Finalists

Arts advocate, philanthropist and longtime communications expert in the Valley, Joanie Flatt has been named the 2019 Shelley Award Honoree.

“Joanie’s reputation for commitment, love and passion for the arts is iconic in our community,” said Catherine “Rusty” Foley, executive director of Arizona Citizens for the Arts, which produces the Governor’s Arts Awards Celebration. “Her contributions have been pivotal to the advancement of many arts and culture organizations and their ability to reach and touch audiences and the community at large.”

Her achievements on behalf of the arts have been many. Among them: campaign manager for the successful 1998 Mesa Quality of Life tax campaign which provided the majority of the funds to build the Mesa Arts Center; founding chair of the Mesa Arts and Entertainment Alliance, and the first chairperson of the Mesa Arts Center Foundation board.

She has been a member of the Childsplay board of directors for more than 20 years is in her fifth term on the Arizona Theatre Company board of trustees, is a current member of the Children’s Action Alliance, and past chair of the East Valley Partnership.

We want to acknowledge ALL of the 2019 nominees, who are wonderful individuals and organizations that do so much for arts and culture in Arizona and deserve to be recognized for their talent, innovation and immense efforts.

On February 8, 2019, nominees, sponsors and guests gathered at Park Central to celebrate this year’s nominees and announce three finalists in each category as well as the Philanthropy Honorees. The celebration consisted of a cocktail hour, live entertainment and a semi-formal program.

Artist Award

This award recognizes an Arizona artist of significant merit, leadership or reputation whose creations or contributions enrich the state and the field of the arts. This category is open to artists of all artistic disciplines.

Bobb Cooper

Arts in Education | Individual

This award recognizes, educators, teaching artists, school administrators or school volunteers that have demonstrated significant support or participation in activities which foster excellence in, appreciation of, or access to arts education in the State of Arizona.

Tate Rich, Bisbee

Arts in Education | Organization

This award recognizes a nonprofit arts organization or a school that has demonstrated significant support for or participation in activities fostering excellence in, appreciation of, or access to arts education in the State of Arizona.

SOUNDS Academy, Phoenix

Business | Small

This award recognizes small, private businesses (1-99 employees), that have demonstrated significant support locally or statewide, through a contribution of time, energy, personnel, expertise and/or financial support or by participation in activities which foster excellence in, appreciation of, or access to the arts.

Manley Films and Media, Phoenix

Business | Large

This award recognizes large, private businesses (100+ employees), that have demonstrated significant support locally or statewide, through a contribution of time, energy, personnel, expertise and/or financial support or by participation in activities which foster excellence in, appreciation of, or access to the arts.

The Storytellers Project, Phoenix and Tucson

Community

This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated significant support or participation in activities which foster excellence in, appreciation of, or access to arts in the State of Arizona.

PSA Arts Awakenings, Phoenix

Individual

This award recognizes an individual for significant contributions to the arts in Arizona in the areas of arts leadership and personal commitment of time and talent.

Vincent VanVleet, Phoenix

Philanthropy

This award recognizes extraordinary philanthropic leadership through the contribution of financial resources to non-profit arts and culture organizations, and by encouraging the philanthropic support of others.