2023 For the Love of Art Honorees

For the Love of Art honors those individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the arts in Plano.

Polly Gessell - Visual Artist Award

Ms. Gessell is recognized for her unique ability to design, cut, and sandblast by hand - without computer aid. She is a local artist whose work is curated around the world.

Victor Johnson - Performing Artist Award

Performing Artist Award. Mr. Johnson is an award-winning composer, conductor, and educator with over 350 choral works, vocal solo books, and keyboard collections currently in print. He has served as the Minister of Music for Plano’s Shiloh Baptist Church for 15 years.

Mary Jacobs - Literary Artist Award

Ms. Jacobs is an award-winning content creator, freelance writer, and journalist whose recent project is co-authoring “Plano Past & Present.” Her gift for writing has frequently been used to capture Plano’s history.

North TX Performing Arts Deaf Theater and Daymond Sands - Arts Education Award

NTPA’s vision is to light the passion of the performing arts for youth, and ensure all youth have the opportunity for the profound experience of taking the stage and having their voices heard. The program promotes equal access to theatre and the performing arts to Deaf and hard of hearing youth, while encouraging diversity, equity, education, and social inclusiveness at NTPA. Mr. Sands Is a program director with the North Texas Performing Arts Deaf Theater Mr. Sands is also deaf. 

Garage Arts Project - Collaborative Arts Award

Garage Arts Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an intimate and immersive platform for artists and audiences to foster creativity and Increase appreciation of the arts. It has grown into a community of artists, hosts and members who get together to curate events. 

Outcry Theatre and Katie Guiou (in memoriam)

Outcry Theatre is a youth theater company that provided productions that are thought-provoking and incredibly entertaining. Their Innovative perspective adds depth to the theatrical landscape. Ms. Guiou’s award commemorates her pivotal role enhancing the artistic theater community.

Amy Darrow – Leadership Award

Ms. Darrow is being recognized for her exceptional leadership in organizing and executing the Texas Sculpts exhibition held for two years at the ArtCentre of Plano. She also served for two years as board chair of the ArtCentre and enhanced attendance and Involvement In the organization.

Burke Asher – Patron Award

Mr. Asher is and has been a significant contributor to various arts organizations in Plano for many years. He has previously won the For the Love of Art Volunteer Award and has long been one of the ArtCentre’s most generous and consistent donors. He shares his expertise in accounting and finance with the organization helping to ensure its success.

Plano West Sr. High School Orchestra – Student Award

The PWSHS orchestra program is renowned in the state and has created a legacy of high-quality performance and achievement at both the ensemble and individual musician levels. The school’s orchestras have been selected as the Texas Music Educators Association’s Honor Orchestra nine times including for 2023.