Lifetime Achievement Awards
When
Event has endedWhere
McNeil Building Back Patio
17-29 Main St.
Back Patio
Cortland, NY 13045
Contact
admin@cortlandartsconnect.org
607-753-1188
Join us for an evening of celebration as Cortland Arts Connect (CAC) presents the 14th Lifetime Achievement Awards on July 14th at 5:30 pm. The awards will be held on the beautiful back patio of the McNeil Building, located at 17-29 Main Street, Cortland.
We are thrilled to announce this year's distinguished honorees: Sherry Dans for Visual Art and Dr. Stephen Wilson for Music. Both renowned and esteemed artists have left an indelible mark on our local arts scene, enriching our community with their remarkable talents.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards pay tribute to exceptional artists and musicians who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of our cultural landscape. Established in 2009, the Visual Art Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to the visual arts, while the Music Award, added in 2021, recognizes extraordinary achievements in the realm of music. The honorees are chosen by a committee of their peers, who evaluate their accomplishments and contributions.
Sherry Dans, an esteemed photographer, and retired Computer Graphics Specialist, graces our board at Cortland Arts Connect. Specializing in wildlife and landscape photography, Sherry possesses a unique ability to capture the essence of nature without disturbing its harmony. Through workshops and volunteering her time and talents for CAC, she generously shares her passion for photography with the community. Sherry's award-winning work has been exhibited at prominent venues such as YWCA Cortland and McNeil Gallery. Additionally, she is an active member of the prestigious Syracuse Photography Club, one of the oldest photography organizations in the United States.
Dr. Stephen Wilson, our distinguished honoree for Music, served as a professor of music at SUNY Cortland from 1985 to 2016. During his tenure, he taught choral music, music theory, conducted various performances, and accompanied numerous students and faculty colleagues. With a Doctor of Arts in conducting from Ball State University, Dr. Wilson's exceptional choral arrangements have resounded throughout the eastern seaboard and the Midwest. Furthermore, his musical expertise extends to being a pianist and music director for numerous musical theater productions. Notably, he is also a cherished member of the JazzHappensBand.
The celebratory evening will be enhanced by refreshments, accompanied by harp music performed by the talented harpist Lisa Fenwick. In conjunction with the event, the McNeil Gallery will host a collaborative exhibition featuring works by both honorees throughout the month of July. We cordially invite you to join us on July 14th as we applaud and honor the extraordinary achievements of our 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award winners.