Guests at the event enjoyed a reception in the beautiful Al Weeks Sculpture Garden before convening in the Grand Hall for the more formal part of the evening.
In a special presentation, former Chairs of the Board of The Hudgens, from its inception as the Gwinnett Council for the Arts in 1981 through the present, were recognized, and a large plaque with their names and service dates unveiled. Present for the unveiling were former Chairs Ethel Andersen, Johnny Rowe and Pat Swan, and current Chair Laurie Ann Kimbrell. The plaque will be placed on permanent display in the Board Room of The Hudgens.
The Volunteer of the Year award went to Stewart Woodard, a regular volunteer through the Explore Gwinnett Ambassadors program, and the Youth Volunteer of the Year award was given to Gemini Kauchik, a local teen who regularly gives many hours of her time to help out at The Hudgens.
Gwinnie Awards were given to the following organizations:
Gwinnett County Public Libraries, represented by Barbara Spruill, for the Fall Into the Arts program and commitment to the arts in Gwinnett.
Wells Fargo Bank, represented by Kathleen Gibbons, for their Great Days of Giving support of the Hudgens, as well as their frequent volunteerism at the Center and commitment to the arts.
Explore Gwinnett (formerly GCVB), represented by Linda Murphy, for the Gwinnett Tourism Awareness Program, which specifically highlights the arts in the county, and their Ambassadors volunteer program.
Winners were given large ceramic bowls created at The Hudgens Center by Ceramics Studio Manager Vernon Smith. Photos from that evening can be viewed on the Hudgens Center for the Arts Facebook page.
The Hudgens Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization that has been focused on supporting the arts in Georgia since its establishment in 1981. The Hudgens presents fine art exhibits year round, and offers art classes for adults and children through its Fine Arts School. It supports local community-based arts organizations through its programs, exhibits and partnerships. The Hudgens’ mission is to bring art lovers, leaders and learners together through quality programs and exhibits.
The Hudgens is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Bldg. 300, in Duluth, in the Gwinnett Center complex. For more information about art exhibits, events and classes at the Hudgens, please visit the website at http://www.thehudgens.org or call 770-623-6002.
