From left to right: Dr. Lu Ellsworth, Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation; Greg Edwards, media and community relations manager, Dominion; Diana Blackburn, executive director, "Round the Mountain; Richard Rose, producing artistic director, Barter Theatre; Nancy Baker DeFriece, president, Board of Trustees, Barter Theatre; Justin Laughter, interim executive director, Virginians for the Arts; Lisa Alderman, Virginia Commission for the Arts.
At a special ceremony at Heartwood in Abingdon, Va., Barter Theatre and "Round the Mountain received major statewide honors, along with cash prizes.
Barter Theatre was awarded the Virginia Shining Star Award for 2013.
This award is recognition of Barter Theatre's extraordinary impact on its community. Only one Shining Star Award is given each year, and Barter Theatre has won the award twice in the four-year history of the Dominion ArtStars (2010 and 2013).
As a non-profit arts organization, Barter Theatre depends on contributions from individuals, businesses and granting organizations to support its mission. Only 60 percent of Barter's operating budget is covered by ticket sales. Without the support of institutions like Virginians for the Arts and Dominion Resources, Barter would not be able to offer the outstanding art that it is known for.
The Shining Star Awards are bestowed upon arts organizations that have an extraordinary impact on the community; successfully develop community partnerships, as well as business, legislative and local community support; contribute to K-12 education; and demonstrate sustained excellence through the years.
"Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Network received the 2013 Dominion ArtStars Statewide Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award is presented to arts organizations that are less than 10 years old.
"Round the Mountain promotes the sustainable economic development of a 19-county region by assisting local artisans with marketing, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. "Round the Mountain serves as the hub for a network of more than 500 Southwest Virginia artisans, craft venues and agritourism businesses.
Established in 2004, "Round the Mountain has mobilized a network of support consisting of 15 artisan trails, promotional materials, educational programming to foster professional development and a physical and virtual showcase.
"The tools we provide through our organization further the ability of artisans, craft venues and agritourism businesses to market and sell their products in a way that supports the region's economy through the arts," said Diana Blackburn, executive director of "Round the Mountain.
The Rising Star award is given by Virginians for the Arts, with the support of Dominion Resources, a longtime supporter of the arts. The awards recognize arts organizations throughout the Commonwealth that best demonstrate the ability to enhance communities, lift our spirits and build a better quality of life.
The awards are made possible by a $50,000 contribution from Dominion Resources through its charitable arm, the Dominion Foundation. This year, a total of 78 nominations were submitted from across the commonwealth.
