Governor to recognize Duncan resident for contributions to the arts

OKLAHOMA CITY — The executive director of Duncan’s Chisholm Trail Arts Council will be recognized with a Community Service Award from the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Darcy Reeves is one of four people who will be recognized for significant contributions to arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism, Oklahoma Arts Council officials said. The four are among 14 individuals and four organizations being honored during the 45th Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Awards on Jan. 30.

The awards will be presented by Gov. Kevin Stitt during a special ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. in the fourth-floor rotunda at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The ceremony will include a special tribute to former longtime Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Betty Price, who died in October. A reception will follow in the second-floor rotunda. The event is open to the public.

Reeves has served as executive director of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council (CTAC) for more than a decade, where officials said she has been a transformative leader for the organization and community. Under Reeves’ direction, CTAC has experienced considerable growth in its programs, membership and reach, originating with her foresight to move CTAC to a new location to expand its visibility and provide space for additional classes and exhibitions.

Other awards will include the Governor’s Award for longtime leadership and significant contributions to the arts; Business in the Arts Award for individuals, businesses and corporations exhibiting outstanding support of the arts; Arts in Education Award for outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefitting youth and/or arts in education; Media in the Arts Award for members of the media who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the arts documented through public awareness support and fairness, initiative, creativity and professionalism in reporting; George Nigh Public Service in the Arts for government officials for their outstanding support of the arts; and Special Recognition Award for an individual or organization that makes a unique contribution in support of the arts.