Gov. Gary R. Herbert and Utah Arts & Museums have announced the recipients of the 2016 Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Awards.

“The recipients of the Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Awards have worked tirelessly to champion the arts and enhanced the lives of Utahns with their visionary leadership and dedication,” said Gov. Herbert. “They have improved our education system, the economy of our state, and the livability of our communities. I am delighted to congratulate this year’s recipients.”

This year’s recipients are:

*   Organizational Leadership in the Arts Award – Utah Arts Festival
*   Education Leadership in the Arts Award – James Rees
*   Local Arts Agency Leadership in the Arts Award – Zion Canyon Arts & Humanities  Council
*   Individual Leadership in the Arts Award – Dr. Craig Jessop

The Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Awards recipients were honored at a luncheon during the Mountain West Arts Conference on May 5, 2016, at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City.

Founders Larry McKown and Lila Moss were in attendance to accept Z-Arts’ award on behalf of the many individuals who have contributed to the organization’s success over the last three plus decades. In his acceptance speech, McKown stated “our lives are a work of art”. Art has thrived in the Zion Canyon because of the dedication of time and financial resources of many individuals, families and businesses.

The mission of the Zion Canyon Arts and Humanities Council is to encourage the availability of the arts and humanities, and cultivate a climate of creativity and learning for the Zion Canyon communities of Springdale, Rockville and Virgin. Z-Arts hosts and sponsors over 60 events each year.