TheatreSquared Will Present Premiere Award To John And Helen Lewis
Gala Slated Nov. 2
Last updated Saturday, October 20, 2007 9:40 PM CDT in Our Town
BY THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE --TheatreSquared will present its 2007 Premiere Award to John and Helen Lewis
at its annual gala on Nov. 2.
The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to theatre and the arts in Northwest Arkansas.
Nicknamed "Mr. Fayetteville," John Lewis was active across a wide range of positive regional issues, including the development of a vibrant arts and cultural scene. At the time of his death last June, he was president of the Northwest Arkansas Museum Foundation (or Science Springs) and active with the Fayetteville Community Foundation and the Arkansas Research and Technology Park among many other organizations.
While chief executive officer of the Bank of Fayetteville, he spearheaded the bank's support for numerous arts organizations, notably Ozark Stageworks, Arts Live Theatre, the North Arkansas Symphony and, more recently, TheatreSquared. He was a key player in the creation of the Walton Arts Center.
John and Helen Lewis married in 1994, and Helen Lewis quickly immersed herself in the arts scene in her new community. An active participant in the former Regional Arts Alliance, she is a former chair on NASO's board of directors. She served briefly on the TheatreSquared board at the theatre's inception. Before moving to the area from Kentucky, where she ran a ballet school for ten years, she was heavily involved with the renowned Louisville Ballet and volunteered at Actors Theatre of Louisville.
"You couldn't ask for a more passionate couple when it came to leading the way in the arts," said TheatreSquared board member Amy Robinson. "John was like a member of the family, a beloved community member. He saw the arts as key to a thriving community. Helen is carrying on that belief through her advocacy and counsel, and we're all so thankful."
The Premiere Award was inaugurated last year when the honor was presented to Sarah Burnside, a
much-loved actor, director and advocate of live theatre.
TheatreSquared is a regional company of professional artists dedicated to producing exceptional theatre for both adult and young audiences along with innovative educational programs.
Those seeking more information about the Nov. 2 gala may phone 445-6333 or e-mail kassie@theatresquared.org.
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