Beth Domann, Executive Director of the Springfield Little Theatre (SLT), spends nearly her entire life actively serving the Springfield art community. She provides the area with countless laughs through her performances and personal interactions, and she pushed the SLT to its current reputation of quality community theatre.
Dr. Carl Price led the SRAC board of directors during several difficult transition periods while also serving on multiple committees. He continues to promote the arts and provide new opportunities for artists by exhibiting year-round, quarterly exhibitions at his business, The Center for Plastic Surgery, and purchasing local artwork.
Cindy Curtis, Board President of the Springfield Regional Opera (SRO), volunteered countless hours to save the SRO as it struggled under enormous financial pressure. She rearranged her work schedule so she could volunteer at the SRO morning, noon, and night. As a result of her dedication, the organization is positioned to thrive for many years to come.
As the SLT Education Director, Lorianne Dunn provides innumerable education opportunities to the area. She carefully built the SLT education program to maintain artistic and educational integrity as well as financial stability. Nearly 2,000 students participate in her education programs each year and emerge confident with experience.
In nine short years, Mount Vernon Regional Arts transformed the arts community in its five surrounding counties through festivals, community theatre, a new arts center and amphitheater, and extensive programming. Their work spans many genres, generations, and locations throughout the area.
Even before he became Mayor, Robert Stephens was a long-standing supporter of the arts in the area. He served on the board of the Springfield Art Museum and is a founding member of the Friends of the Springfield Art Museum. His life-time of commitment though service and support as a public official, board member, donor, exhibitor, and advocate for the arts in our community exemplifies leadership.
The Ozzie Awards are presented at the most celebrated, collaborative arts gala of the year, Flights of Fancy. Hosted at the beautifully designed Springfield-Branson National Airport on September 10, 2016, the event welcomes hundreds of business and community leaders, arts patrons, and artists to celebrate with gourmet food by Touch Restaurant, entertainment from some of the area's premier performance groups, and fine art at the Sky Gallery.