Awards honor finest in arts

Ceremony takes place Thursday

Kathy McLaughlin/Poughkeepsie Journal The 2003 Dutchess County Executive Arts Awards were announced at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie. The gathering included Kantham Chatlapalli, front row from left, Ricardo Diaz, Jeep Johnson, Albert Shahinian, Shirley Handel, Bernard Handel, Marguerite San Millan and Andres San Millan. Standing in the back row, from left, are Doug Nobiletti, Franc Palaia, Carol Zappelli, Benjamin Krevolin (president of DCAC), Deborah Bailey-Browne (chairman of the board, DCAC), Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus, Frank Lombardi, Laura Scott-Matthes, Sharon Kruger, Kathy Clegg and Sara Pasti.

Here in the mid-Hudson Valley, they're part of the structure that opens windows for others to try dance, see a musical or visit a gallery, and they also bridge gaps between business and culture.

They're artists.

All of these accomplishments will be recognized when the 2003 Dutchess County Executive's Arts Awards honor creativity and commitment.

The annual awards ceremony is hosted by Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus and the Dutchess County Arts Council, a nonprofit arts service group that promotes and coordinates cultural activity in the region.

Winners are diverse

''What's so impressive is the diversity of the winners and it so mirrors the success we've had in broadening the arts community,'' said Steinhaus.

Nominations are submitted each year to recognize the contributions of area artists, artwork, arts patrons and organizations. This year's recipients will be honored during an awards ceremony Thursday at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie.

''I think these honorees really reflect the great energy that is here,'' said Benjamin Krevolin, Dutchess County Arts Council president. ''I think particularly BACA (Beacon Arts Community Association) and CAP (City Artist Partnership) ... that really points out what's exciting in arts and community building.''

Kantham Chatlapalli of Hopewell Junction dances, teaches and choreographs the classical Indian dance style Kuchipudi. She's credited with being the first to bring the art to Dutchess County. She received a New York State Council for the Arts-funded apprenticeship in Kuchipudi Dance as a Master Artist.

She says the council helped her get the information she needed for the apprenticeship, which is now helping her provide advanced instruction to her students.

''Dutchess County is a great place for the arts,'' Chatlapalli said. ''Even though you have a talent, you need to have somebody who can help you show your talent.''

AT A GLANCE

AWARD WINNERS

Recipients of the 2003 Dutchess County Executive's Arts Awards:

Art in Public Places -- Mural painted at Main Street Bridge in Wassaic by Kathy Clegg replaced graffiti-covered bridge with images of wildlife.

Arts-in-Education -- Laura Scott-Matthes, an artist and teacher at Titusville Intermediate School, Arlington Central School District.

Arts Organization -- Cocoon Theatre, founded by Marguerite and Andres San Millan, works primarily with children ages 3 to 18 to mount original dance and theater productions.

Business/Corporation -- Beacon Arts Community Association, founded by president and arts entrepreneur Ricardo Diaz and other members this year for Beacon's businesses and arts venues. The group established Second Saturday celebrations and helped bring trolley service to the city.

Individual Artist -- Kanthan Chatlapalli, practices the classical Indian Kuchipudi dance and has performed throughout Dutchess County, including opening for the Anoushka Shankar concert at Poughkeepsie's Bardavon 1869 Opera House.

Individual Patrons -- Bernard and Shirley Handel, have served as Hudson Valley Philharmonic board members, chaired and established fund-raisers and donated to the area's arts organizations.

Special Citation -- City Artist Partnership, a collaboration of Poughkeepsie artists, business owners and local government formed in 2002 to promote the city's arts and economic development. It has initiated studio tours, ArtHop Third Saturdays, the Poughkeepsie Art Museum and other projects to bring attention to the arts.

Youth With Exceptional Promise in the Arts -- Frank Joseph Lombardi III, has been recognized by tap instructors for his dedication, technique and performance.