Springfield Regional Arts Council

"Springfield Group Gets State Award"

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Springfield group gets state award

Springfield Little Theatre received a prestigious state award Wednesday in Jefferson City for its contribution to the arts as an organization. Six arts awards were presented by Gov. Matt Blunt in the Capitol rotunda during Citizens' Day at the legislature, an annual arts advocacy event.

A large group from Springfield watched as SLT's representative, artistic director Beth Domann, accepted the award. Also at the ceremony from Little Theatre: Annie Carlyn, marketing director; Jamie Bower and Chuck Rogers, technical directors; Chris Volkmer, past managing director; Lorianne Dunn, education director; and Heather Shannon, volunteer coordinator. Jan Horton, former Community Foundation of the Ozarks director who nominated the theater group, also attended.

Reps. Mark Wright and Sarah Lampe presented SLT with a congratulatory resolution from the House; Sen. Norma Champion presented one from the Senate.

"It was really exciting, and a lot of fun," says Carlyn on behalf of SLT. Being recognized by the state was an outstanding honor, she says.

"Everyone was so grateful to have the recognition because everyone is working very hard to make this what it is today."

Kay Logsdon, executive director of Springfield Regional Arts Council, also was at the Capitol Wednesday. She joined folks from across the state who encouraged legislators to support the arts and fund the Missouri Arts Council.

Logsdon says Blunt, who recommended a total of $3.8 million for MAC, spoke about the importance of arts to Missouri.

"He had a strong 'arts as economic development' message," she says.

It helps "when the governor sets that kind of tone."

Contact Sony Hocklander at 836-1241 or shocklander@News-Leader.com.

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