(Seguin) – The Seguin Commission on the Arts isn’t letting this year stop its annual recognition of those in the local art community.
On Wednesday evening, the group held a virtual awards ceremony at the Texas Theatre where Seguin Mayor Don Keil was on hand to announce this year’s recipients. In a typical year, these awards are presented at the group’s annual Art at the Texas event.
“Since we were unable to have Art at the Texas this year, we wanted to make sure we still recognized our local organizations and individuals who contribute so much to the art community in Seguin,” said Cathy Kirk, chair of the commission on the arts.
This year, the commission called for nominations in three categories: Outstanding Contributor to the Arts, Youth Artist of the Year, and Art Organization of the year.
In a year that has been particularly hard on the arts community, group members say the commission was proud to be able to honor this year’s three winners.
Lydia Robles, Outstanding Contributor of the Arts
Presented with this year’s Outstanding Contributor to the Arts Award is Lydia Robles, the director of theatre at Seguin High School.
Robles, who has been teaching in the SHS Department for the last 10 years, was recognized for her multitude of productions that she has directed and co-produced. She is being honored for her dedication to the program whether it be building sets, sewing costumes or just doing whatever needs to be done in order to bring quality productions to the stage. The commission on the arts says her love of the arts spreads to each of her students as she helps them run lines and organizes trips for them to experience iconic places like Broadway. They say Roble’s dedication to building the youth arts in Seguin makes her more than worthy of receiving the 2019 Outstanding Contributor to the Arts Award.
Jerry Silva, Youth Artist of the Year
Earning this year’s Youth Artist of the Year Award is Jerry Silva, a ballet folklorico intern with Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin.
The commission on the arts says Silva, a recent high school graduate has been dancing at the non-profit cultural arts center program for the past seven years and is now sharing what he has learned as a youth educator.
During this time with Teatro, Silva has also been a member of its Conjunto Juan Seguin Program, taking accordion lessons. Currently, he serves as one of Teatro’s Ballet Folklorico interns teaching approximately 25 students each week.
Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin Arts, Arts Organization of the Year
Also topping the list of awards is the 2020 Art Organization of the Year. Honored with this year’s award is Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin.
The Seguin Commission on the Arts says in its 37 years, Teatro has made it its mission to promote a better understanding of the Mexican American culture by the teaching, study, practice, and performance of the Arts. They say through its regular performances and education opportunities for youth and adults alike, they have been able to preserve its culture — passing it on to future generations.
Kirk says the Seguin Commission on the Arts works to promote the arts in Seguin and recognize others who work to bring cultural and artistic values, events, and artifacts to Seguin.
“The arts are thriving in Seguin,” said Kirk. “The Commission looks forward to recognizing locals who create and supports the arts community.”