Nominations sought for annual Griffin Award

The Community Foundation is accepting nominations for the annual G. Scott Griffin Award. The deadline for entries is August 2, 2010, at 5 p.m.

A cash award will be given to one local artist, in any media, who has overcome adversity to make a contribution to the community in the execution of his or her art. The winner will be announced at a reception in coming weeks.

The award is named in honor of G. Scott Griffin, who was a multi-disciplinary, multi-media artist with accomplishments in musical composition, multi-instrumental performance, photography, videography, digital enhancement of art and cinematography. Because of these achievements, few people recognized that Griffin had to overcome adversity in the performance of his art. From his childhood, Griffin coped with a visual handicap, congenital nystagmus, which would have been reason for most talented artists to cease performing. Rather than giving up his artistic dreams, Griffin invited his audiences to join him on a journey of discovery and beauty that was possible through the lens of his camera and his varied canvases. His legendary music enchanted listeners because he played from the heart and not by sight.

Griffin died of complications related to cancer on October 7, 2007 at the age of 45. The G. Scott Griffin Award was created to keep his memory alive and to honor those artists who approach their art and life with the same passion and persistence as Griffin.

Last year’s award winner was local blues legend Buddy Flett, who overcame major challenges after being stricken with viral encephalitis. The award’s inaugural winner in 2008 was Bobby Darrow, executive director of the Shreveport Little Theatre, recognized for his significant contributions to community theater despite chronic illness.

Call (318) 221-0582 or visit online at www.nlacf.org for the guidelines, award application and more information.