Oregon’s Governor’s Arts Awards were established in 1977 to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the cultural life of Oregon.
From early brief presentations in the Capitol Rotunda in Salem to multi-media productions celebrating the award recipients in cultural facilities in Portland, Eugene and Newport, the Governor’s Arts Awards are an annual celebration of the arts in the state.
In 1993, the Oregon Arts Commission established the Ron Schmidt Leadership Award, named for the late Ron Schmidt who chaired the Commission for many years, to recognize persons in public service who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in arts policy development and advocacy. Former National Endowment for the Arts Chairman John Frohnmayer, former Portland City Commissioner Mike Lindberg, former Portland Mayor Vera Katz, and State Senator Betsy Johnson of Scappoose are among the previous recipients of this special honor.
Throwing pots, Gorge Open Studios, an Arts Build Communities project
