JOHN CRAM ARTS LEADERSHIP AWARD
The award’s name honors local entrepreneur and philanthropist John Cram. Cram, who passed away in 2020, founded Blue Spiral 1, The Fine Arts Theatre, and Bellagio! Art to Wear. He was also a constant supporter of Asheville and the arts, opening his gallery at a time when much of downtown was shuttered. In alignment with Cram’s passion and legacy, award recipients have contributed significantly to the arts in Buncombe County.
The award is sponsored and presented by Michael Manes, co-owner and Director of Blue Spiral 1. “I could not think of a more fitting way to honor leaders in our creative community than with an award that celebrates the attributes, values, and dedication that John Cram possessed,” he said. “This award means that the vision, potential, and hope that John saw in Asheville forty plus years ago continues with next generation leaders.”
In addition to being presented with a plaque, the winner gets to select an eligible arts-based nonprofit organization or community project to receive an arts council grant of $1,000.
GAIL & BRIAN McCARTHY
2023 Award Recipient
Brian and Gail McCarthy moved to Asheville in 1979 with a vision to support and grow the creative process, establishing Highwater Clays and Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, which have since become some of the most successful clay businesses and ceramic educational centers in North America. Beginning in an artists’ cooperative studio on the Swannanoa River, they worked tirelessly to nurture their dream, eventually expanding Highwater Clays into a nationally recognized 40,000-square-foot facility in the River Arts District, known for its high-quality wet clays, glazes, tools, and equipment. Odyssey ClayWorks, the educational branch of Highwater Clays, offers diverse ceramic programs, including mentorships, professional development, and community outreach, under the leadership of Gabriel Kline. The McCarthys also played a pivotal role in the development of the River Arts District, establishing a resident artist program, drawing talent from across the country, and initiating the district’s Studio Stroll, which laid the foundation for today’s thriving arts community. In 1995, the City of Asheville formally recognized the River Arts District, and in 2013, River District Artists became the nonprofit River Arts District Artists, Inc. (RADA), now with 300 members who, as RADA President Julie Ann Bell notes, “stand on the shoulders of leaders like Gail & Brian McCarthy.” Last year, Brian and Gail were honored for their contributions, their leadership continuing to serve as a guiding force for artists in Asheville and beyond.
Gail & Brian McCarthy
Arts for Life
2023 Grant Recipient
Arts for Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting pediatric patients and families through arts education and engagement, was the 2023 grant recipient.
JOHN ELLIS
2022 Award Recipient
Longtime local arts advocate, John Ellis served as Managing Director of the Diana Wortham Theatre for 20 years before retiring in 2017– though he briefly emerged from retirement to serve as interim director of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra from February to July 2021. Prior to moving to Asheville, John served as Executive Director of the Broome County Arts Council in Binghamton, NY – Director of the Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling, WV – and Manager of the Creative Arts Center at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Current or prior board service includes Leadership Asheville Forum, Horizons at Carolina Day, Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Arts NC, North Carolina Presenters Consortium, the Alliance of New York State Arts Agencies, and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. He has served on several grants panels including the North Carolina Arts Council. John Ellis is the recipient of the William A.V. Cecil Leadership Award for leadership in the Asheville area tourism industry, and the recipient of the Asheville Leadership Forum Circle of Excellence Award.
Blue Spiral 1 Director Michael Manes and ArtsAVL Executive Director Katie Cornell with 2022 Crammy Award winner John Ellis.
Arts AVL
2022 Grant Recipient
ArtsAVL (formerly Asheville Area Arts Council) was the 2022 grant recipient for their leadership on behalf of the local arts sector.
DEWAYNE BARTON
2021 Award Recipient
DeWayne is a native of Asheville, N.C. He grew up in Washington, D.C. and is a Gulf War Veteran. He has been involved in community improvement and youth development for over 20 years. As a visual and performing artist, he is involved in environmental justice issues—both through his art and his community involvement. His mixed-media, found-art installations have been featured at Duke University, Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of African American History and Culture, Upstairs Gallery, Asheville’s Fringe Festival, August Wilson Museum as part of Affrilachian Artist Project, and the Hillcrest Mural Project. He is co-founder of the Burton Street Community Peace Gardens, a unique destination that has garnered national recognition. He is the founder and CEO of Hood Huggers Intl. and Hood Tours, building communication, connection, and wealth using the arts, environment, and social enterprise. DeWayne was recently appointed by the governor to sit on the board of the NC Arts Council.
DeWaynes Barton receiving his award at the 2021 Creative Sector Summit.
ASHEVILLE CREATIVE ARTS
2021 Grant Recipient
Asheville Creative Arts is an Asheville-based arts and arts service organization, providing high quality, professional theatre, performance, and arts experiences to Asheville audiences of all ages. ACA uses theater to reflect and elevate the communities they represent and serve, and as such they are committed to presenting the stories of all their participants.