Photo from left, Doug Bartosh, Diane Joens, Terence Pratt, William Eaton, Jesse Dowling,
Tim Elinski, Karen Pfeifer, Randy Garrison, Lana Tolleson, Kyla Allen.
December 19, 2014
2015 Governor’s Arts Awards
420 West Roosevelt Avenue, Suite
208
Phoenix, AZ 85003
To the Governor’s Arts Award
Committee:
Here in rural Arizona we are
proud of our success in promoting arts and cultures in Cottonwood and the Verde
Valley. For that reason, it is a great honor to nominate William Eaton for the
Governor’s Arts Award in the artist category.
Every day William builds a better
Arizona through his music, guitar building, partnerships and willingness to get
along with everyone. He is amazing that way. He also has worked for many years
supporting and partnering with the Native American community.
William has shared more than just
his amazing talents with the Arizona community. He has shared his passion and
his vision. Through programs sponsored by the Arizona
Commission on the Arts, William
Eaton and his wife and work partner, dancer Christine Lamb, have brought the
spark of music to school children throughout the state in extended residency
programs which usually conclude with a music and dance concert put on by the
children, using instruments they have designed and built. Providing this
valuable education and exposure to our youth is a priceless experience. William
has a great talent as a luthier and has expanded this talent to a school for
teaching luthiery skills to others. Through the theater he has provided his
keen insight to other artists through his uncanny ability to understand what
each artist needs at whatever junction they are in their life along with some
incredible encouragement. Whether it be constructive criticism, treasured
pointers or a listening ear William’s encouragement of others in the art field
is without guile or ego. Finally, through the development of the OTCA, he has
brought diverse cultures to the Verde Valley. Like bringing water to someone
who didn't even know they were thirsty, he has given people in rural Arizona a
taste of something remarkable and it inspires us to want more.
William has made such a
difference in our community through his promotion of arts and culture. Since 2008,
William has featured more than 300 events, including concerts by recognized
names such as John McEuen, Gary Morris, Melanie; and performances by well-known
individuals such as the official Arizona State Balladeer Dolan Elli and
Historian Marshall Trimble. In five short years some 23,000 visitors have
attended dance festivals, theater performances, comedy shows and music
concerts. With his work with youth through the Arts Commission, William also
provides regional community events such as "The Art of Movement"
where all dance classes are free to the public and attendees can join one or
all of them for exposure to the world of dance. He recently brought
"Cottonwood Idol" to the Verde Valley, as a benefit to a local
non-profit, with individuals ranging in ages from 6 to 78 performing. No one
was excluded and the judging process was one of encouragement with helpful tips
and uplifting praise. In regional partnership with the Verde Valley Winery
Consortium, the OTCA has been the home of the "Water to Wine"
festival which promoted awareness of the Verde River and its integral part in
the Verde Valley and the wine industry. Finally, the OTCA originated the annual
"Spring Planting Festival" which is on its fourth year. This
week-long event is specifically geared around citizens making community
connections, and promoting awareness of healthy communities while partnering
with musical concerts. It embodies the phrase, "connecting people to
place, taste and story." It is the very definition of community
engagement.
William engages not only citizens
in the metropolitan areas of Arizona, but the Verde Valley as well. The Verde
Valley is a microcosm of communities ranging from the unique artistry of
Jerome, the red rock beauty in Sedona, the solidly grounded farm and ranching
worlds in rural areas such as Camp Verde and Lake Montezuma, finally to the
economic hub and heart of the Verde Valley in Cottonwood. Through William and
the OTCA these distinct communities have converged through his genius in
providing an experience in the arts. He impacts the lives of children
throughout the state by introducing them, thereby investing them in the world
of music. He has brought a skill to those willing to learn the artistry of
luthiery. He has developed a diversity of engagements in his theater allowing
all of us to experience arts from the far off lands. He has broadened our
knowledge of this ever shrinking planet by bringing beauty to our community
with an impact none could have guessed. What was once a quiet Old Town district
is now vibrant with music and artistry. Finally, his personal investment in
this community by being readily available to support and engage in regional
events such as "Brand New Fashion Girl Show," "Cottonwood
Idol," "Gardens for Humanity," and "Celebrating the Art of
Movement," has touched those who would not otherwise have had exposure to
the arts. His influence is far reaching, his impact is profound and the effect
on the lives he touches is transformative.
The committee’s support of arts
and culture in rural Arizona is greatly appreciated, and it is my sincere hope
that William Eaton will be recognized for the amazing and accomplished artist—and
person—that he is.
Sincerely,
Diane Joens, Mayor, City of Cottonwood
with assistance from Kyla Allen
with assistance from Kyla Allen
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