Salute to the Arts

History

Since 1990, Masterworks has honored deserving individuals with its annual Salute to the Arts Award. Award recipients have played prominent roles in fostering the arts in the South Sound, truly shaping the region’s cultural landscape through their talent, energy, and commitment. The yearly recipients have significantly altered our community’s cultural landscape through their continued contributions of time, talent and energy to all of the arts in our region.

Past recipients have been integral in forming, creating, and sustaining such vibrant elements of our community as: The Olympia Symphony, The Washington Center, The Procession of the Species, Harlequin Theater, the Olympia Opera Guild, Masterworks Choral Ensemble, Capital Playhouse, Creative Theater Experience, and The Tacoma and Olympia Youth Symphonies. In addition, Salute to the Arts recipients have, through their public and private studio teaching, helped create new generations of artists that continue to enrich us all. To all award winners, past and present, we express our deepest appreciation. We salute you!

Stephanie Claire

Stephanie Claire has contributed to the arts in our community with remarkable versatility and continuity, since her arrival in Olympia in 1979.

Stephanie is currently Administrative Assistant at Senior Services for South Sound, where she is co-founder, director and accompanist for the "Forever Young" Senior Rock and Roll Choir. She directs Newcomers Women's Choir, is an accompanist and vocal coach at The Evergreen State College, as well as a piano and voice instructor. With Masterworks Choral Ensemble, Stephanie has been a co-organizer, charter member, accompanist and vocal soloist. She will soon earn a Masters degree in the Theatre Production Program at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

Stephanie Claire is a talented director: She has directed and accompanied church choirs and sung solos for Unity Church of Olympia, St. Michael's Catholic Church, and Lacey Community Church. She has served as Musical Director for Kids at Play Theater, Students on Stage Theater, Capital Playhouse, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, and numerous shows including Babes with Big Hair, Man of La Mancha, and Carnival. This spring she is directing Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day for Olympia Family Theater.

Stephanie Claire is an accomplished performer: She has appeared in local musicals, including Bev in Angry Housewives, Dolly in Hello Dolly, Julie LaVerne in Showboat, a Kit-Kat Girl in Cabaret, the Housekeeper in Man of La Mancha, and a daughter in Quilters; performed in various singing groups, including Chanteuse and Chromatic Connection; and accompanied various groups, including the Olympia Chamber Orchestra and the Olympia Chorale and Light Opera Company.

Finally, Stephanie Claire is highly respected teacher: In addition to her current position at The Evergreen State College, Stephanie has taught at Tenino High School, Meadows Elementary School, New Century Alternative High School, and Jefferson Middle School.

No doubt, the splendid array of Stephanie's many artistic contributions to our community will continue to grow and enhance the local music scene.

Nominate a Deserving Person

We are now accepting nominations for the 2011 Salute to the Arts. Download the Salute to the Arts nomination form to recommend any individual that you believe merits this recognition.