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Pictured, from left: ASI Associate Director Jen Swan, Just Buffalo Board President Mary Farallo, ASI Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk and Just Buffalo Executive Director Laurie Dean Torrell. (Photo by Nancy J. Parisi)
Pictured, from left: ASI Associate Director Jen Swan, Just Buffalo Board President Mary Farallo, ASI Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk and Just Buffalo Executive Director Laurie Dean Torrell. (Photo by Nancy J. Parisi)

Arts Services Initiative of WNY presents 'Spark' Cultural Awards for organization, artist of the year

Submitted

Thu, May 26th 2016 07:25 pm

Just Buffalo and Adam Zyglis join previously announced winners for 3rd annual awards 

Arts Services Initiative of Western New York announced Just Buffalo Literary Center as Cultural Organization of the Year, and Adam Zyglis as Individual Artist of the Year at the third annual "Spark" Cultural Awards on Wednesday. They joined the previously announced slate of winners:

  • Lifetime Achievement - Saul Elkin
  • Arts Integration - Elgin Wolfe and Tri-Main Development
  • Advocate for the Cultural Sector - Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp.
  • Cultural Ambassador - Tom Toles
  • DEC Program of the Year - Buffalo Laboratory Theatre and 710 Main Theatre for "Mystery of the Silver Chalice"
  • Rising Star - University Heights Arts Association
  • Supporter of the Cultural Sector - Buffalo Spree
  • Unsung Hero - Carl Klingenschmitt and Sue Fay Allen, for their work with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra)

Zyglis was announced as winner from among a group of three finalists, which also included Zuri Elise Appleby and Chuck Tingley. Just Buffalo's fellow finalists were Buffalo Choral Arts Society and the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.

"This year's winners and finalists once again show the incredible depth, breadth and quality of our area's cultural sector," ASI Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk said. "Every winner's comments demonstrated the incredible camaraderie, spirit and thoughtfulness of the amazing people who work in and support our cultural community."

This year's "Spark" Cultural Awards Party was chaired by last year's Supporter of the Cultural Sector, Rick Smith, and was hosted by WIVB's Teresa Weakley. It also featured performances by 12/8 Path Band and spoken word artist Janna Willoughby-Lohr, live art creation by Fotini Galanes, and chalk art by Jennifer Mayberry.

Proceeds of the Spark Awards benefit ASI's capacity building, collaboration and advocacy efforts for the cultural sector in five counties, all of which are provided free of charge.

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