For Immediate Release - November 29, 2007 - PIO#300-07/ajb
For More Information, Contact Andrea Blackford, Communications Officer, at 703.519.3489
Nearly 150 people gathered on November 2 at the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center for the Alexandria Commission for the Arts’ 2007 Alex Awards. The annual event promotes interest and involvement in the arts by recognizing excellence in four categories: (1) Artistic: Excellence in an Artistic Discipline; (2) Community: Excellence in Service to the Arts; (3) Education: Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education; and (4) Business: Innovative Partnerships between Businesses and the Arts.
The 2007 Alex Award winners include:
Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education: Wesley M. McCune, John Adams Elementary School
For more than 18 years as a music instructor at John Adams Elementary School, Wesley McCune has influenced the lives of nearly 600 children each year, encouraging and teaching them that a love of music will sustain and enhance their lives. He has repeatedly been recognized by many organizations for establishing the renowned Orff Ensemble, which has entertained audiences from the Kennedy Center to the Alex Awards.
Innovative Partnerships between Business and the Arts: Barbara Brecher and Brecher Design Group
Brecher Design Group has touched and inspired everyone who lives, works or plays in Alexandria. Everyone has seen their influence—from the Dash About brand on local buses, to the design of the Alexandria Symphony brochure, to First Night Alexandria posters. Barbara Brecher and her firm have donated thousands of in-kind hours to Alexandria to help make it the vibrant community residents enjoy today.
Excellence in an Artistic Discipline: William Hubbard, Metro Stage
Born and raised in Alexandria, William Hubbard’s artistic talent spans many disciplines. He is a gifted composer, arranger, pianist, singer, organist, actor, and music director. A Helen Hayes award winner, he has been called one of the most creative musical directors around town and his music has been described as "astonishing." He has performed in theaters across the country, but since 2002, he has brought his talents to Alexandria with his work at Metro Stage.
Excellence in Service to the Arts: Dr. James C. Fraser, Alexandria Performing Arts Association (APAA) and Alexandria Arts Forum
Dr. Fraser has served in a variety of positions for the Alexandria Arts Forum, most recently as Treasurer until 2005. He was instrumental in establishing Candidates' Night for the Arts Forum, and guided and served as an officer of the APAA. His tireless, solid leadership and personal generosity to these organizations and the arts make him a “treasure to our community.” In addition, he is an accomplished artist who plays the French horn, harpsichord and piano.
Recipients of the 2007 Alex Awards received a framed monograph by artist Betsy Anderson titled “Italian Riviera.” These monotypes have a fresh, self-assured quality and invoke images from the viewers’ experience. In addition, each recipient of the 2007 Alex Awards received a brass star draped on a blue ribbon created by David M. Martin of GoldWorks, Inc.
The winners were recognized by Mayor William D. Euille and Pat Miller, chair of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. Major production and presentation sponsors of the event included: The Honorable William D. Euille, Mayor, City of Alexandria; Redmon, Peyton & Braswell, L.L.P.; A Show of Hands; Del Ray Artisans; First Night Alexandria; Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota; Capt. W. Ward Lasley and Mrs. Nancy Lasley; Lynn O’ Connell; and Jennifer Walker, McEnearney Associates, Inc.
For additional information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Alexandria Commission for the Arts office at 703.838.6348, or visit alexandriacommissionforthearts.org.
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