Press Releases

The 15th Annual ArtServe Encore Awards: An Insight to the Arts!

More than 320 guests turned out to celebrate the 15th Annual ArtServe Encore Awards and its honorees at the Design Centre of the Americas on May 21, 2004. Thanks to the support of Title Sponsor BankAtlantic, as well as Becker and Poliakoff, the Herald, Comcast, the Handley Foundation, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, JM Family Enterprises, Sun-Sentinel, Senator Debby Sanderson, American Express and the Miniaci Family, ArtServe raised close to $35,000.

Upon arrival at DCOTA, guests were treated to a special champagne reception and Silent Auction where they enthusiastically bid on a variety of items, including an original, signed portrait of Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo, created by ArtServe member Debbie Sampson, and a 7-day cruise provided by Holland America Lines.

Co-Chairs Cindy Stoddart of Comcast and Nancy Botero of Florida Atlantic University did an amazing job emceeing the program, which honored those who have helped shape the vision and direction of the Broward County arts and cultural community. Recipients of the Encore Awards this year were: Commissioner Sue Gunzburger, Government Leadership Award; Jim Usher, Individual Leadership Award; Bank of America, Business Leadership Award; Funding Arts Broward, Foundation Leadership Award; Kevin Fabrikant, Esq., Professional Pro Bono Award; ArtREACH Center - Young at Art Children's Museum and the Broward County School Board Homeless Education Program, Arts Collaboration Award; and George Gadson, Artist of the Year for Community Impact. Each honoree received an original painting created by local artist Sas Christian. The Encore award winners were selected by a panel of Judges including: Michael Peyton, Greta Willis, Alan Tinter, Norman Tripp and Sally Handley.

In addition, American Express received the President's Award for Volunteerism in the Arts, and Comcast Corporation and Cindy Stoddart earned a Special Recognition Awards from ArtServe. The 2004 Star Awards, presented to outstanding volunteers in the arts community, were given to Leslie Logemann, James Mastin, Lorraine Maxwell, Nick Milano, Debra Miller, Bobby Rodriguez, Drazia Rubenstein, Carol Thaw and Chuck Williams. And finally, the Moretti Awards for Artistic Excellence, presented by the Cultural Foundation of Broward, were given to the Broward Center for Performing Arts and Dalva Duarte.

ArtServe is a non-profit organization dedicated to being South Florida's premier provider of programs, resources, facilities and training for the arts community. ArtServe is headquartered in the Fort Lauderdale branch library at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard where it also manages a multi-purpose auditorium, art gallery, dance studio, artist resident space, a business and computer center and three conference rooms.

For more information call (954) 462- 8190 or log on to www.artserve.org.

About George Gadson
George Gadson is an African American artist, and Florida native who has gained world-wide recognition for his realistic portraits and sculptures of individuals and figures that have historical significance. Gadson specializes in scupltures, paintings, photography, public art and special recognition awards.