2016 Excellence in Arts Award Winners

The Brighton Cultural Arts Commission is pleased to announce the “cultural arts champions” in our community who will be recognized with the Excellence in Arts Awards. These individuals were recognized at the Brighton Excellence of Arts Ceremony on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Eagle View Adult Center.

Master of Fine Arts: Open to photographers, painters, potters, sculptors, jewelry designers, and authors.

Kathy Wardle is a multi-talented artist excelling as a graphic artist, painter, and photographer and is known most notably for her sculptures. In addition to her bronze “Sandpaper Track” in front of the Armory, Kathy’s work is part of the public art in Thornton and Frederick. Kathy’s vision is “to create public sculptures that communicate to the observer a moment in that that would capture the essence in the collective memory of a community.” Kathy is co-owner of a gallery in Lafayette and serves on several arts-related committees within Brighton such as Eye for Art, Cultural Arts Commission, and the Downtown Partnership.

Master of Performing Arts: Open to film makers, dancers, actors/actresses, directors, and musicians.

Kali Palmer is the drama teacher at Eagle Ridge Academy. In this role she teaches a variety of classes that allow her students to explore the wide range of skills showcased in the performing arts. Students have the opportunity to learn acting fundamentals, play writing, scene and set design, and film making. Her students have performed a wide range of plays including “The Yellow Boat,” a poignant story of a child’s battle with AIDS and “The Giver.” The students have also staged musicals including “Once Upon a Mattress” and the classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Improvisation is another opportunity Kali offers her students, and she has formed a team that gives up to 12 shows a year. This team qualified to participate in the national Destination Imagination competition.

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Visionary: Open to an individual, group, or business who has helped form the Brighton cultural scene

Ron Ames is “never one to shy away from rolling up his sleeves and getting to work.” Ron has been active in Brighton’s cultural scene for many years, and he realized that even though there are many cultural arts-related activities going on, there was not a cohesive, guiding vision for all the programs. As a result, Ron led a small group of interested community members and wrote a very comprehensive Cultural Strategic Plan which has laid the groundwork for community involvement, planning, funding, and structure for the Arts and Culture movement in Brighton. Ron devotes countless hours serving on various cultural arts committees including the Adams County Cultural Council, Brighton Cultural Arts Commission, Art Awareness Committee, Eye for Art, and the Lodging TaxAdvisory Committee.

Beyond Brighton: Open to an individual, group, or business from outside our community who has brought ideas to Brighton

Benna Harris served for many years as a member of the Brighton Cultural Arts Commission where she paved the way for permanent, public art installations. She was the chairperson for the selection committees for the sculptures at Historic City Hall, the Recreation Center, Bridge Street at North Elementary School, The Armory, Downtown Brighton on North Main, and most recently the kinetic sculpture which will be installed this winter on 1^St Avenue. Benna knows art and has a great understanding of various techniques and is able to empower others with knowledge to make decisions concerning public art installations.

Youth in the Arts: Open to an individual, group, or business who has offered some form of creative arts to the youth within our community.

Linda Bauhas been the music teacher at Southeast Elementary school for 40 years. In her words, “Music takes students to a different place. It provides them with confidence and self-esteem; it gives them opportunities to work on a team while making a commitment to others and to a successful performance.” Every year Linda teaches from 500-600 students every week and ensures that every student has the opportunity to perform in a special program. She has been a role model for many of her students who have gone on to major in music in college and then to perform professionally. She has inspired the gift and appreciation of music, dance, and performance into thousands of students.

Art in the Community: Open to an individual, group, or business who has encouraged public art or cultural experience in Brighton

Sherry Chance is a gifted photographer who has shared her passion for photography with the Brighton High School drama program. Her expression of art is seen at all the drama productions with her cast photos, head shots, and show photos. Furthermore, she edits and packages these photos on CD’s in beautiful theme-based cases that are sold at the shows as a fundraiser. Sherry’s work is showcased in the lobby of Brighton High School, on the drama department’s Facebook page, and on a website. Due to her connection with the drama department’s seniors, she has taken many of their senior pictures for little to no cost.