October 25, 2021 - Smith Mountain Arts Council Receives Annual Perry F. Kendig Arts and Cultural Organization Award
The Smith Mountain Arts Council (SMAC) held their Annual Board Meeting October 18th at Ramulose Ridge Vineyards in Moneta. President of SMAC, Karen DeBord announced that the organization was honored as the recipient of the annual Perry F. Kendig Arts and Culture Award. Dr. Kendig was a former college president of Roanoke College and champion of the arts. This award dates back as far as 1985 but has since been adopted by Hollins University and Roanoke College “to keep the tradition of recognizing exceptional contributions to the arts alive”. Karen accepted the award at a ceremony that was held at Roanoke College on October 5th and co-hosted by the presidents of both Roanoke College and Hollins University.
The Kendig Award is considered one of the most prestigious art awards in the Virginia Blue Ridge region and has recognized well known institutions such as the Roanoke Symphony, the Roanoke Times, Mill Mountain Playhouse, the Taubman Museum, and the Roanoke Children’s Theatre. According to the Roanoke College News, during the ceremony, Roanoke College President Michael C. Maxey stated “The Kendig Awards highlight the vital and important role that the arts play in the economic development, education and cultural identity of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.”
