2007

James Gibson

Florida Highwaymen Artist

Mr. James Gibson of Ft. Pierce, was born on January 1, 1938 and has been a resident of Florida nearly all his life. Well known as one of the earliest Florida Highwaymen artists, he sold paintings from the trunk of his car in the 1950's. He began taking painting lessons at age 18, detoured briefly to study biology at Tennessee State University, and finally returned to his first choice of becoming a working artist. He has since dedicated his work to the Florida landscape, painting the scenes he grew up with - mangrove swamps and palms, bogs, and sunsets - all of the things that make Florida's landscapes unique. Two of his paintings were featured in the Steven Spielberg movie Catch Me if You Can. He has donated numerous hours to charity work in the interest of early childhood development; traveled with former First Lady of Florida, Columba Bush to promote art in the school systems; was awarded the title of Ambassador of Art by the State of Florida in June 2005, and was chosen by First Lady Laura Bush to make an ornament for the White House Christmas tree. Mr. Gibson's paintings also graced Florida's Executive Office for more than three years. His works are not only motivated by personal gratification, but also his strong desire to contribute to his community and further enhance the arts in young minds across the state.

2006

Luctricia " Lu" Welters

“Art is like a game without rules, nothing is certain and everything is possible.” – L. W.

Luctricia “Lu” Welters began her training at age 15 in Fort Lauderdale.  In 1986 she pursued a professional career in dance and auditioned for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.  In 1998, Ms. Welters signed on with the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble. She has been described as a “bewitching” performer who also imparts the joy of dance to children.  Under the direction of “Lu” Welters, Jubilee Dance Theatre was founded in February 2003.  As a non-profit corporation, Jubilee Dance Theatre has found a way to link art to the community in intimate settings, giving lecture demonstrations and teaching within local schools, a bi-annual dance festival, and The Mentoring Program.  They have also partnered with the School Board of Broward County presenting Science through Dance at Bethune Elementary School of the Arts.  In addition, they have offered free classes for adults and children at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. Jubilee Dance Theatre’s goal is not only to entertain its audiences but also to express and bring awareness about economic, political and social issues. Luctricia “Lu” Welters extols an amazing ability to inspire and challenge children everywhere.

2004

Carol Jenkins Barnett

Her recognition of responsibility to community began while watching one of our great leaders, her father, George W. Jenkins, founder of Publix Super Markets, Inc. Over the past two decades Carol has developed the philanthropic arm of Publix, Publix Super Markets Charities, into an organization that supports most cultural events in Florida that encompass education and visual and performing arts. Carol recognizes efforts that encourage learning and develop the appreciation for culture; she demonstrates a habit of inspiring communities to rally for cultural development, and she has the good fortune of family and financial resources, personal and business. Carol makes conscious decisions to follow a legacy of love and concern for people and communities by developing culture throughout Florida.

Romero Britto

Pop artist Romero Britto from Miami Beach is an internationally recognized artist whose bright colors and imagery of pop culture have been widely received across the world. Born in Brazil, he immigrated to the United States in 1986 and has since made quite a name for himself in the art world. His unique, individual style, which emerged from influences of pop art and cubism, incorporates bold, playful patterns of flowers and swirls. Corporate giants such as Disney, Apple Computers, Pepsi Cola, and IBM have commissioned his highly celebrated works.
Mr. Britto received this award not only for his amazing artistic genius but also for his generosity of spirit. He has lent his talent and energy to numerous philanthropic organizations including St. Jude’s Hospital, the American Red Cross, and Best Buddies International, to name just a few. He also donated his talent to design our signature Florida Heritage Month 2004 poster, which is not only a beautiful work of art, but also his unique interpretation of what Florida heritage means.

2003

Frances R. "Dolly" Hand

A philanthropist, a visionary, and an arts patron, Dolly Hand was instrumental in bringing cultural events to an area of the state that would have otherwise been untouched by the arts. She was the leading figure in the effort to create a performing arts center for the Belle Glade community – a rural and relatively low-income area. The center, which opened in 1982, was dedicated to her commitment and now bears her name: Palm Beach Community College / Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center. Her educational and cultural commitments have also led to vital community programs such as the Center’s CAFE (Cultural Arts for Education) Series, which serves over 12,000 students each year and the Community Annual Living Christmas Tree Program.

