As chairman of Sedona Ballet, I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the Sedona Mayor’s Arts Award, an acknowledgment that truly belongs to everyone who has supported and collaborated with me on this incredible journey in the arts.
The recognition of our work is a reflection of the collective efforts that have shaped the arts community in Sedona. At the forefront of this success is the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), City of Sedona, Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Flinn Foundation whose generous grants have been instrumental in bringing various artistic projects to life. Their unwavering commitment to fostering the arts has been a cornerstone of our community’s cultural development. Their support has empowered us to create, innovate, and make the arts more accessible to everyone. Our continued success is made possible by the generosity of our Platinum Donors, with heartfelt appreciation to Eye Boutique of Sedona, Carolyn Chang and Mary Byrd. Their unwavering support is instrumental in producing world-class performances in Sedona, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to the arts. We extend our deepest gratitude to Sedona Monthly, Kudos, and the Red Rock News for their unwavering support, not only of Sedona Ballet but of the entire arts community. Your dedication to highlighting and promoting the arts enriches our cultural landscape
I also want to express my deepest appreciation to my dedicated board. Their vision, passion, and tireless efforts have been pivotal in driving the mission of Sedona Ballet forward. Thank you board members Carolyn Martin Chang, Diana McVeay, Dody Homan as well as our advisors Bonny Borne Singer and Achmed Valk. Together, we have cultivated programs that inspire creativity, nurture talent, and ensure that the arts remain a vital and vibrant part of our community. The impact we have made is a testament to what can be achieved when we unite behind a shared purpose.
We must also recognize the incredible individuals whose dedication and support have been integral to our success. Candy Quillian and Danse Sedona worked tirelessly to make The Nutcracker a resounding success year after year. We are immensely grateful to Phoenix Ballet and Slawomir and Irena Wozniak for bringing their live performances of The Nutcracker to Sedona for nine consecutive years, a collaboration that has enriched our holiday season. Special thanks to Rachel Cahayla Wynne, whose role as rehearsal mistress for The Nutcracker and assistant producer on Merope has been invaluable, and to Cheryl LeBlanc, whose outstanding organizational skills have kept our Nutcracker productions running smoothly. Zoe Kalmus, with her many years as production assistant, and her mother, Doreen Kalmus, who managed concessions with dedication, have also played vital roles. A heartfelt thank you to Cori Oles-Adams and Julie Williams for all their backstage work, sewing and costume work in the early years. Also, many of our successful productions were due to the backstage work of Andi Beckham and thanks to Mark First for managing the box office over the past 11 years.
A heartfelt thank you to Debra Williams, who has generously portrayed Mother Ginger each year, and to Melissa Rex and her remarkable theatre tech team for their expertise in bringing all our productions to life. We are fortunate to have the technical brilliance of Jeremy Ferguson, our local tech guru, as well as the artistic talents of photographers Brian Chang, James Peterson, and Gregory Griffin, who have donated their time to capture our performances. Our gratitude also extends to Danielle McNeal for her backstage assistance during the ABT Studio Company performance, Rosemary Mays for her exceptional work on wardrobe, and Beth Gold, whose delicious and nourishing meals have provided comfort to both our dancers and audiences.
A special acknowledgment is due to Christel Veraart, the co-founder of Reflections Festival. Christel’s extraordinary talent as an accomplished singer, composer, musician, and graphic artist is matched only by her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her creative vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our shared dream of an annual celebration of all the arts. Christel’s contributions not only enrich the cultural tapestry of Sedona but also set a standard of artistic brilliance that inspires us all. Her work ensures that the Reflections Festival will be a remarkable addition to Sedona’s vibrant arts scene for years to come.
This award is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the collaborative spirit that defines our work. It belongs to every individual who has contributed to advancing the arts in Sedona. Thank you for your support, your dedication, and for making this award possible.