The Crowd

B.W. Cook

A heartwarming outpouring of support for organizers of the inaugural Arts

Orange County Awards dinner and presentation set the tone for both the

event and the future of a new Orange County organization dedicated to

recognizing the importance of the visual and performing arts in this

community.

Some 400 guests filled the ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel, Newport

Beach, recently to honor an important contingency of local creativity and

patronage that included recognition of the Laguna Playhouse, Ballet

Pacifica, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, and the Grand

Central Art Center.

The much-loved John Alexander was applauded as the Outstanding Individual

Artist of Orange County. Eliot Feld of Ballet Tech was given the Special

Achievement honor by a Visiting Artist.

Newport’s handsome and gracious couple Mary and Phil Lyons of Harbor

Island were recognized as Outstanding Patrons of the Arts in the region.

Doris Shields received a standing ovation and wiped away a tear as she

accepted her honor for years of unselfish work in the community. Shields,

of Laguna Beach, was named Outstanding Individual Volunteer.

In the realm of education, awards went to Fulton Middle School, the

Garden Grove Unified School District, and retiring visual and performing

arts coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education, Phyllis

Berenbeim, was recognized for her efforts as a special arts educator.

Also recognized were artists Tony DeLap and the late Corona del Mar

watercolorist Rex Brandt. Martin Benson and David Emmes of South Coast

Repertory were named artistic visionaries.

“Boy, a couple of hippies with a dream have sure come a long way,” said

Emmes, to the delight of the crowd.

In the category of community vision, the legends of the Orange County

philanthropic community took the stage to the thunderous applause of

their peers and generations set to follow their lead. Marcy Mulville,

Elaine Redfield, Floss Schumacher, Dorothe Crutis, Kay Farwell, Jane

Lawson, Betty Mickle, Flo Stoddard and Henry Segerstrom were all honored

for their incredible contribution to the cultural life and standard of

excellence established in Orange County for the region itself and as a

model all communities.

The evening was chaired by the ever-dynamic Catherine Thyen with able

assistance from Cindy Beyl, Peggy Goldwater-Clay, Shari Esayian, Bonnie

Hall, Mary MacIntyre Hamilton, Olivia Johnson, Nora Lehman, Catherine

Michaels, Betty Belden-Palmer, Pat Poss, Ronna Shipman, Billur Wallerich

and Carol Wilken.

Also on hand was the very involved and dedicated president of Arts Orange

County, Carl Neisser, and his pretty wife Pat, who helped to ensure a

sell-out for the event. Irwin and Gloria Gellman were in the crowd, both

looking very trim.

“We love the Atkins diet,” shared the glam Glo.

Larry and Dee Higby were all smiles, joining Jerry and Whitney Mandel,

Chuck and Twyla Martin, Jan Landstrom, Mike and Laurie Mendenhall, Sharon

McNalley, Roger and Janice Johnson, Jane Grier, Tom Rogers, Jim and

Harriet Selna, Wally and Gerry Schroeder, Dottie Stillwell, bon vivant

Larry Williams, Zee Allred, and John and Elizabeth Stahr.

The prominent maestro Carl St. Clair shared the master of ceremonies

duties with Maria Hall Brown, while exceptional entertainment was

provided by the Anaheim Ballet, Southland Opera, Opera Conservatory, and

the Orange County High School of the Arts.

Local artist Michael Graham created a unique sculpture to serve as the

award to honored guests. Among the sentimental stories and tributes

offered by the crowd, the words of Marcy Mulville summed up the evening

best:

“Orange County is filled with intelligent, caring, giving, loving people.

And you here tonight represent that group perfectly.”

For more information on Arts Orange County, call executive director Hall

at (714) 556-5160.

* B.W. COOK’S column appears Thursdays and Saturdays.