COAHSI Celebrates the Distinguished Recipients of its 2007 Achievement in the Arts and Humanities Awards

STATEN ISLAND (PRWEB) May 8, 2007

The Board of Directors of The Council on the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSI), the premier arts organization of Staten Island, announced the recipients of its 2007 Achievements in the Arts and Humanities Awards. Each year COAHSI celebrates the talent and outstanding achievements of Staten Island's gifted citizens in the fields of the arts and humanities and acknowledges individuals with significant records of patronage and service.

On May 31st, 2007 COAHSI will recognize the following seven outstanding Staten Island residents for their continued dedication and contribution to Staten Island's and New York City's cultural life:

Achievement in the Arts Award
Ann Duquesnay - Tony Award Winning Actress & Vocalist
Bill Hughes - Accomplished Musical Director, Count Basie Orchestra
Jeanine Otis - Gifted Vocalist, Scholar & Arts Administrator
Larry Marshall - Celebrated Star of Broadway's Color Purple, Television & Film

Achievement in Humanities Award
Ralph G. Giordano - Distinguished Architect, Professor of History & Author

Laura Jean Watters Service to COAHSI Award
Gina Gutman - Dedicated Expert and Director of Marketing & Public Affairs, Time Warner Cable

Esther Dean Service to the Community Award
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Lois Nicotra - Accomplished Proprietors - Staten Island's Hilton Garden Inn

In acknowledging the recipients of this years' award, Kate D. Levin, Commissioner of The Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of New York commented, "These individuals truly embody the spirit of excellence of the borough and stand in great company with those, both past and present, who have made remarkable contributions to Staten Island and the City as a whole."

Additionally, in recognition of the indispensable contributions of past COAHSI Executive Director, Laura Jean Watters, the President of COAHSI's board Christine Johnson, announced a new award category. "On behalf of the Board and staff of COAHSI we are pleased to establish the Laura Jean Watters Service to the Community Award," she said. "This serves to remind us all of Laura Jean's impressive 13-year tenure as Executive Director at COAHSI in which she brought tremendous value to the arts and artist communities of Staten Island and New York City."

COAHSI will celebrate the accomplishments of its 2007 Achievements in the Arts and Humanities honorees in a star-studded ceremony and cabaret on Thursday May 31, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.; Lorenzo's Restaurant and Carbaret, Staten Island Hilton Inn, 1100 South Avenue, Staten Island, New York. Alfred C. Cerullo, III President and CEO of the Grand Central Partnership and a Commissioner of the New York City Planning Commission will officiate the festivities. The cabaret will feature performance by the following COAHSI's 2007 honorees: Tony award winning actress and vocalist Ann Duquesnay, the accomplished musical director of the famed Count Basie Band, Bill Hughes; gifted vocalist and scholar Jeanine Otis and celebrated Broadway Actor and director Larry Marshall.

COAHSI's Achievement in the Arts and Humanities Award is its Board of Directors primary fundraising event and a celebration and recognition of the passion that is required to support arts, cultural and humanities activities on Staten Island.

The following eminent members in Staten Island's and New York City's art and business communities will serve as Honorary Committee members of COAHSI's 2007 Achievement in the Arts and Humanities Award: Brian Laline, Editor of the Staten Island Advance; Numa Saisselin, CEO of the Count Basie Theatre; Rosemarie Cappozalo, President, St. George Theatre; Dr. Ann Merlino, College of Staten Island; COAHSI's Meet the Composers; Vocalist and Musician David Johanson,; Composer Galt McDermott; Vocalist and Musician Vernon Reid.

About COAHSI
The Council on the Arts & Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSI) continues to successfully develop, foster and promote arts and cultural activities on Staten Island. From providing technical assistance for organizations and individuals, to operating the V.I.S.I.T Center in the Whitehall Ferry Terminal, COAHSI helps local groups and institutions collaborate to bring a level of excellence to the arts and humanities communities throughout the borough.

For more information on the 2007 Achievements in the Arts and Humanities Award contact COAHSI at (718) 447-3327

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