And the Verner Award goes to...

Not the Oscars, but still a great honor, the Verner Award is the highest honor in the state of South Carolina for the arts awarded by the Governor. Even last August when I started working at the Arts Commission, I have been hearing about the awards and the Arts Gala that goes with it. Frankly, I was really excited because event planning is right up my alley and throw in the arts, what could make for a better event?!?!? This year was especially exciting because two lifetime achievement awards were being given out to author Pat Conroy and artist Jonathan Green. Both of these men have brilliant works of art and I was excited to get to meet them.

Luckily, my assignment was photography (yes!), so I spent all Thursday taking photos (about 1,500 to be exact). We started at the Statehouse around 11, waited for the House to adjourn and then the award statues, which are beautiful, were presented by the speaker of the house. Then we had a break before having to be at the Columbia Museum of Art around 5 to help set up. The biggest this was getting the art set up for the silent auction, but tables and registration needed setting up too. At 6:30 there was a private reception for sponsors and major donors and then the gala started at 7.

It was a little chaotic because set up, especially of the art, was behind, but everyone seemed to have a great time. I am sad to say that my time is over with the arts commission. It has been so much fun working with a the arts, but also with people who all love the arts and many of whom are artists themselves.

At the same time as the Verner Awards were presented, two Folk Heritage Awards were presented as well. The two recipients both carry on the great traditions of the state and showcased their talents during the Wednesday evening reception and at the Statehouse.

To see all the photos, go to scartscommission.shutterfly.com