The Columbus Foundation has named the 10 recipients of the 2018 Spirit of Columbus Award, honoring leaders across the Columbus arts community. The announcement was made at a civic celebration held on April 17.
The Spirit of Columbus Award recognizes individuals who have exhibited outstanding community spirit through their work and accomplishments. Each award recipient’s organization will receive a $5,000 grant to support their work.
The recipients of the 2018 Spirit of Columbus Award are Suzan Bradford, Queen Brooks, Duarte Brown, William Evans, Corey Favor, Sheri Neale, Marshall Shorts, Cristyn Steward, Carnell Willoughby and Scott Woods. Past award recipients have included Denny Griffith, former Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Tanny Crane, Jane Grote Abell and Michelle Alexander.
Scott Woods, a writer, poet and founder of Streetlight Guild and Writer’s Block Poetry, accepted a “Jerrie” on behalf of the nominees. The Jerrie is a bronze miniature statue of pilot Jerrie Mock, based on the sculpture at Port Columbus International Airport. Mock was the first recipient of The Spirit of Columbus Award in 2013.
“Tonight we celebrate the trailblazers whose extraordinary work and courageous contributions to the arts move central Ohio forward,” said Douglas F. Kridler, president and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “As leaders in the black arts community, these individuals have demonstrated a tremendous ability to bring people together on a local, national, and international level. We honor them as they enrich Columbus through their respective art forms while creating opportunities for others to grow and collaborate in their own artistic endeavors.”
For more information about The Spirit of Columbus Award, its recipients and the Columbus Foundation itself, visit columbusfoundation.org.