Hannibal Arts Council recognizes community arts leadership with Paragon awards

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal Arts Council recently recognized several community members with Paragon awards. Winners were presented original pieces by local artist and Alliance Art Gallery member Steve Ryan. 

Sherri Steinmann was awarded The Ultimate Paragon, the highest award presented, for her dedication to the Hannibal Arts Council as a board member, membership committee member, volunteer, membership supporter and participant, as well as her willingness to share ideas and encouragement while challenging the organization to be the best it can be.

Additional Paragon Art Awards winners were:

• Leadership in the Arts (Art Project/Art Program) award recognized Robert and Wendy Hendrickson for their enthusiastic encouragement of the poetry art form in Hannibal, including the River Poets Society;
• Leadership in the Arts (Individual) award recognized Steve and Vilma Holt for their dedication to volunteerism, exhibit participation and youth programming;
• Leadership in the Arts (Business) award recognized USBank for their commitment to HAC youth and exhibit programming through financial support.

Two special awards were presented as part of the newly-created Jean Vincent/Scipio Creek Pottery Arts Education Fund. The inaugural Arts Education Award was presented to Oakwood Elementary School art instructor Amber Penrose, and the Arts Education Project award was presented to Hannibal High School art instructor Lisa Wiese and includes a financial commitment to buy a pottery-throwing wheel.

For more information regarding the Hannibal Arts Council and to get involved in the organization, contact the Hannibal Arts Council at 573-221-6545 or visit hannibalarts.com.