FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) — The city of Fairmont’s Art and Humanities Commission held its Arts in the City ceremony on Sunday to recognize nine people for their creative and artistic influence on the community.
Fairmont’s Art and Humanities Commission chair Jack Hussey welcomed those in attendance before Reverend Richard Bowyer gave an invocation. Multiple commission members then introduced the recipients.
Jack Hussey spoke on the importance of recognizing local artists.
“All of these folks have truly devoted themselves to us, to bring the life’s blood of a city, its arts, to life and to everybody who needs and wants them. Which is, I think, everyone,” Hussey said.
Those who won awards for performing arts performed at the event, while those with visual art had displays of their work.
This year’s recipients included Jared Tadlock for digital media photography, Donetta Gillespie for art framing, Michael Carpenter for music education, Norma Rittenhouse for folk music and Josh Tharp for band music education. This year’s Marian Satterfield Award went to Fairmont State University senior, Franky Satterfield.
Three Marion County high school students also received awards for their artistic ambitions and to encourage future endeavors. Riley Moore was recognized for music and theatre, Trevor Wotring for music and Katelyn Brooks for music and theatre.
Fairmont’s upcoming art events include performances of The Frog Prince, Newsies, Jr. and The Sound of Music, as well as concerts from the Fairmont State University Wind Ensemble, Collegiate Singers and Community Choir, and choir concerts from Fairmont Senior High School and East Fairmont High School.
