The Arts Council would like to thank everyone who helped to make our
2017 Champions of the Arts Gala a success.
Check out the photo gallery. (photo credit: Richard Green Photography)
Click on more photos (photo credit: Enid Blader Ryce)
Saturday, January 14, 2017, 5pm – 9pm
Portola Hotel and Spa, Monterey
Thank you for joining us in honoring our Champions of the Arts!
2017 Official Printed Program Guide — Click for Champions Bios, sponsor listings and Arts Council Program Details
ALAN SILVESTRI – Lifetime Achievement
In his decades-long career as a composer, Alan Silvestri has scored some of the most revered and profitable films in Hollywood history, amassing more than one hundred credits, while garnering two Oscar nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, two Emmys and three Grammys.
MELISSA CHIN-PARKER – Luminary
Melissa has been a driving force in The Western Stage’s leadership for over twenty years, helping develop a theater company that presents stories that reflect our complex, multicultural, multi-generational community.
XOCHITECPATL VICTOR JUAREZ – Volunteer Leader
Dedicated to Salinas community enrichment through Aztec dance, music, song and culture, Victor Juarez leads 30 members and 50 students of Yaocuauhtli Cultural Dance.
PEGGY CARROLL – Educator
Building a strong music program and giving students the chance to succeed has been central to her life’s work as a band leader and teacher for more than 32 years.
SOUTH COUNTY STRINGS (YOUTH MUSIC MONTEREY) – Nonprofit
South County Strings music teachers bring free instruction and low-cost instrument rentals to students in the southernmost communities of Monterey County, giving students the chance to perform at school and community venues.
RICHARD BAINS – Professional
Richard has been Chair of the Music and Performing Arts Department at CSU Monterey Bay since the University’s founding in 1994 and a leader for emerging professionals, developing the Heritage Festival and Corrido Project, and passionately supporting music for youth throughout the region.
DON AND LOIS MAYOL – Philanthropists
The Mayols have been visionary supporters of our region’s most prestigious classical music organizations, dedicated to ensuring that all children and youth have access to the highest quality musical experiences.
Thank you to our past sponsors and auction donors!
Click on previous Champions of the Arts Gala for photos and more information