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Art Around the Corner Honors
“Partner in the Arts” Ron Garner
When music educator Ron Garner graduated from the University of Utah with a masters degree in 1955, he was offered a position as director of instrumental music at Dixie Junior College, which at the time had about 200 students. While he had originally intended work for larger schools in California, Garner remained at Dixie for over fifty years, developing music programs and performance opportunities in both the college and the community.
In honor of his contributions to the arts in St. George, the Art Around the Corner Foundation is proud to name Ron Garner this year's Partner in the Arts at the annual Art Around the Corner Evening of Honors Friday, March 22nd.
Garner's work in fostering excellence in music has had far-reaching effects in southern Utah. At Dixie College, now Dixie State University, he founded instrumental performing groups such as the marching band and jazz ensemble and directed the concert band, orchestra, chamber orchestra and theater orchestra. He also directed the choir. In addition, Garner helped to establish the Southwest Symphony along with Norman Fawcett and Irene Everett. He conducted the Symphony for eight years.
Garner also founded the Dixie Fine Arts Series (now called the Celebrity Concert Series) in 1958, organizing seven professional and non-professional concerts. He continued to serve on the board and as president of the board many times throughout the years. Celebrity Concert Series now offers 12 world-class concerts throughout the year in the 1200-seat Cox Performing Art Center, focusing on performances that cultivate enthusiasm and appreciation for performing arts. "He really had a lot of vision and forethought regarding art and culture in St. George," said St. George City Councilwoman and Celebrity Concert Series Manager Gail Bunker.
The annual Partner in the Arts Award honors an individual (or couple) who has supported the arts and enriched the St. George artistic community. Previous recipients include Fawn Pickett, Doug and Elaine Alder, Sue and the late Merv Cox, L’Deane Trueblood, Matt Clark, Ferron Holt and Barbara Watson.
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Art Around the Corner is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting the arts and
enriching the community of St. George. It has been a major force behind projects like the restoration of the Opera House and building the St. George Art Museum and Social Hall. Ongoing Foundation undertakings include the Art Around the Corner open-air sculpture exhibit, the Partner in the Arts Award, and quarterly Art On Main art strolls.
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