The Amazing Violas

One month prior the event date, the Viola Awards Gala has sold out.

I'm looking at that sentence, reading it again, trying to figure out what we did right. I've been working in the arts and cultural industry for over a decade - I've been event planning for longer than that. But I've never been part of an event that has drawn the interest, attraction, excitement and power of the Viola Awards.

Now I am aware that we are only talking about a 300-seat venue for this dinner-and-awards-gala event. And our ticket prices are not too high compared to other non-profit fund raiser galas in town (most prices are $75 - $150, and the Violas are priced at $50).

However, there's a certain level of passion for this event that goes beyond just selling out. First and foremost, folks get it. They understand the concept of the event - an awards program to recognize and celebrate the quality art that is happening in and around Flagstaff. They understand that it's a huge value to do this, not only for the nominated and winning artists and organizations, but also for the whole art scene in Flagstaff. It helps to raise the bar.

At last year's event, we weren't sure about this. But quickly, as the room filled up, we realized that the arts community was taking this event as their own. There was a celebratory, party-like atmosphere in the room that night, one that had the aura of support and respect for the nominated artists and organizations, win or lose. There were standing ovations for the winners, hoots and hollers for the nominees, and a lot of hugs, smiles and handshakes. Flagstaff artists respect and support one another ... without the tired sense of competition or jealousy that I see stunt other communities' arts scenes ... and it makes for magic. The Viola Awards have become the place where this magic is in action, real, tangible, touchable.

In short, the Viola Awards had been a long time coming. I know this because while we are only in our second year of producing them, people talk about them as if they have been around for a decade. People want to be there. Supporters want to see the event live in perpetuity.

I'm not writing about all this to self-congratulate FCP or toot our own horn. I'm in awe of the passion for this event, and I'm observing and participating in it. I find it inspiring in a way... to see the arts community here come together and rally around a celebration event like this one. It says a lot about who and what we are as a community. I like what it says.

Cheers,
JT

(Photos from 2009 Viola Awards Gala: at top, Don Bendel receives the Lifetime Contribution to the Arts Award; at bottom, Joe Sorren receives the Visual Arts award from emcees Karen Kinne-Herman and Julie Pastrick.)