2015 National Arts Awards

The 2015 National Arts Awards, hosted by Americans for the Arts, in New York on October 19th was a true celebration of the arts.

The most notable winners were:

Philanthropy in the Arts
Irwin & Joan Jacobs
Presented by Christopher Ashley

Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award
Herbie Hancock
Presented by Paul Simon

Arts Education Award
Alice Walton
Presented by Agnes Gund

Legacy Award
Maria Arena Bell
Presented by Jeff Koons

Young Artist Award
Lady Gaga
Presented by Klaus Biesenbach

Carolyn Clark Powers Lifetime Achievement Award
Sophia Loren
Presented by Rob Marshall

I was particularly moved by Lady Gaga’s beautiful speech announcing that this meant more to her than any other award she has received. She has created a foundation and is working really hard to give back to the community. The other recipients were equally as deserving. Erwin and Joan Jacobs from San Diego who have donated more than 100 million to their local symphony to keep it afloat. Alice Walton, who built and paid for the first art museum in the Ozarks. Herbie Hancock, who has revolutionized jazz music and is passing it along to the younger generation. Talented Actress Sophia Loren, an amazing ageless beauty certainly deserved the Lifetime Achievement Award from Carolyn Clark Powers, Chairperson of the evening. And Maria Bell, with her incredible dedication to the arts and in chairing the Gala for the past 10 years.

Congratulations to all! What a fabulous celebration of the arts!

Don’t miss David Brooks’ column in the New York Times on Passion and Lady Gaga
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/23/opinion/lady-gaga-and-the-life-of-passion.html?_r=0