Oklahoma artists praised by Gov. Stitt in Capitol ceremony

January 31, 2024

Last Updated on January 31, 2024, 9:09 PM | Published: January 31, 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY — The 45^th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony was held at the Oklahoma State Capitol building 4^th floor rotunda Tuesday.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt was on hand to present the prestigious annual awards to Ann Barker Ong and Holbrook Lawson, for their contribution and dedication to arts programs in Oklahoma.

Twelve other individuals and four organizations received medals in six other categories such as Media in the Arts, Community Service, and Arts in Education.

The awards ceremony was opened by a musical performance from famed local guitarist Edgar Cruz and featured two songs by the Ambassador’s Concert Choir.

Amber Sharples, Executive Director of the Arts Council, said in a statement before the ceremony, “From passionate volunteers and teachers to visionary nonprofit administrators and state leaders, generous philanthropists, community-centric businesses, and others, this year’s Governor’s Arts Awards honorees reflect a deep level of commitment to the arts seen across our state.”

“Our slate of honorees exemplifies the potential for the arts to impact a broader spectrum of areas and sectors than ever before, increasingly serving the needs of Oklahomans and propelling our state to greater heights in education, economic and workforce development, and quality of life,” said Sharples.

Governor Kevin Stitt praised the arts and what artists contribute to life in Oklahoma.

“The Arts can be an economic powerhouse in our community, offering unique opportunities, bolstering tourism and trade, and developing the economy of art in Oklahoma,” Stitt said.

“As Oklahoma pursues other industries like artificial intelligence, aerospace, and defense, we will continue to utilize the creative and innovative skills cultivated by arts education,” said the Governor.

Stitt praised Oklahoma’s “arts scene” for fostering a place where “families want to live” and where there is a broad spectrum of cultural amenities.

“Your community thrives and does that concept so well,” Stitt said, referring to artists in Oklahoma. “Businesses want to go where there are innovative thinkers. Top-ten states have several things in common, and one of those things is having a dynamic arts scene.”

“Today’s honorees represent the very best of the arts in the great state of Oklahoma.” Stitt said. “The recipients honored here today will join a fellowship of contributors in what is now a thriving arts community.”

Former Governor George Nigh closed the ceremony, speaking in a special tribute to Betty Price. Price, who retired in 2007 and passed away last year, championed the Governor’s Arts Award from its inception. Nigh credited Price for the longevity of the award and thanked her family members in attendance for their continued support.

“Betty Price made an indelible mark on the arts in our state” said Amber Sharples, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Arts Council. “For 33 years, Betty worked on staff with the Arts Council, 24 of which she served as Director. Betty worked under the administrations of seven different governors.”

“When she passed away last Fall, we lost a giant in The Arts,” Sharples said.

Selections for the annual award are made by the Governor’s Arts Awards Selection Committee, which comprises the Governor-appointed Oklahoma Arts Council Board.

The annual awards recognize longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts. 2024 recipients represent diverse communities throughout Oklahoma, including those from the Oklahoma City metro, the public education system, and the Kiowa Nation.

Governor’s Award Honorees for 2024 are: