Prince William Arts Council awards Seefeldt Awards

The Prince William County Park Authority Arts Council awarded four local residents and businesses the group's annual Seefeldt Awards for Arts Excellence, which recognize contributions to the cultural arts in the community.

• Amy Grant Wolfe, artistic director of the Manassas Ballet Theatre, received the 2008 Seefeldt Pioneer Award. The Pioneer Award is not presented every year -- only as merited by stellar achievement over time.

Wolfe has overseen the growth of the Manassas Ballet Theatre from a small company to the largest ballet company in Northern Virginia and the second largest in Virginia. The Manassas Ballet Theatre now includes its own orchestra to provide live accompaniment at public performances, the Manassas Ballet Theatre Academy to train top students and an

educational outreach program in local schools. Wolfe is a lead dancer, the chief fundraiser, administrator and heart of the Manassas Ballet Theatre.

• Bob Garay, chairman of the board of directors of the Youth Orchestras of Prince William, received the award for Outstanding Volunteer. He was honored for his leadership of this exceptional arts organization during a difficult time.

When the Youth Orchestras' executive director, Carol Taylor, passed away earlier this year, Garay had to fulfill many of her responsibilities. He spent hours answering questions from staff and customers, making executive decisions and reorganizing staff to operate effectively during the interim. Since the new executive director was appointed, he has led a smooth transition for the organization, maintaining the quality that is the hallmark of the Youth Orchestras.

• Michele Frantz of the Manassas Art Guild received the award for Ongoing Contribution by an Artist. Frantz is one of the community's most active and talented artists; she also serves on the board for the Manassas Art Guild and volunteers as its program coordinator.

She has instituted many new programs, workshops and festivals for the guild and organized the successful "Paint Manassas," a month-long event in which artists paint local scenery for display at a final show. Frantz also teaches art

education classes for the Manassas Art Guild, the Center for the Arts and independently to members of our commu-nity.

• Melissa Moss, activities secretary at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, won the award for Outstanding Arts Advocate. One of the biggest challenges for

community arts groups is finding a quality venue to rehearse and perform.

Moss has made it possible for groups like the Youth Orchestras of Prince William, Pied Piper Theatre Company and Potomac Ballet to perform at Gar-Field High School.

• Lockheed Martin received the award for Business Support of the Arts. The company and its employees recognize the importance of the arts in our community. This commitment is exemplified by Lockheed Martin's support of the NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra and other local arts groups.

From sponsoring concerts to providing discretionary funds, the company gives of its resources in many ways. Lock-heed Martin also makes concert tickets available to its employees and encourages them to support the arts with their attendance.

--Press release