Winning With the Arts at the Mayor's Arts Awards

Life is a game…or is it? Well, actually, yes it is. Just ask the owners of Hasbro. Philosophically speaking, however, there has been a debate going on for quite sometime about whether life is all fun and games or if it’s real business. Patrons of the arts happen to get the best of both by having the enjoyable world of the arts be their business. For those who support the Lincoln Arts Council, including the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, life isn’t just a game they’re playing, it’s a game they’re winning.

Last Wednesday, patrons and artists in the Lincoln area continued to “Win With the Arts” at the Mayor’s Arts Awards, held on the Lied Center stage. Guests from the Lincoln Arts Council, Nebraska Repertory Theatre, and every artistic corner in between enjoyed the combination of the colorful casino theme, delicious buffet meal, artistic silent auction, and eloquent awards ceremony, which all added up to a night to remember. Following a social cocktail hour and sit-down dinner, patrons of the arts and Lincoln artists alike honored the special winners of the year with video tributes as well as beautifully quilted award plaques. Prior to the distribution of awards, Mayor Beutler gave an address that commended artists on their hard work in the past year of improving the city of Lincoln and state of Nebraska culturally, educationally, socially, and economically. Through the work and support of artists, entertainers, and patrons of the Lincoln Arts Council, Lincoln is quickly growing to become not only the happiest city in America, but also one of the most well-rounded and cultured cities as well.

Desiree (author of the post) and Emily Martinez at the Mayor's Awards

Many special artists showed how they won with the arts in the past year at the Mayor’s Arts Awards last Wednesday. Through those winners, many have become inspired to reach their full artistic potential, whether it is on the stage, canvas, or page. The Mayor’s Arts Awards, along with the Lincoln Arts Council, give great opportunities to artists young and old, new and experienced. The artistic scene of Lincoln has been and continues to bring new crowds, experiences, and lessons to the city, helping everyone win with the arts. That’s one jackpot and one game we can all be happy about winning.