Three Artists Win E. Ray Scott Michigan Artist Prize

Southfield, Michigan, (September 10, 2004) - Three Michigan artists, who have had life-long careers in the arts, have won the first E. Ray Scott Michigan Artist Prize. The artists, Council Cargle of Detroit, Nita Engle of Marquette, and Ken Stevens of Grass Lake will receive their prize at an awards luncheon, to be held on October 20, 2004 in Detroit, Michigan.

Each of the artists will also receive a monetary award of $3,000.

Ken Stevens explained how he felt to receive this award by stating "I am terribly honored because E. Ray was one of the first people who helped me when I first arrived in Michigan from Cincinnati in 1972. I find this award personally rewarding."

The other award recipients shared similar feelings. Cargle, an actor summed up in his feelings by saying, " It was a great surprise to me to be considered. I think the award is not only encouraging, but it makes you feel that the avenue or path you chose was not in vain."

Nita Engle was equally surprised "I want to thank whoever is responsible for nominating me for this award. It is an honor and even more so because it's in my home state"

The E. Ray Scott Artist Prize is awarded to artists in Michigan who have:

• demonstrated an enduring commitment to technical and creative ingenuity
• produced a distinguished body of work
• earned a reputation for excellence and expertise among their peers
• contributed significantly to cultural life in Michigan

The prize is named in honor of E. Ray Scott, the first executive director of Michigan Council for the Arts. Scott is also a former director of the Commission on Art in Public Places, as well as numerous other commissions and boards of arts and cultural organizations.

The E. Ray Scott Michigan Artist Prize was established in 2004. The prize is a living testimony to Scott's commitment and spirit of caring for arts and culture in Michigan. ArtServe Michigan administers the prize.

But perhaps E. Ray's most poignant legacy is the fact that after the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs eliminated the Creative Artist Grant program in 2004 he actively sought a new way to support and honor Michigan artists.

In announcing the 2004 winners, E. Ray Scott said that the artists honored by the prize represented an unsurpassed combination of artistic talent and commitment. "Everywhere in Michigan individual artists are creating great works of art and I want to help them make a difference. That is why I am so committed to providing funding to individual artists. Truly Michigan is a better place because of artists like Ken, Council and Nita."

Barbara Kratchman, president of ArtServe Michigan, congratulated the prize winners and stated that ArtServe Michigan will honor E. Ray Scott for his community service by announcing the prize at the upcoming ArtServe Michigan Governor's Awards for Arts & Culture gala event on November 18, 2004 at The Henry Ford.

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About ArtServe Michigan
ArtServe Michigan is a statewide arts advocacy organization that supports and advocates for the arts, artists, arts education and culture in the state of Michigan. ArtServe Michigan accomplishes its mission by working with artists, educators, cultural organizations, businesses, volunteers and others through statewide programs, services and a variety of collaborative efforts.

About the Winners

Council Cargle is a native Detroiter, who has been performing on America's stages since the 1950's. A winner of numerous accolades and awards including the Sankofa Award and the prestigious Lee Hills Award for career achievement, he continues to assist and inspire actors who have come behind him. A two time Detroit Free Press "Best Actor" nominee Cargle was also named "Best Actor" by subscribers at the Detroit Repertory Theater for his performance of "Troy Maxon" in the revival of "Fences"

Nita Engle is well known for her light-filled landscapes. One of America's foremost watercolorists, Engle is hailed as one of the "best watercolor landscape painters in the world today" in The Watercolor Landscape Techniques of 23 International Artists, a 2003 book published by International Artist, Inc. Engle worked as an art director in Chicago before becoming a full-time illustrator in watercolor. Her work has been seen by millions in major publications; everything as she says, "From Reader's Digest to Playboy."

Ken Stevens is an educator and artist. Stevens has worked as a teacher, mentor, managing director, curriculum advisor and honors advisor at Eastern Michigan University for more than thirty years. In that time has taken on additional roles in numerous arts programs throughout Michigan and the Midwest. He has founded and directed a number of theatrical and artistic events and programs and for the past several years has been a member of the Michigan Legacy Art Park (MLAP) Board of Directors.