The Arts Awards, presented every December by the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, honors the artistic excellence and outstanding achievements of visual, performing and literary artists, arts organizations, architects, arts educators, advocates and administrators whose contributions enable the arts to thrive in the region.

2007 ARTS AWARDS

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven honored outstanding organizations and members from the region at the annual Arts Awards Luncheon on Friday, December 7, 2007 at the New Haven Lawn Club. The Arts Awards Luncheon was sponsored by Coordinated Financial Resources/Chamber Insurance Trust and Ruth Lapides.

The theme of the 2007 Arts Awards, Mentors and Shakers, honored individuals and organizations in the arts that work tirelessly to produce lasting change and who invest in the individual, but end up inspiring whole communities.

Six outstanding award recipients, noted below, were selected by a community jury from 63 nominations.

Herbert S. Newman – Recipient of the C. Newton Schenck, III Award for Lifetime Achievement in and Contribution to the Arts - An award-winning architect and inspirational mentor whose breathtaking vision and love of beautiful lines has changed how we look, how we feel and how we interact within the Greater New Haven community.

Louise Endel – A true champion for the arts and humanities, whose boundless energy and steadfast guidance to dozens of organizations and boards has helped foster and connect a thriving cultural community.

Linda Friedlaender – Curator of Education at the Yale Center for British Art whose innovative programming brings the power, beauty and nobility of the arts to all members of the community, from doctors and nurses to students and teachers.

Jesse Hameen II – An accomplished jazz musician and devoted educator at Neighborhood Music School and ACES Educational Center for the Arts whose encouragement, dedication and lively spirit have inspired generations of students, audiences and peers.

New Haven Chorale – A distinguished organization whose commitment to mentorship and community cultural enrichment provides vocalists of all ages the opportunity to study and perform electrifying choral music.

Rafael Ramos – A gifted artist, talented producer and passionate visionary whose groundbreaking company Bregamos Theatre has transformed and revived the spirit of community theatre in the region.