GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY LEE HONOR TWELVE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2021-2023 GOVERNOR’S ARTS AWARDS

Posted Oct 18, 2023 | Posted in: News

From Tennessee Arts Commission –

Recipients include Carla Thomas, Doyle Lawson, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood

: 2021-2023 Tennessee Arts Awards recipients with Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee at a reception in the Governor’s Residence. Top Row L to R: Pedro Thomas (HoLa Hora Latina), Carla Thomas, Lori Kissinger (Borderless Arts Tennessee), Debbie Litch; Bottom Row L to R: Jerry Salley (accepting for Doyle Lawson), Richard Turner, Leah Ross (Birthplace of Country Music), First Lady Maria Lee, Governor Bill Lee, Ludie Amos, Frank Bluestein, Dr. Robert Cogswell. Not pictured TDEC Commissioner David Salyers (National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship and Festival), Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood. | Photo/Brandon Hull

: 2021-2023 Tennessee Arts Awards recipients and committee members with Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee at a reception in the Governor’s Residence. Top Row L to R: Pedro Thomas (HoLa Hora Latina), Carla Thomas, Lori Kissinger (Borderless Arts Tennessee), Debbie Litch; Bottom Row L to R: Stephanie Conner (TN Arts Commission), Cindy Cameron Ogle (TN Arts Commission), Jerry Salley (accepting for Doyle Lawson), Richard Turner, Leah Ross (Birthplace of Country Music), First Lady Maria Lee, Governor Bill Lee, Ludie Amos, Frank Bluestein, Dr. Robert Cogswell, Deanie Parker (TN Arts Commission). Not pictured TDEC Commissioner David Salyers (National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship and Festival), Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood. | Photo/Brandon Hull

NASHVILLE – Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee recognized recipients of the 2021-2023 Tennessee Governor’s Arts Awards, Tennessee’s highest honor in the arts. Since 1971, the Governor’s Arts Awards have celebrated those who have made outstanding contributions to the state’s cultural life.

In an award ceremony held at the Executive Residence Conservation Hall, Governor and First Lady Lee honored 12 recipients with the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award. The ceremony honoring the recipients, who were selected in 2021, was rescheduled for last tonight. The recipients who represent the best in arts and culture in Tennessee join a select few who have also received Tennessee’s highest honor in the arts since 1971.

“Tennessee has a rich artistic heritage that tells the story of our great state,” Gov. Lee said. “Through their artistry, talents, and traditions, these twelve outstanding recipients make Tennessee a special place to call home. Maria and I congratulate each of them, and we are proud of their accomplishments.”

The twelve recipients come from all walks of life and symbolize the tremendous variety of the arts and culture of Tennessee. The Governor’s Arts Awards are presented in three different categories — Distinguished Artist, Arts Leadership and Folklife Heritage.

“The evening was a tribute to the arts and their importance to our communities, schools, and lives,” said Anne B. Pope, executive director of the Tennessee Arts Commission.

The Governor’s Arts Awards were first established in 1971 by the Tennessee Arts Commission to recognize those individuals and groups that have made outstanding contributions to the cultural life of Tennessee.

The arts help build stronger communities by enhancing quality of life and the distinctive character of Tennessee places. The 2021-2023 recipients of the Governor’s Arts Awards have each contributed significantly in defining who we are as a state.

The 2021-23 Governor’s Arts Awards recipients are:

Arts Leadership Award

Birthplace of Country Music, Bristol

Frank Bluestein, Germantown

Borderless Arts Tennessee, Gallatin

HoLa Hora Latina, Knoxville

Debbie Litch, Memphis

Distinguished Artist Award

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Nashville

Doyle Lawson, Kingsport

Carla Thomas, Memphis

Folklife Heritage Award