2002

Dr. Mary Palmer

One of the founding members of Arts for A Complete Education/Florida Alliance for Arts Education, a statewide network that supports arts education, Dr. Palmer’s vision produced long-range plans for arts education in Florida which were adopted by the Florida Legislature.

2001

Kathleen DiBona

Kathleen DiBona, Principal of Dania Elementary in Broward County, has been a strong supporter of the arts in her personal, civic and professional life. As an elementary school principle, she has nurtured and advanced the creative process and integrated the arts into the curriculum.

Daniel Lewis

Daniel Lewis is Founding Dean of Dance at the New World School of the Arts in Miami and founder of Miami Dance Futures, a non-profit arts organization, which provides performance venues for Florida dancers. An educator, author and former dancer, Lewis has developed one of the most highly acclaimed dance programs in the US which has trained over 400 dancers. Lewis is passionately committed to developing a new generation of Miami choreographers whose work is reflective of the area’s multiethnic diversity.

2000

John and Fran Fenning

John and Fran Fenning are dedicated patrons of the performing and visual arts, and arts education in southwest Florida. Since 1992, they have supported the annual New Arts Festival and actively serve on community boards and give support to artists.

Sherron Long

Sherron Long’s lifetime commitment to creating an arts infrastructure throughout the state has been key in securing dramatic increases in legislative funding for the arts over many years. As director of the Florida Cultural Alliance, she has been a passionate advocate and dedicated leader of Florida’s cultural community. She manages three statewide service organizations: the Florida Cultural Alliance, which she co-founded in 1983; the Florida Professional Theatres Association, which she created in 1981; and the Florida Association of Local Arts Agencies.

Northern Trust Bank

Since 1982, Northern Trust Bank has played a leading role statewide in the development of the arts in every city in which branch offices are located. Over these years, they have contributed more than $5 million to arts organizations and events. As important as their financial contributions, Northern Trust has hosted countless events and bank officers are personally involved and committed to the arts.

1999

Deane C. Allyn

Deane Allyn served as Executive Director of the Sarasota Opera from 1985 to 1999 and was the primary driving force behind the development and renovation of the Sarasota Opera House Complex, which played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the downtown area. By owning and restoring the A.B. Edwards Theater, the Sarasota Opera became only the seventh opera company in the United States to own its own home.

The Children’s Coalition, Inc.

The Children’s Coalition is a vital community resource, which provides artistic experiences and training for at-risk youth in Palm Beach County. Founded by Carlton Cartwright, the Coalition believes that through the arts, youth can discover their hidden talents, acquire an appreciation for the arts, learn valuable technical skills and improve their self-esteem.

Mitchell Wolfson, Jr.

Mitchell Wolfson has contributed generously to many Florida cultural organizations, but the Wolfsonian has been the primary beneficiary of his philanthropy. Since establishing this museum and research center in 1986, he has donated approximately $82 million to its collections, facility, and operation. The Wolfsonian’s mission promotes the preservation, acquisition, exhibition, and study of art and design from the period 1885-1945. Other recipients of his philanthropy include: the Historical Association of Southern Florida, the Audubon House, Miami Art Museum and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

1998

Quincy State Bank

Since the early 1980’s, the Quincy State Bank has generously supported and played a critical role in encouraging the arts in Gadsden County. They were a founding sponsor of Art in Gadsden and have financially supported Gadsden Arts, the Havana MusicFest and the Quincy Music Theatre. The bank also presents visual arts exhibitions and has assembled a significant art collection.

Frances Fontaine Bourque

Through Frances Fontaine Bourque’s vision and leadership, the arts have been a catalyst for major change in Delray Beach. Three old school buildings that were to be demolished were instead restored and converted into the highly successful Old School Square, spurring an economic and cultural renaissance of the community. Her efforts have helped Delray Beach become recognized as a model for cultural revitalization and historic preservation throughout the state and nation.

Darden Restaurants Foundation

Darden Restaurants Foundation has shown leadership and support for a myriad of cultural organizations, particularly in Central Florida, through both fiscal support and volunteerism by their board and employees. A partial list of cultural organizations that have received support from Darden Restaurants includes: the Orlando Museum of Art, United Arts of Central Florida, Orlando Science Center, Atlantic Center for the Arts, Florida Film Festival, Bach Festival Society, Shakespeare Festival, Civic Theatre of Central Florida, Orlando Opera Company and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, among many others.

