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Rosemary Mackey
(630)
293-2200 ext. 139
rmackey@westchicago.org |
City of West
Chicago
475 Main
Street
West Chicago,
Illinois 60185 |
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Fredericka Howard of West Chicago Honored with
2009 Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award
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Fredericka Howard, one of the founding members of West Chicago's Gallery 200, shares her thoughts to those gathered for the Gallery's recent rededication. Howard is the recent recipient of a Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award. |
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West Chicago, Illinois: November 18, 2009 -
The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC), along with the City of West Chicago, are proud to announce that Fredericka Howard is a recipient of a 2009 Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award. This local “humanities hero” has been recognized by Mayor Mike Kwasman and the City of West Chicago for her outstanding efforts on behalf of the humanities in her community.
“It is well-deserved recognition for Fredericka, who has given so much to the West Chicago community over the years. Her dedication to promoting the arts has resulted in our City’s growing reputation as an Illinois Arts Friendly Community and a haven for creativity,” said Mayor Mike Kwasman.
Howard’s list of accomplishments spans more than a decade. She was an original volunteer on the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission when it was formed in 1993. She went on to serve as chairman from 1999-2007, and remained on the Commission until April of 2008. Under Howard’s leadership, a grant was secured through the Illinois Arts Council to design and create a mural in the historic downtown area. She also established the Lou Ransom Scholarship, named in honor of a noted local artist that moved from the area. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a deserving graduate of West Chicago Community High School, who wishes to pursue an art related career.
Another dream of Howard’s and the Commission was opening a community art gallery. Supporting their vision, the City purchased an 1870’s building in downtown West Chicago and dedicated the first floor, rent and utility free, for the purpose of establishing an artist’s co-op. Gallery 200, at 200 Main Street, has enjoyed nearly four successful years, and is now more than 40 artists strong. Plans are underway to restore the lower level for additional artist workshops, classes and special events. Through her tireless efforts, the talents of West Chicago artists are, and will continue to be, a visible and vibrant force in the West Chicago community.
“The Illinois Humanities Council could not have identified the more than 40 Studs Terkel medalists without the help of Illinois mayors and village presidents,” said Executive Director Kristina A. Valaitis. “We are so pleased that in the 10th year of this program, we are able to honor these champions of the humanities that make their communities and our whole state more vibrant.”
Recipients of the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award will receive an engraved medal of recognition struck by the Medallic Art Company, America’s oldest and largest private mint. Named after the prize-winning oral historian and author, Studs Terkel, the awards reflect the spirit of this prominent son of Illinois. Terkel was a modern-day renaissance man: an actor, playwright, jazz columnist, film narrator, and disc jockey. He is perhaps most admired for documenting 20th –century America through the words and voices of ordinary people. Recipients were selected for their service in the humanities, which include significant and sustained efforts to further public understanding of, and appreciation for, the humanities at the community level. This program was started in 1999, in honor of the IHC’s 25th anniversary; this year marks the 10th anniversary of this special honor.
For more information about recipients of the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Awards, please contact the IHC offices at (312) 422-5580 or visit www.prairie.org/studsterkelaward. For more information about the IHC’s programs and events, please visit their website at www.prairie.org. |
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| CITY OF WEST
CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois
60185 T - (630)
293-2200 www.westchicago.org |
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