The Nebraska Arts Council (NAC) announced recipients of the 2010 Governor’s Arts Awards on April 6 at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. The awards were presented by Governor Dave Heineman at a Tuesday noon luncheon. Nebraskans for The Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment partner with the Nebraska Arts Council as hosts for this event.
The following ten recipients were honored for their exemplary service to the arts of Nebraska. Each received an award created by Nebraska artist, Gary Day.
The Brownville Concert Series
The Brownville Concert Series received the Organizational Achievement Award. The Brownville Concert Series, located in a converted church in historic and scenic Brownville,  brings live performances by world-class artists in an intimate setting to rural, southeast Nebraska. Celebrating its twentieth anniversary season in 2010, the Brownville Concert Series presents world-class performing artists who have appeared on Broadway, at Carnegie Hall and the New York City Opera.
Performers also provide master classes for teachers and students, providing expert coaching and performance practices. Volunteers run the box office and provide technical support. When artists leave Brownville, they take with them the image of Nebraska as a beautiful, gracious, charming, and cultured oasis and they are eager to return.
Others Recognized:
Bob Hall, Lincoln—An artist whose work and career has made a significant contribution to the state of Nebraska
Jennifer Boomgaarden, Omaha Symphony—Emerging Leader
Barbara Zach, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra—Emerging Leader
John Mangan, Walthill—Excellence in Arts Education Award
Gospel Workshop Of America, Nebraska Chapter—Heritage Arts Award
Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney—Organizational Achievement Award
John Beasley, Omaha—Thomas C. Woods III Partner in the Arts Award  
Keith Heckman, Lincoln —Thomas C. Woods III Partner in the Arts Award
Fred and Eve Simon, Omaha —Leonard Thiessen Award
History of the Awards
Since 1979, the Nebraska Arts Council, in partnership with the Governor of Nebraska, has recognized Nebraska arts organizations, arts professionals and the people and businesses that support the arts in Nebraska with a gala event and an award created by a Nebraska artist.