A True Angel of the Arts

PHOTO FLORIDA WEEKLY Berne Davis - Arts Benefactor of the Year It wasn't quite the Tony or OBIE awards but more than 400 artists, performers, spectators and well wishers crammed into the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre on March 25 for the 2007 Angels of the Arts awards.

And it was a special night for Berne Davis.

Not only was she feted as the Arts Benefactor of the Year - she recently gave $1 million gift to the new Florida Arts Center in the former federal courthouse in downtown Fort Myers - but she also celebrated her 93th birthday with the crowd. Presenter Paul Flynn, president of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, led the audience in a toast and a song.

Davis' gift is believed to be one of the largest single donation to the arts in Fort Myers.

"Berne's gift represents her commitment to the restoration of our historic architectural treasure where a variety of visual and performing arts events can be held in an intimate setting in the River District," said Pamela Templeton, a Florida Arts board member.

Doug MacGregor, editorial cartoonist for The News-Press was named Visual Artist of the year. The committee singled out his work saying "Snowbird or yearround resident, everyone recognizes and appreciates the creative regional stamp Doug has created for our community with his humorous and satirical cartoons."

PHOTO FLORIDA WEEKLY Jeanne Bochette - Arts Teacher of the Year and Artist: Lifetime Achievement The top performance artist was Andrew Kurtz who is in his 12th season as director and conductor of the Gulf Coast Symphony. The selection committee said "he has provided enormous education and musical playing experience and wonderful entertainment to our community. He has enriched our lives with his creative musical talents."

Sponsored by the Alliance of the Arts, the annual event recognizes the achievement of local artists, teachers, business sponsors and benefactors. n Other winners include: James Brock - Literary Artist of the Year Jeanne Bochette - Arts Teacher of the Year and     Artist: Lifetime Achievement Christopher Caldwell - Young Artist of the Year Sheila Hoen - New Artist of the Year The News-Press - Business Arts Sponsor of the Year Arts Edition Primetime - Arts Publication/Broadcast     Series of the Year Bill Wood - Arts Journalist of the Year Katherine Boren and Linda Sue Blue - Arts     Volunteer of the Year Susan Bridges - Art Leader of the Year Tower Gallery - Art Organization of the Year