ESU art professor wins 2007 Governor’s Arts Award

 Elaine Henry  

Elaine Henry, associate professor and chair of the Department of Art, is a recipient of the 2007 Governor’s Arts Award. The Governor’s Arts Awards is an honor given annually to distinguished Kansas artists, patrons and educators, and has given annually since 1974 by the governor and the Kansas Arts Commission.

“Knowing Elaine’s commitment to what she does, including international venues, it is not a surprise that she won this prestigious award. We are extremely proud of Elaine and her accomplishments,” said Dr. Rod Sobieski, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Henry earned a master’s of fine arts in studio art from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995, and a bachelor’s of fine arts in studio art from the University of Wyoming in 1992. Both degrees were earned with concentrations in ceramics.

As an associate professor of art, she teaches ceramics, directs the weekly
visiting artist program, Art Forum, and serves as the Chair of the Department
of Art. She served as the president of the National Council on Education for
the Ceramic Arts from 2002-2004. She has exhibited her work and lectured nationally and internationally in venues such as China, Taiwan, Denmark, Italy, as well as many states within the United States. Her work has been published in Ceramics Monthly and Studio Potter Magazine, as well as books and journals throughout the world.

Henry will be honored at a dinner and awards ceremony on June 7, 2007, at the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center at Washburn University. In addition, two-time Oscar nominated actress Shirley Knight, a native of Goessel, Kansas will be honored with this year’s Distinguished Arts Award. Governor Kathleen Sebelius is expected to attend the June 7 ceremony to present the awards.

Other winners are Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Shawnee (arts organization); Alice Joy Lewis, Ottawa (arts educator); Jean Ney of Kansas City, Kansas (arts advocate); Michael Michaelis, Wichita (individual arts patron); Central National Bank, Junction City (arts patron organization); and singer/songwriter Kelley Hunt, Lawrence (individual artist.

An expert panel, consisting of members of the Kansas Arts Commission, a representative from the Governor’s office and arts professionals, selected the winners from twenty nominees.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>