Award Nominees Sought for 2003-2004 Vincent A. Hartgen Award
Contact: George Manlove at (207) 581-3756
ORONO — The University of Maine Patrons of the Arts organization is seeking nominations for the 2003-2004 Vincent A. Hartgen Award, an honor bestowed annually since 1999 on individuals who have distinguished themselves in advancing the community of the arts on campus.
The deadline for letters of nomination is March 1.
The award is named for the former UMaine art professor who founded the University of Maine Art Department in 1946. Hartgen earned respect and recognition for extending the visual arts beyond the UMaine campus and into Maine schools through the traveling art exhibits, which continue today, reaching nearly 15,000 people every year. He was the first award recipient in 1999.
Longtime arts patrons and University of Maine benefactors Renee and Leonard Minsky of Bangor received the fourth Hartgen Award last year. Other recipients include UMaine Professor Dennis Cox, director of UMaine’s Choral Music Program, and UMaine arts supporters Ted and Sandra Leonard.
Submissions of nominations should be addressed to Ann Leffler, dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Maine, 5774 Stevens Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5774.
Criteria on which a decision will be based includes any of the following accomplishments: the successful encouragement of greater student participation in the arts beyond normal course requirements; fostering a heightened appreciation for the arts by the university community; or creating a program or programs that are clearly innovative and substantially raise the level of arts on campus.
Hartgen’s early philosophy of sharing art with schools throughout the state is synonymous with the university’s continued interest in sharing the talent, research and expertise of its faculty, staff and students with all facets of Maine communities.