Two members of the Peoria arts scene are among 37 finalists from 16 Arizona communities selected for the upcoming Arizona Governor’s Arts Awards.

The finalists include Chris Hamby, producing artistic director at TheaterWorks, located in the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, in downtown Peoria, 10580 N. 83rd Drive (for the Artist Award) and Andre Licardi, a Glendale resident who serves on the seven-member Peoria Arts Commission, which has a mission to enhance the quality of life in the community by fostering and supporting cultural opportunities for both local artists and the general public (for the Arts Administrator/Organization Award).

The 2020 Governor’s Arts Awards, postponed this past spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be broadcast virtually on 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 on the Arizona Citizens for the Arts Facebook page.

Presented by Billie Jo & Judd Herberger, winners will be announced in four categories: Artists, Administrator/Organization, Business and Philanthropy.

The 90-minute broadcast, hosted by AzCA Executive Director Joseph Benesh, begins at 6 p.m. and will include the announcement of 2020 honorees, a silent auction and a musical performance. There is no cost to view the ceremony, but donations are accepted. 

Registration is required to participate in the online silent auction. The same link can be used to view the silent auction items beginning the week before the event.

“Even though we can’t be together physically, we’re looking forward to honoring these tremendous arts leaders and advocates,” Mr. Benesh stated in a news release. “We are planning a big celebration when it’s OK to do so.”

Event sponsors include Herberger Foundation, APS, SRP, Judith Hardes, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Scottsdale Arts, Mesa Arts Center, Chandler Center for the Arts, Theater Works, Chuck and Laurie Goldstein, Jeffrey and Leslie Rich and Mike and Enid Seiden.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Program Manager Sarah Cirelli at SarahCirelli@azcitizensforthearts.org

Since 1981, more than 200 distinguished artists, individuals, cultural organizations, educators, businesses and philanthropists have received Governor’s Arts Awards.

Visit azcitizensforthearts.org.