On
Saturday, May 25, 2024, National Conference of Artists-Michigan
Chapter, honored noted artist Shirley Woodson Reid long-term and devoted
President, having served the chapter for over forty years. She was
honored along with 27 artists who received this year's Vision and
Excellence in the Arts Awards during NCA's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Luncheon held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American
History. Duane Beddingfield, Arts and Culture Reporter for the Detroit Free Press served as Master of Ceremonies.
Ms.
Woodson-Reid gave a keynote that provided a rich history of the
organization. Several community and business leaders were recognized as
well for their help and support over the years. See program booklet for a
complete list. Contact NCA for a copy of the souvenir program booklet.
Reverend Barbara A. Woodson gave the invitation and blessed the meal. The
luncheon committee did a great job putting everything together from the
well documented history on the program, the meticulously painstaking
awards presentation for 27 artists who were honored individually to the luncheon menu.
This
year's 50th Anniversary Celebration was a beautiful occasion and a
proud moment for a total of 27 artists who have maintained their
artistry over the years and successfully met the challenges of keeping
their artistic visions alive and viable throughout the Detroit
Metropolitan area and beyond. Their names are
listed at the end of this post. They were this year's recipients of
Vision and Excellence in the Arts Awards. National Conference of Artists
has served as a vital support network, educating, unifying and
inspiring throughout the years, honoring artists with this award.
A
special memorial tribute was conducted for Eileen Montiero, an
accomplished water color artist and board member of the Michigan chapter
who recently made her transition. Memorial mentions were made in the
event program of other members who have passed away over the chapter's
50 year history. Eileen was the most recent, very active and the glue
that often held the organization's membership together sending out vital
information about activities and events.
The members of the Luncheon Committee who planned and organized the event:
Robbie Best
Debra Brown Cage
Arlinda Crossland
Electra V. Fulbright
Sharon Gamblin
Ida Hawkins
Terrie Hylton
Carrie Jones
Shekenia Mann
Eileen Montiero
Senhor Reid
Bill Sanders
Raymond Wells
Linda Whitaker
Shirley Woodson
NCA Michigan Chapter extended a very special thank you to the Committee and their friends and supporters over the years:
Camille Brewer, Archivist
Marion Hayden, Musician
Desmond Love, Filmmaker
Terrie Hylton, Artist
Shekenia Mann, Photographer
Bill Sanders, Photographer
David and Linda Whitaker, Collectors
This year's Vision and Excellence in the Arts Awardees are:
Check out NCA's website for further information about the event and the artists.
Congratulations to all the artists and supporters over the years.
