"Artist of the Year'" award winner Sandy Higgins and Jo Mueller, executive director of Spiva Center of the Arts.

Sandy Higgins, Donna Aronson & Sadie Aronson

Pat & Bob Tommey with Sandy Higgins

Sandy Higgins received the “Artist of the Year Award” on Friday, January 18 at the annual banquet of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. It was presented by Jo Mueller, executive director of Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin. Mueller received the award last year.

The following is the presentation letter written by Jo Mueller, to award Sandy Higgins the Carthage Chamber of Commerce 2007 Artist Award:

Carthage Chamber of Commerce
2007 Artist Award Presentation for Sandy Higgins
January 18, 2008

Spiva opened a show tonight called Private Eyes/Public Views. It has to do with the phenomenon of public art and how art can help establish a city’s identity.

In order for that to happen, though, and for art to become something that’s recognized as being important to a community, three things need to be in place.

First, of course, are the artists whose passion for what they do drives them to create the art we come to value.

The second thing is that it’s helpful when events are established, galleries opened, and places like artCentral and Spiva—permanent venues for showing art—created that draw people together to experience art.

Third on the list is the unabashed art lover. The person who is so passionate about art that they help create events, they help create venues, and they certainly spread the word and enthusiasm. These people are often collectors, and they’re a joy to be with.

Tonight’s honoree is someone who has nailed those last two requirements for making art important to a community… Someone to whom art may be almost as necessary as air… Someone with such generosity of spirit that encouraging artists—no matter where they are in their careers—is as natural as sharing a cup of coffee with old friends.

This is a person who looks after this community and has helped create a community of artists that now extends across the country to ensure that art is regarded as a vibrant, vital, part of the culture of this part of the world.

In the words of Lowell Davis, a previous recipient of this award, tonight’s honoree is “someone who should have received this award years ago!”

Here are some qualifications:

In 1986, a number of concerned citizens founded and incorporated an arts organization they named CARTHAGE ARTS SUPPORT TEAM & CO., or C.A.S.T. & CO.

CAST & CO. has since become artCentral. Tonight’s honoree has seen artCentral’s growth from the inside as acting director. She resigned 1997 to open a personal gallery, IMAGINE, on the Carthage square, and became an advisor to artCENTRAL at that time, remaining so today. This 2008 recipient is a Life member of artCENTRAL and the Member Gallery was named in her honor.

She also noted to the Chamber of Commerce that there should be an annual artist-chosen award given to a local person/artist in recognition of their contribution to the local visual arts. This award has since become an annual feature at the winter Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Her email address begins “1artangel,” and this is what artist Debbie Reed, a previous recipient of this award, has to say…

“She truly is an “Art Angel”.  She donates scholarship money so youngsters can attend artCentral’s art camp every summer.  She is a major force in organizing and putting together Midwest Gathering of the Artists every year, an event that just celebrated its 30th anniversary. 

“She is so encouraging to new, upcoming artists and always has a kind and positive word to keep them inspired. 

“She also has been known to take portfolios of more established artists with her on vacations, dropping them off at galleries she visits—much like Johnnie Appleseed, only she is planting art seeds from southwest Missouri where ever she goes! 

“All this and more she does with grace, gentleness and a smile that never fades.  She is tireless, she never complains, and seems to have a never-ending source of energy.”

Artists Rick & Trish Courtney concur:

“We think of her quiet, gentle nature, her wonderful generosity, her humble heart. We remember her smiles and hugs that greet those artists she knows, and her words of encouragement to those who are new to her.

“Her influence and impact on the local and regional art realm is unmatched by virtue of her tireless efforts to further the cause of artists and their craft, regardless of their area of discipline. She is truly an angel to all who are fortunate enough to know her.”

And from the directors of artCentral and Spiva Center for the Arts… “We personally congratulate our friend on the receiving of this, her own award, at last, and honor her service to Carthage and area art and artists.”

It has been my very great pleasure to create this year’s award and to contemplate presenting the 2007 Chamber of Commerce Artist Award to Sandy Higgins! Please give it up for one art angel!