The Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio is an annual awards ceremony presented by the Ohio Arts Council and the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation. Awards in seven categories were presented to honor individuals, organizations and businesses for outstanding artistic, educational and philanthropic achievements. Winners received an original work of art by Ohio artist Debra Joyce Dawson.

Speakers:

Julie S. Henahan, Executive Director, Ohio Arts Council

Jeffrey A. Rich, Chair, Ohio Arts Council Board

Ohio Governor John Kasich

William P. Blair, Legislative Counsel, Ohio Citizens for the Arts

Tim Greenwood, Board President, Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation

Bill Batchelder, Speaker of the House, 69th District, Medina

Tom Niehaus, Senate President, 14th District, New Richmond

Award Recipients:

Arts Administration: Ed Stern and Buzz Ward, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Arts Education: Toledo School for the Arts

Arts Patron: Louise Nippert, Cincinnati

Business Support of the Arts: Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Dayton

Community Development & Participation: ArtsinStark, Canton

Individual Artist: Michael Jerome Bashaw, Kettering

Irma Lazarus Award: Barbara S. Robinson, Cleveland