New Urban Arts Announces Annual Award Winners

PROVIDENCE, RI– New Urban Arts announces the winners of the annual Sandra Olson, Carole Harman Memorial, and Founders’ Awards, to be presented at the 18th annual fundraiser and silent auction, Vote for New Urban Arts, on Thursday, April 16, 2015. The event is sponsored by Donoghue Barrett & Singal, BankRI, and Citizens Bank.

Ashley Paniagua will receive the Carole Harman Memorial Award, named for founding board member Carole Harman. Ashley has been an integral part of New Urban Arts since enrolling as a student in 2001, volunteering for various events and working as staff during the 2009 Summer Youth Workforce Training Mural Program. She returned to New Urban Arts two years ago to join the staff as Youth Program Manager. Ashley thrives in this new role, connecting with students in a most genuine way.

Mike Tanaka will receive the Sandra Olson Award. Mike served as a board member for seven years. During his tenure, he demonstrated sincere willingness to contribute in any way and led the annual event committee for multiple years. Mike exemplifies New Urban Arts’ commitment to relationship building and sustainable creative practice.

El Rancho Grande will receive the Founders’ Award. The restaurant, founded by Maria Meza and Joaquin Meza, Jr. in 2007, is a regular sponsor of New Urban Arts’ annual events, adding a personal touch by preparing their food on-site.

Vote for New Urban Arts will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 7:00-10:00pm at New Urban Arts’ studio at 705 Westminster St. in Providence. The silent auction features artwork and art experiences from local artists. Various local restaurants will provide food and an open bar. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/voteNUA.

This event funds New Urban Arts’ core program, Youth Mentorship in the Arts, a free, drop-in afterschool program which promotes sustained mentoring relationships between urban high school students and trained artist mentors—who, together, engage in youth leadership, collaboration, and self-directed learning. New Urban Arts is grounded in the belief that in order to fulfill the promise of democracy, all young people, no matter their place in society, should have the opportunity to become more creative and independent thinkers. Between 2006 and 2015, annual enrollment has grown from 180 to 432 students. This year, an average of 20 more students attend programs each day than at this time last year.

For more information, contact Connie Colvin at 401-751-4556.

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