Patrons presented awards at Mansion

Arkansans from across the state who have made significant contributions to the arts were honored March 29 with a luncheon at the Governor’s Art Awards. The award ceremony was held in the Great Hall of the Governor’s Mansion.

Speaking to the sold-out crowd, Gov. Asa Hutchinson talked about the importance of the arts to Arkansas and how he sees a link between economics and job creation with the arts and wants to make sure the state continues to invest in the Arkansas Arts Council and the arts in Arkansas.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to June Biber Freeman; the Individual Arts Award was given to Richard Stephens; and Charlotte Gadberry was given the Patron Award.

Awards were also given to Peggy Kjelgaard of Eureka Springs for Arts Community Development and David Woolly of Alma for Arts in Education. Highlands Oncology Group in Fayetteville received the Corporate Sponsorship Award which was accepted by Dr. Malcom Hayword. The Brockwell (Izard County) Gospel Music School received the Folklife Award — which was accepted by Beverly Meinzer. A Judges Recognition Award was given to Becky Thornton of Conway.

The awards were colorful iridescent fused glass platters made by glass artist Patricia Holifield. They were presented by Patrick Ralston, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Council, and Stacy Hurst, director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

— Story and photos by

Cary Jenkins

David Freeman of New York, Edmond and June Freeman and Eric Freeman

Teresa Devito, Fran Carlin, Peggy Kjelgaard, Julie Hop, Sabina Miller and Becky Newhart, all of Eureka Springs

Gary and June Simmons with Richard Stephens and Stevie Spargo

Jim and Charlotte Gadberry

John Way of Cave City with Beverly Meinzer and her mother, Anna Floyd, both of Brockwell

David Woolly of Alma (center) with his son and daughter, Jared Woolly of Blackburn, Va., and Kris Markes of Oklahoma City

Stacy Hurst with Dr. Malcom Hayword

Suzanne Kunkel of Little Rock with Becky and Scott Thornton of Conway

Shunying Chen and her husband, Long Hua Xu, with Linda Palmer, all of Hot Springs