Atlanta, April 21, 2015 – The importance of arts in education and five distinguished leaders who champion it were celebrated by Arts For Learning Luminaries Luncheon at the High Museum.
Mrs. Sandra Deal, first lady of Georgia, joined with other leaders in recognizing the contributions of the five individuals who have done so much to promote and support the arts in education. The individuals honored at the event were:
Joe Bankoff
Former CEO of The Woodruff Arts Center, 2006-2012
Chair of The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology
Marie Brumley Foster
Secretary, The Zeist Foundation, Inc.
Cynthia Kuhlman, Ph.D.
Board Chair, Charles R. Drew Charter School
Director of Educational Achievement, Cousins Family Foundation
Camille Russell Love
Executive Director, City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
Nancy Brumley Robitaille
President, The Zeist Foundation, Inc.
“The Woodruff Arts Center and the entire Atlanta community owe a debt of gratitude to these five wonderful people,” said Virginia Hepner, president and chief executive officer of The Woodruff Arts Center. “Their advocacy, partnership and generosity in supporting arts in education have made an important difference in the lives of students, teachers and academic institutions for many years.”
Over 300 luncheon guests enjoyed student and teaching artist performances and comments from each of the honorees. A highlight of the event was the ‘community’ poem written and performed by teaching artist and poet Theresa Davis. Luncheon guests were asked to jot down their thoughts about the value of arts in education, and Ms. Davis turned those thoughts into a poem she performed to close the program.