The Richardson Arts Alliance announced the recipients of the annual "Heart for the Arts" awards at its Garden Party on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Award recipients Dr. Christopher Salerno and Dr. John Dixon, Hawana Townsley and Laurie Garvie will be honored at the annual Heart for the Arts Gala on Saturday, February 15, 2020.
“I am so thrilled that we have wonderful recipients representing the arts community here in Richardson. They exemplify what it means to ‘give tirelessly,’ and each one has promoted, supported and advocated for the cultural arts in Richardson,” said Sharon Hammer, President of the Richardson Arts Alliance.
Dr. Christopher Salerno and Dr. John Dixon will be recognized as the “Patrons of the Arts,” which is given to outstanding community leaders who have devoted time and resources to further the arts in the greater Richardson area. “Christopher has been a long-time volunteer at the Eisemann Center also helped establish the volunteer program for the Dallas Summer Musicals. John is the presenting sponsor for Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversation series at the Eisemann Center,” said Sharon.
Hawana Townsley will be recognized with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for her dedication and commitment to the performing and visual arts. “Hawana has been played an active role in the arts in Richardson including serving as a dance teacher, theatre stage manager, house manager of the Eisemann Center and now as Events Manager for the First United Methodist Church of Richardson.”
Laurie Garvie will receive the "Ambassador for the Arts Award” for her commitment to the arts. “Laurie serves as Executive Director and President of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Laurie helps oversee all aspects of the symphony including providing symphony concerts for the students of Richardson ISD. She is an active community volunteer including as serving on the boards of Friends of the Richardson Library and Richardson Reads One Book,” said Sharon.
The award recipients will be honored at the annual Heart for the Arts Gala on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at the Charles W. Eisemann Center. The mission of the Richardson Arts Alliance is to promote and develop the cultural arts in the City of Richardson through communication, collaboration and education by individual members and organizations interested in the arts.