1997

Toby Lerner Ansin

An active supporter of the cultural community for over twenty years, Toby Lerner Ansin is perhaps best known for her association with the Miami City Ballet. After a chance meeting with Edward Villella in 1985, it was her vision, determination, and organizational and fundraising skills that helped launch the Miami City Ballet later that year.

1996

Dianne and Michael Bienes

Patrons Michael and Dianne Bienes have contributed enormously to the Broward County cultural community. They established the Bienes Business Center for the Arts at ArtServe; are founding members of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra Recording Fund; are supporters of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, Miami City Ballet, and the Opera Guild of Fort Lauderdale; and established a private foundation to provide scholarships and cultural activities for parochial school students.

1995

Herbert M. "Tippen" Davidson

Tippen Davidson, president, publisher, and co-editor of the Daytona Beach News-Journal, has long been a driving force behind cultural life in East-Central Florida. He is co-founder and president of the Florida International Festival in Daytona Beach, and he brought the London Symphony Orchestra to Florida for the first time over 25 years ago.

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Founded in 1950 as a private foundation independent of the Knight brothers' newspaper enterprises, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supports cultural organizations with demonstrated national impact, particularly for highly innovative projects. The Foundation also makes grants to many individual cultural organizations and initiatives in its 26 communities of interest throughout the U.S., including four in Florida. Since its inception, the Knight Foundation has awarded more than $49 million in cultural grants throughout the nation and is a leader in private support of the arts and culture in the State of Florida.

OLDER LISTS

1994

First Union National Bank of Florida, Downtown Melbourne Office
Lois Cowles Harrison and Homer Hooks

1993

Doris Leeper
Ann McKeel and James C. Ross

1992

Alamo Rent A Car
Dr. and Mrs. David A. Cofrin
Eleanor R. and A. Reynolds Morse
Tri-County Transit

1991

Arthur I. and Martha Appleton
Edith-Marie Appleton

1990

Ted and Lin Arison
Jane Lawrence Curtiss
Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr.
Senator Fred Dudley
Jack and Ruth Eckerd
Senator George Kirkpatrick
Eduardo J. Padron
Representative R. Dale Patchett
Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Naples
Myra Janco Daniels, BancFlorida, Frances Pew Hayes,
Westinghouse Communities of Naples, Inc.
Representative Ron Saunders

1989

Representative Keith Arnold
Barnett Banks, Inc.
Construction Committee of the Asolo Performing Arts Center
Senator Robert M. Johnson, Elizabeth Lindsay,
James Scheurenbrand, and Robert Wilhelm
Florida National Bank
Ruth Foreman (posthumous award)
Mayor Bill Frederick--City of Orlando
Senator Robert M. Johnson
Dr. and Mrs. Hugh McKean
Northern Trust Bank of Florida
Southern Bell
Mark S. Steinberg
John Tiedke

1988

Citicorp Florida
Robert M. Montgomery, Jr.
Drew Murphy
Rouse and Associates

1987

Barnett Bank of Jacksonville
Burdines of Miami
Representative Fran Carlton
City of Lakeland
Bruce Dempsey
Graphicstudio
Representative Tom Gustafson
Representative Mary Ellen Hawkins
Representative Gene Hodges
Jacksonville Art Museum
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Arthur "Buddy" Jacobs
Senator George Kirkpatrick
Senator Gwen Margolis
Representative Jon Mills
Polk County School Board
Polk Legislative Delegation
Polk Museum of Art
Polk Museum of Art Partnership
Ramses II Exhibition
Robert Rauschenberg
James Rosenquist
Senator Pat Thomas
Representative Winston "Bud" Gustafson

1986

Arts United Fund for Central Florida
Barnett Bank of Central Florida
Representative Samuel P. Bell, III
Cardinal Industries
Challenge Grant Program of the
Arts United Fund for Central Florida
Roy Craven, Jr.
Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
Orlando Sentinel
Philip Crosby Associates, Inc.
Southeast Banking Corporation Foundation
Tupperware U.S.
Walt Disney World Company

1985

American Express
Representative Fran Carlton
Representative Helen Gordon Davis
Representative Tom Gallagher
Representative Winston W. "Bud" Gardner
Marena Grant-Morrisey
Senator Bob Johnson
Senator Harry Johnston
Representative Jon Mills
NCNB National Bank
Senator Pat Neal
George Steinbrenner

