Two Gardnerville artists among dozen recognized by arts council

Two Gardnerville residents are among a dozen Nevada artists recognized by the Nevada Arts Council.

Writer Susan Priest and choreographer Jennie Pitts received honorable mention in the annual artist fellowships, according to information released today.

"The individual artist is the backbone of our state's creative economy," said Executive Director Susan Boskoff. "Though our grant programs have been cut this biennium, the budget for Artist Fellowships was reduced by more than $15,000, the Arts Council remains firmly committed to publicly recognize the level of excellence demonstrated by our community of artists."

During three days of public meetings held at the University of Nevada Reno's Joe Crowley Student Union in June 2009, panelists reviewed 136 applications; 61 in literary arts, 24 in performing arts and 51 in visual arts. The panels selected a dozen artists for fellowships and honorable mention grants, which the council board considered and approved during a conference call on June 25.

Council awarded five $5,000 Artist Fellowships for the year, including two to Carson City writers William Cowee and Robert Leonard Reid.

In addition to using the grant award to produce art during the fellowship year, each fellow provides a free public event relevant to his or her discipline, through readings, exhibitions, performances and master classes. The services program, which oversees artist fellowships, also awarded a $500 grant to seven honorable mentions this year.