A late artist and a departing university president were among the honorees Wednesday night at the 2010 Ozzie Awards at the Creamery Arts Center in downtown Springfield.
The Legacy Award, which is only presented posthumously, was given to Robert Eugene Smith, who died in February. Smith was known for his unique look at life, including his large-scale murals that can be seen throughout downtown Springfield and the Ozarks.
Smith's longtime friends, Dwaine Crigger and Barb Baker, accepted the award, which is given to individuals who have displayed the qualities of an award-winner throughout their lifetime, according to a news release.
The Leadership Award, given only in special circumstances to honor outstanding achievement on a specific project, went to Missouri State University President Michael Nietzel for his work on the IDEA Commons, which brings together innovation, design, entrepreneurship and the arts. The award was accepted by Paul Kincaid, MSU chief of staff and assistant to the president for university relations.
Other awards presented Wednesday night:
• Individual awards went to Lisa Blumenstock and Anna Squires, co-chairs of Artsfest 2006–2009;
• The organization award went to the Logan-Rogersville High School Show-Me Arts Committee;
• BKD LLP received the corporate art collector award; and
• The Prater Family received the individual art collector award.
The 2010 Ozzie selection committee comprised William "Bucky" Bowman, Jerry Clark, Kirk Elmquist, Jeanie Morris and Randy Russell.[[In-content Ad]]
