AWARDS Celebrating the Arts in Our Community Photos by Liz McKinley
Opening Act with Peter Jones on piano, vocals by Charles Jones and Karin Leone supported by the cast of student nominees
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most welcome reminder of life as we knew it returned to the Lyric Theatre on November 2, when MartinArts presented its’ highly-regarded MartinArts Awards (aka the Marties) to a live audience. For those who might not be familiar with these awards, they honor students, professional artists, philanthropists, volunteers, and leaders in the local arts scene. Committee members patiently stayed with this event throughout the pandemic, carefully monitoring art patron’s comfort levels and medically-established safety practices, waiting until the time was right to set a date for the Marties return. Co-chairs Marney McKee and Lisa Renee Ludlum and committee members Kristal Wion-Eckhardt, Faith Paul, Sharon Hagin, Heidi Condon, Dr. Anita Caswell, Rickie Leiter, and Jeff Younglove along with staff support of Jennifer Hearn and Nancy Turrell, picked the perfect time for attendees to don their masks and support both student and adult members of Martin County’s vibrant arts community.
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The evening’s festivities included an amazing opening number featuring alumni (former recipients) and student nominees, Peter Jones and Karin Leone, and special guest, Charles Jones. There were also several “mash-ups,” with performances by student nominees, who worked on a special number with one of their fellow nominees. The board select several Marties Award before the event and in 2021 they included: Lifetime Achievement in the Arts: Conney Dahn Excellence in Arts Education: Ashley Monks Arts Leadership: Neil Capozzi Arts Service: Pat Pendergast Corporate Leadership: Seacoast Bank Special Recognition: The Barn Theatre for 50 years of community theatre
