The City of Bend Arts, Beautification & Culture (ABC) Commission and Bend City Council honored four individuals last week with the annual ABC Award: Pamela Hulse Andrews, Ray Solley, Doug LaPlaca and Bill Hoppe. The awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that made significant contributions to the promotion, beautification or preservation of the City’s arts, culture, natural environment or public spaces in 2013.
The ABC Award winners are:
Pamela Hulse Andrews – Cascade A&E
Pamela’s two decades of art promotion through Cascade A&E has brought a world class magazine, web-site and focus to the regional art scene. She has created a place for artists, creators, performers and the public to come together and support each other. She sought to educate the community that the arts are a viable and significant component of the Central Oregon community and economy.
Ray Solley – Executive Director Tower Theatre
Ray took the reins of a successful and viable Theater and made it even better. Ray brought internationally recognized talents to Bend, while still maintaining space and support for local and regional performers. He worked behind the scenes to promote the arts and culture in Bend.
Doug LaPlaca – Visit Bend Cultural Tourism Fund
Doug played a significant role in bringing the first tax specifically for the development and promotion of art and culture, the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund. His grass-roots campaign resulted in a successful referendum. The adoption of his plan is going to benefit Bend and its art community.
Bill Hoppe, Central Oregon Community College
Since 2000, Bill has been a leading advocate for student arts and the education, enlightenment and support for countless artists in our community. He recognized the importance of art and promoted, created and supported over 30 young artist exhibitions and numerous art programs in Bend. As an accomplished artist, he has encouraged many students.
Winners are selected from nominations submitted by community members. Selection is based on criteria, including the nominee’s level of community impact. The ABC Commission acts in an advisory capacity, making recommendations on the appropriate role for the City of Bend to take in supporting the arts, beautification and culture, and annually identifies the appropriate City involvement in arts, community beautification and culture with emphasis on community gatherings, events, cultural tourism and the arts.
