Arts council to honor Juanita K. Hammons, Phil Broyles

The Springfield Regional Arts Council will posthumously honor Juanita K. Hammons and Phil Broyles during its 2014 Ozzie Awards.

Hammons, who died in April at age 96, and Broyles, who died in March at age 65, will be honored with the SRAC's Legacy Award during the organization's Flights of Fancy event scheduled Sept. 6 at the Springfield-Branson National Airport, according to SpringfieldArts.org.

According to the SRAC, Hammons earned its highest honor for her work as one of the most prominent art patrons in Missouri, including hosting the annual Salute to the Arts and serving as the namesake of Juanita K. Hammons Hall for Performing Arts at Missouri State University.

During its 2013 awards ceremony, the SRAC honored Juanita K. Hammons' late husband, John Q., with its Legacy Award. The hotelier died in May of that year.

Broyles, the former Public Works director for the city of Springfield who died after a brief battle with cancer, will receive the Legacy Award for his behind-the-scenes work on The Creamery Arts Center and public art in the Queen City, according to the SRAC.

During the September event, the arts council also is slated to honor Obelisk Home with the Organization Award. The SRAC notes the home interiors retailer supports local artists and partners with them to support philanthropic efforts for those in need in the community.

The SRAC will present its Individual Award to Drury Professor Tom Parker and musician Lou Whitney. Parker, who created the master's in studio art and theory program at Drury, also is an artist and musician. Whitney, who the SRAC says has been called the “father of the ‘Springfield Sound’” and “Springfield master musician,” will be honored for his over 40 years as a musician and producer.

The SRAC's Philanthropy Award will go to John and Beth Raidel, who have donated time and money to a variety of arts organizations and events for more than 30 years[[In-content Ad]]