Sculptor and multimedia artist Leslie Fry heads a list of five recipients of this year’s Vermont Arts Awards sponsored by the Vermont Arts Council. Fry, of Winooski, will receive the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the highest honor given to an artist by the state. The award has been presented annually in conjunction with the governor’s office since 1967.
In selecting Fry for this award, Gov. Phil Scott said, “Your many public sculptures within Vermont and around the world have no doubt made a lasting impression on those who have seen your work firsthand. I admire your desire to showcase the connections between humans and nature, and your many years of sharing your passion for art with others.”
Other 2023 awardees are:
Filmmaker Orly Yadin of Burlington, Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts, for her sustained contribution to the arts and its impact on Vermont’s cultural life.
Master dancer and choreographer Sidiki Sylla of Burlington, Ellen McCulloch-Lovell Award in Arts Education, for his longtime dedication to teaching dance and music of West Africa to Vermonters of all ages.
Multimedia producer Eva Sollberger of Burlington, Margaret L. (Peggy) Kannenstine Award for Arts Advocacy, for her yearslong commitment to bringing Vermont arts and culture to life through masterful storytelling.
Matthew Perry of North Bennington, Arthur Williams Award for Meritorious Service to the Arts, for his decades-long contributions to community engagement, partnering and reaching underserved and underrepresented populations through the arts.
The 2023 awardees will be honored at a public ceremony with Scott on Sept. 28 at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington.