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For Immediate Release

06/04/2006

Contact:
Virginia Anagnos
Goodman Media International for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 office


Americans for the Arts Presents Award for Community Arts Leadership to Jerry Allen

Milwaukee, WI—June 4, 2006—At its annual convention, Americans for the Arts today presented the 2006 Selina Roberts Ottum Award to Jerry Allen, founder of the consulting firm Jerry Allen and Associates. The award recognizes the achievements of an individual who has made a meaningful contribution to the arts through local arts leadership.

"Jerry Allen has established himself as an indefatigable arts leader," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "His unwavering commitment to the arts and public art in particular has benefited communities in every region of our country."

Most recently, Jerry Allen was the director of the Office of Cultural Affairs in San Jose, CA. Previously, he was the visual arts coordinator for the King County Arts Commission (Seattle); the executive director of the King County Arts Commission; and the director of cultural affairs for the city of Dallas. In addition, he has served on scores of art selection panels and has been a member of several National Endowment panels.

Jerry Allen is also a well regarded member of the public art field. While working in Dallas, he directed the first public art master plan ever completed. And his administration of the King County's EARTHWORKS: Land Reclamation as Sculpture symposium is one of the shaping projects of contemporary public art. He was on the national advisory board for Forecast, publishers of the Public Art Review, the only national periodical dedicated to public art.

Allen received his B.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Puget Sound and pursued his graduate studies in studio art and public administration at the University of Washington.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of 45 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.