Come honor artists, arts educators and arts supporters during the Governor’s Arts Awards at noon Tuesday, March 17, at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock.

“Arkansas is filled with wonderful artists and fantastic art of all kinds,” said Sandi Sanders, chairwoman of the Arkansas Arts Council’s Advisory Council. “The state is fortunate to have individuals and companies who recognize the value of art and continually support artistic opportunities for the residents of Arkansas.”

Sanders will help present the awards. Artists and patrons of the arts will speak about their work and accept one-of-a-kind artworks created by local artist Fletcher Larkin. Sanders said listening to the artists and arts supporters is “a moving and inspirational experience.” Videos about the award recipients also will be unveiled during the ceremony.Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who has long been a proponent of the arts, will make a presentation during the event.

“The arts are a vital component of Arkansas’s quality of life, economy, cultural development, identity, history and heritage,” said Patrick Ralston, director of the Arkansas Arts Council. “I believe keeping the arts strong will lead to an even brighter future for our state.”

Tickets to attend the luncheon are just $35 each and available at ArkansasArts.org. Tickets must be purchased by March 6. Only a few seats remain.

Governor’s Arts Awards recipients are nominated by the public, then selected by an independent panel of arts professionals from around the state. Nominees are judged, in part, on the significance of their contributions and achievements in the arts.

This year’s awardees are: Gretchen Hall, Arts Community Development Award; Jeannie Hulen, Arts in Education Award; Marty Scarbrough, Folklife Award; Mark Landon Smith, Individual Artist Award; Madison and Suzanne Murphy, Patron Award; Henri Linton Sr., Lifetime Achievement Award; The Breakfast Club Interdisciplinary Arts Program, Judges Recognition Award; and Arkansas Health and Wellness, Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts Award.

Smith said the Governor’s Arts Awards event is important because it highlights the contributions and work of artists, arts supporters and arts communities statewide.

“It’s an honor to receive the Individual Artist Award from the Arkansas Arts Council,” Smith said. “I am grateful for the support I’ve received from the AAC and the arts community in Northwest Arkansas.”

For more information visit ArkansasArts.org or contact Cheri Leffew, special events-projects manager, at 501-324-9767 or at [email protected].