Bismarck  (CSi)  The North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has announced the 2019 Governor’s Awards for the Arts recipients.

Governor Doug Burgum selected the recipients of the 2019 Governor’s Awards for the Arts. From 26 nominations, the six selected are as follows:

  • Arts in Education: Annette Hovey (New Rockford)
  • Arts Organization: Jamestown Fine Arts Association (Jamestown)
  • Cultural Treasure: John Gross (Napoleon)
  • Individual Achievement: David Borlaug (Bismarck) and Jessie Veeder (Watford City)
  • Private Business: Office Sign Co. (Fargo)

Arts Organization of the Year

The Jamestown Fine Arts Association (JFAA),  The Arts Center, founded in 1964, has grown from a group of area painters to a significant regional arts center with gallery, stage, classrooms, studios and an artist residency apartment. It is the focal point for “all things artistic” in Jamestown. As the art and cultural hub for our community, the Arts Center provides the venue, logistical & financial support that brings fine art exhibitions, cultural festivals, readings and humanities presentations, Community Theater, art classes & workshops, resident artists, and various performing artists to the area. Its programs reach every age group, sector and social group in our community.

The Governor’s Awards for the Arts were established in 1977 as a way of recognizing individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the arts throughout the state,” the NDCA states. “Recipients are chosen for their efforts to expand arts opportunities to new audiences, create an appreciation for North Dakota’s cultural heritage, and make the arts more central to education and an integral part of community life as well as on their length of service within the state.”

The awards reception and ceremony honoring this year’s outstanding recipients will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck.

The North Dakota Council on the Arts is the state agency responsible for the support and development of the arts throughout North Dakota, and is funded by the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.