Gov. Gregoire announces Arts and Heritage Awards recipients

For Immediate Release: December 20, 2007

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington State Arts Commission today announced the recipients of the 2007 Governor�s Arts and Heritage Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the creativity and culture of Washington.

2007 recipients of the Governor�s Arts Awards:
� Richard Elliott, artist from Ellensburg;
� Elizabeth Miller, Director of Allied Arts of Yakima Valley;
� The Gage Academy of Art in Seattle; and
� Michael Sandner, Director of Arts Education and Curriculum Integration for Bethel School District.

2007 recipients of the Governor�s Heritage Awards:
� Elaine Grinnell, S'Klallam elder and storyteller;
� Pete Peterson, Sr., Skokomish artist; and
� Skye K. Richendrfer, a bagpiper and Director of the Celtic Arts Foundation in Mount Vernon.

Gov. Gregoire will present each recipient with an original artwork and a certificate at a ceremony in the Governor�s Mansion in Olympia.

Since 1966, the Governor�s Arts Awards have recognized 153 individuals for their artwork, community service, leadership in the arts and teaching and mentorship. The Governor�s Heritage Awards were established in 1989 to honor those who preserve and promote the traditions and cultural heritage of our state and have recognized 54 individuals and organizations. Heritage Award recipients actively participate in their communities as artists, scholars and historians.

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