Dutchess County Executive’s Arts Awards recipients announced

Arts Mid-Hudson has announced the winners of this year’s Dutchess County Executive’s Arts Awards. The organization has been bestowing the awards, selected from public nominations, for 35 years.

This year’s 11 awardees have enriched Dutchess County with arts and cultural events, adding to community life. The awards will be given at a ceremony Oct. 7, at the Locust Grove Estate.

Recipients have made an impact

The Arts Organization Award goes to Rainbow Gospel Singers, who have performed for more than 50 years in the Hudson Valley, across the U.S. and parts of Africa. In addition to their own performances, they have served as Gospel music promoters and performed at prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes across the region.

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Individuals receiving awards include Nestor Madalengoitia, who receives the Individual Artist Award. His murals are a beloved feature in downtown Poughkeepsie; most recently, he created a larger than life-size sculpture of a nurse, in recognition of the work of frontline medical workers during the pandemic.

Mary Flad receives a Special Citation Award for her lifetime devotion to arts and culture. Flad is a talented weaver with pieces in many collections, a published author, and founding director of the Empire State Crafts Alliance. She has played an active role in the Dutchess County Arts Council and Arts Mid-Hudson.

The Art in Public Places award goes to Suprina Troche, who has led several public art projects, such as the painting of garbage trucks by Poughkeepsie-area youth and the DNA Totem located at the entrance to the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Mary Reynolds and David Henningsen will jointly receive the Artivist Award in recognition of their efforts organizing and promoting arts events, such as a pop-up gallery on Main Street, Poughkeepsie PorchFest, and the latest, a concert series at Kaal Rock Park. 

Salt Point resident Gully Stanford receives the Volunteer award. Stanford has made a difference across Dutchess County as a trustee with Dutchess BOCES and the county’s Youth Board Coordinating Council, where he serves as Community Co-Chair for the Path to Promise initiative, the NY Regents Blue Ribbon Commission on Arts Pathways to Graduation, as well as the Arts Mid-Hudson Advisory Board.

Arts have historically prospered because of patrons and this year’s Patron Award goes to Karl and Cathy Schmitz, recognizing their support of arts organizations through donations and volunteering; numerous artists through art collecting; and participation in arts events across Dutchess.

Zhane’s Palette Studio receives the Business Award. This arts-centric business builds interest, education and inclusivity through the arts. The Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts Award goes to Harrison Brisbon-McKinnon recognizing his photography skills.