In the past, the annual Obelisk Awards sculptures have been designed and created by longtime glass artist Jim Bowman. Last year Jim and his wife/artist Mary Lynn Devereux-Bowman announced that they were relocating to North Carolina and the 2017 Obelisk creations would be Jim’s swan song.
2018 Obelisk Awards Luncheon Co-Chairs Victoria and Hunter McGrath along with Honorary Co-Chairs Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger had just received that another area glass sculptor Polly Gessell will be taking over for Jim. The award-winning Polly’s works of art have been including in corporate headquarters, private collection, hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Ironically, one of those glass pieces was commissioned by Kathryn and Craig Hall’s Hall Vineyards in Napa Valley.
Why ironic? Because of this year’s awards that include the following:
- Business Champion for the Arts Award: Craig Hall nominated by Dallas Arts District
- Arts Education Award: Cigna nominated by Chamberlain Performing Arts
- Arts Partnership Award/Large Business: Deloitte nominated by Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas
- Arts Partnership Award/Small Business: Selig Polyscope Company nominated by Dallas Video Fest
- New Initiatives Award: The Shops at Willow Bend nominated by North Texas Performing Arts
- Juror’s Award: Anne and Steve Stodghill nominated by Dallas Film Society
- The Outstanding Leadership Arts Alumnus Award: Angie Parra nominated by Junior Players
- Distinguished Cultural Organization Award: Thanks-Giving Foundation nominated by Almas Muscatwalla
- Visionary Nonprofit Arts Leader Award: Teresa Coleman Wash nominated by Bishop Arts Theatre Center
According to Victoria, “As Business Council for the Arts celebrates our 30th anniversary, we are honored to recognize this incomparable roster of 2018 Obelisk Awards recipients. As an organization whose mission is to create strong business and arts partnerships throughout North Texas, this year’s field of honorees highlight the significant impact individuals, organizations and businesses can sincerely make in the arts and cultural institutions in our community.”
The awards will be presented at Belo Mansion on Friday, November 16, with North Texas Public Broadcasting President/CEO Mary Anne Alhadeff returning as emcee.
While individual tickets won’t be available until Monday, October 15, tables of eight can be had for $3,500 here.
* Photo provided by Business Council For The Arts