PRESS RELEASE
ADMINISTRATION
Oct. 9, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kate Reardon
Public Information Director
kreardon@ci.everett.wa.us
425-257-8687 or cell 425-418-0936
Cultural Commission honors Jerry & Marian Krell
Wendt Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts in Everett
EVERETT – Everett’s Cultural Arts Commission announced today the recipients of the 2009 Richard Wendt Award of Excellence are Jerry and Marian Krell, in recognition of their contributions to Everett’s cultural arts.
Marian served on the Arts Council’s Board of Directors and its Advisory Board as well as served with the Everett Parks Foundation board. As director of the office of neighborhoods, she launched the city’s Monte Cristo Awards. She also served Everett as City Council and Council president. The Krells have been supporters of the new Visual Arts Education Center, now named the Schack Art Center, since its’ inception.
“Marian and Jerry have been an integral part of the Arts & Cultural scene in Everett for many years,” said Judy Tuohy, who was among those who nominated the Krells for the award. “No matter what Marian was involved in, she always wanted to make Everett a better place to live and celebrate local artists. She was a staunch supporter of the arts and cultural life of the community.”
The Cultural Arts Commission invites the public to celebrate the contributions of Jerry and Marian Krell at an awards ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Thursday Nov. 12 in the Monte Cristo Ballroom, 1507 Wall St. in downtown Everett. The awards event is in conjunction with the Arts Council of Snohomish County’s Holiday Arts Show, which runs from noon to 5 p.m. on the same day at the same location.
The City’s Cultural Commission began the Award of Excellence in 1991 to honor individuals and organizations that made outstanding contributions to the arts in Everett. The name of the award was changed in 1995 to include Dr. Richard Wendt’s name, in recognition of his long-standing extraordinary commitment to the arts. In 1998, Dr. Wendt and his family established the Richard A. Wendt Endowment for the Arts Fund in support of the arts.
Past award recipients include: 2008: Bob and Dona Anderson; 2007: Dr. Richard and Nancy Wendt; 2006: Imagine Children’s Museum; 2005: Clay and Hap Wertheimer; 2004: Terry and Cheryle Earnheart; 2003: Susan Jane Russell; 2002: Arts Council of Snohomish County; 2001: Mike Jordan; 2000: Peter Newland; 1999: John and Idamae Schack; 1998: Dr. Sanford Wright; 1997: Maryalice Salget; 1996: Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs; 1995: Dr. Richard Wendt; 1994: Carl Gipson; 1993: Dorothy Jayne Wright, Clyde Revord Motors and Jim Noonan; and 1992: Gene Nastri.
The Everett Cultural Arts Commission promotes the value of arts and culture in Everett. The 11-member Cultural Arts Commission is comprised of volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council.