1984

No Awards

1983

Air Florida
American Express Company
Ted and Lin Arison, Carnival Cruise Lines
Barnett Banks of Jacksonville
Senator John F. Cosgrove
Monsanto Fibers and Intermediates
Sims-Baldwin Music Family

1982

Arvida Corporation
Representative Samuel P. Bell, III
Judy Drucker
Fort Myers News-Press
General Mills Restaurant Group, Inc.
Junior League of Florida, "Communities in Florida"
Mattie M. Kelly
Representative Barry Kutun
Lee Malone
Senator Gwen Margolis
Representative Herbert F. Morgan
Rozier Machinery Company
Southeast First National Bank

1981

Burdines of Fort Myers
Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. and Marshall S. Harris
James H. Fenner
Representative Joe Gersten
Senator Jack Gordon
Mrs. George T. (Barbara) Mann

1980

Commercial Bank of Panama City
Karen Dubitsky
Representative Roberta Fox
Representative Elaine Gordon
Hillsborough County School Board
Senator Harry Johnston
Carol Otto
Dr. Clem Penington
Robinson's of Florida
Senator Paul Steinberg

1979

City of Tampa
Senator W.D. Childers
Mrs. Helen M. Morris
Dr. Edmund Skellings
Southeast Banking Corporation

1978

Dr. Gulnar K. Bosch
City of Gainesville
David Cohen
Maurice A. Ferre
Gainesville Sun
Ted Griffin
Senator Mattox S. Hair
Monsanto Company
Representative Herb Morgan
Ruth Shack
Margaret Acheson Stuart
William R. Hough and Company

1977

Mr. James Joseph Ackston
Mrs. Charles E. Ford
City of Jacksonville
Irwin Yacht and Marine Corporation
Mr. Ira McKissick Koger
Representative Tom McPherson
Mr. Seward S. Merrell
Performing Arts for Community and Education (PACE)
Prudential Insurance Company of America
South Central Arts Committee
Senator Richard Renick
Senator and Mrs. Richard Stone

1976

Bacardi Imports
City of Lake City
City of North Miami
Lou Anne Colodny
Representative Robert Hector
William Hoskins
Louise Lykes Ferguson
C. Carroll Otto
Harry M. Piper
Prudential Insurance
Julia Rohr
Lillian S. Sanders
Trend Publications, Inc., St. Petersburg
Senator Pat Thomas
Speaker of the House Donald Tucker
Willington Hall

1975

Alice E. Adams
City of Plant City
City of St. Petersburg
Sharon DeMarko
Freedom Federal Savings and Loan
Ruth Greenfield
John Harrison
Jacqueline Hinchey
Representative James L. Redman
James R. Spence
Southeast Banking Corporation
Tupperware International
C. Randolph Wedding
Women's Exchange of Sarasota
WSRE-TV

1974

Governor Reubin Askew
Mrs. Nancye Barrett
City of Orlando
City of Tampa
Mr. Richard G. Fallon
First National Bank of Tampa
Senator Tom Gallen
Mr. Robert Green
Mr. Maurice Gusman
Representative Tom McPherson
Mrs. Nelson Swift Morris
Mayor John B. Orr--City of Miami
Mr. Alan G. Radcliff
Mrs. Rosalyn Spencer
Speaker of the House T. Terrell Sessums
Sentinel Star Company
Secretary of State Richard Stone
The Springs, a Joint Venture
Times Publishing Company
Special Governor's Award D Members of the Picasso USF campaign
Mr. T.T. Wentworth
Mrs. S.J. Wilson
WTVJ-TV
WJCT-TV and FM Stereo 90

1973

Atlanta Banks in Jacksonville
Burdines of Miami
Chase Federal Savings and Loan Association of Miami
City Bank of St. Petersburg
City of Jacksonville
City of Lakeland
City of Winter Park
Cooke Cadillac
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Florida Gas Company
Gasparilla Sidewalk Art Festival
Representative Robert M. Johnson
Dr. Frances B. Kinne
Mrs. Jeanette McKean
Orlando Area Chamber of Commerce
Publix Supermarkets, Inc.
Ms. Norma Tina Russo
Mr. John Tiedke
Senator Alan Trask