38th Annual Dutchess County Executive’s Arts Awards
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
Artists and arts organizations play a necessary part in the well-being of our community. They have a long-standing record of bringing people together, driving our economy, and increasing understanding while reflecting culture and history. For this reason, we take the opportunity every fall to honor the incredible arts community in Dutchess County. This year, nine awardees will be honored by Arts Mid-Hudson and the Dutchess County Executive, Sue Serino at the 38th Annual Dutchess County Executive’s Arts Awards on October 2, 2024. The community nominates the recipients based on their contributions to the growth of Dutchess County’s culture over a significant period of time; the extraordinary support they show for the arts; and/or their leadership in using the arts to enhance the community.
“The artists, poets, and other creative spirits of Dutchess County have dedicated their lives to inspiring others through their chosen art form,” Dutchess County Executive, Sue Serino said. “We are grateful to Arts Mid-Hudson for their continued efforts to support and celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of these individuals and organizations who help keep the arts industry thriving and congratulations to all of this year’s winners!”
Beatrix Farrand Garden Association will receive the Art in Public Places Award for its educational and cultural programs to connect people with nature and the arts. The association is dedicated to honoring and sharing the environmental and design legacy of Beatrix Farrand.
The New Deal Creative Arts Center, Arts Organization Awardee, was founded in 2017 and stands as a testament to artistic accessibility and opportunity. The center’s diverse programming includes workshops, classes, performances, and special events to celebrate the arts in its many forms. Thomas B. Costello, Ph.D., Arts in Education Awardee, is a professor of Theatre and Speech at Dutchess Community College (DCC) and holds degrees from SUNY Geneseo, Trinity College Dublin, and the University of Pittsburgh. His work has filled stages in Prague, Dublin, London, Toronto, and beyond, and he now calls DCC home.
Isaac Foss Jeffreys, Individual Artist Awardee, is a photographer with roots in the Hudson Valley/Catskills region, where he frequently returns to create. A Parsons School of Design BFA graduate, Isaac’s work explores the architecture and atmosphere of the Borscht Belt resorts. Battle Hill Forge, Business Awardee, produces heirloom quality landscape and garden accents inspired by the historic properties of the Hudson Valley since 2004. Battle Hill Forge works are found across the country including the Metropolitan Museum of Art Cloisters, the Norman Rockwell Museum, Barney’s Chicago, The Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Colorado Botanical Gardens, and at several businesses and private estates.
Charles Milligan, Volunteer Awardee, started working for IBM in 1977, retiring in 2011. While working, he supported the local arts including the Bardavon, Storm King Art Center, Howland Chamber Music Circle, the Wassaic Project, and the Pawling Concert Series. In Flight, Inc. & Standing Room Only Theater Company are this year’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY in the Arts Awardees for SRO P.L.U.S., which is a theater program targeted to offering experiences geared toward people with disabilities in the l area, but open to all teens and young adults interested.
Susanna Gilgert, Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts Awardee, is the singer on the contemporary worship team at St. John’s Church, a substitute pianist at her church, as well as a member of the handbell choir. She is a student in the Honors Program at SUNY New Paltz, where she studies Classical Vocal Performance. Tilly Strauss is this year’s Special Citation Awardee for her 2023 “Who is She?” project, which involves bringing attention to ten remarkable female artists from the past who, unfortunately, faced erasure from historical records after their deaths.
These incredible individuals and organizations elevate the arts in our region. This year’s event will kick off with festive food, libations - including the AMHarita courtesy of Thornwood Wealth Management, moving to balloon-popping fun and stunning awards created by Rock and a Soft Place. All proceeds from this event go to supporting the arts in Dutchess County. For more information, visit www.artsmidhudson.org/dcartsawards.
If you go:
38th Annual Dutchess County Executive’s Arts Awards
The Grandview, 176 Rinaldi Boulevard, Poughkeepsie, NY
Date: October 2, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Contact: (845) 454-3222
www.artsmidhudson.org/dcartsawards
