child with Down syndrome, Newport played a pivotal role in the establishment of The Arc of the Ozarks, which was incorporated in 1964.
“We are thrilled to share this milestone with our community,” said Mike Powers, president/CEO of The Arc of the Ozarks. “This 60-year celebration is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of our organization to empower people with disabilities and their families, creating a more inclusive community.”
High school students from the Ozarks joined other Missouri high school students at the Missouri State Capitol to attend the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experienced — CYCLE.
White River Valley Electric Cooperative sponsored four local delegates to attend the conference: Miles Bacon, Cayden Irons and Brett Roussell of Ozark, and Nora Palmer of Nixa.
The four-day July event, hosted by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, provides an opportunity for Missouri sophomores and juniors to learn what it is like to serve in political leadership positions and get involved in community service, as well as the cooperative form of business.
The RangeGoats toured Convoy of Hope facilities Aug. 12 when they golfers packed hygiene kits with local golfers. Two-time Masters champion and RangeGoats captain Bubba Watson, along with RangeGoats team member Matthew Wolff were among the visitors.
The kits will be distributed to disaster survivors and others.
The RangeGoats held a golf exhibition for local golfers from area high schools as well as PGA Jr. League golfers.
The RangeGoats are Convoy supporters, donating a goat to Convoy’s agriculture program for every team they beat weekly in LIV competition.
Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based organization that serves vulnerable communities. By partnering with local churches, businesses, civic organizations and government agencies, Convoy has strategically offered help in more than 130 countries around the world. Since its founding in 1994, Convoy of Hope has served 250 million people. Visit convoyofhope.org to learn more.
TangerKids grants open through Oct. 18
Tanger Outlets Branson has launched its 2024 TangerKids Grants Program. Applications are open through Oct. 18, and Missouri educators are encouraged to apply at grants.tanger.com .
The platform invites teachers and leaders within the community to identify their needs and request funding to enhance programs and better serve students as they work to create a more productive and inclusive learning environment.
Throughout the program’s history spanning nearly 30 years, Tanger has contributed more than $3.4 million to school-focused initiatives in the communities it serves.
This year, Tanger has earmarked 70% of total grants for support of underserved schools, accessibility programs and student needs. Faculty members at public and private schools from pre-K to grade 12 are eligible to participate in the annual program.
Tanger Branson shoppers will again be invited to help choose grant winners in the community through Member’s Choice voting, which will be open Dec. 2-13. Award recipients will be announced in January 2025 and celebrated at the center’s annual TangerKids Day.
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