Many of our readers know Lou Ann...writer, storyteller, actress, photographer, and teacher. She spends much of her summers on Ocracoke leading Ghost & History Tours, volunteering to share history and stories at the Lighthouse, participating in the Wednesday evening Opry shows, helping at the Ocracoke Preservation Museum,and generally contributing to the life of our island community.
For the rest of the year Lou Ann lives in the Midwest. On Thursday, March 20 Lou Ann was honored for her contributions to her Indiana community. For many years she has helped bring stories, theater, music, and other cultural events to her area. Her own performances at local libraries, civic centers, churches, and other venues have become a major part of her community's arts and humanities outreach.
Several years ago Lou Ann was named an Indiana State Storyteller by Governor Evan Bayh. She has also received several commissions from Storytelling Arts of Indiana and Indiana Landmarks, as well as two teacher fellowship grants from the Lilly Endowment.
Several years ago Lou Ann was named an Indiana State Storyteller by Governor Evan Bayh. She has also received several commissions from Storytelling Arts of Indiana and Indiana Landmarks, as well as two teacher fellowship grants from the Lilly Endowment.
On Thursday, March 20, in Wells Theater at Trine University the mayor of her town, the honorable Richard Hickman, presented Lou Ann with "The Mayor's Arts & Humanities Award for Substantial & Long-term Contributions to the Cultural Life of the Angola Area."
 |
| Mayor Hickman, Lou Ann & Her Award |
Lou Ann was excited, and honored by the recognition (somehow all of her family & friends managed to keep the award a secret until the hour of the presentation). In accepting the award Lou Ann shared her approach to life. “You do things you love," she said. "I tell my students, ‘passion, passion, passion.’”
Congratulations, Lou Ann!
And be sure to look for Lou Ann this summer as she brings her talents and her enthusiasm for art, the humanities, and history to Ocracoke Island. We are honored to have her as a valuable member of our community also.
Our latest Newsletter is a reprint of a 1948 newspaper article about the Mail Boat Aleta. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032114.htm.
Very nice. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Lou Ann! It was a pleasure to meet and chat with you a couple of years ago.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it may not happen this year, I hope to see and chat with Philip and you in the near future.
Well-deserved congratulations, Lou Ann.
ReplyDeleteAs always, appreciate your efforts, along with Phillip's, to keep us off-islanders informed, engaged, and always intrigued about life on Ocracoke.
Congratulations, Lou Ann!!!! What a wonderful surprise.
ReplyDeleteJuanita
Lou Ann we appreciate you and all the folks that share the love of Ocracoke.Nick& Debby
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the nice comments. The award was an absolute surprise and delight! It is nice to be recognized for our passions. It was also nice to come home to a lovely bouquet of flowers from Philip! I am looking forward to another summer of stories with you!
ReplyDeleteNC Mainlander sends belated congratulations to Lou Ann. Well done!
ReplyDelete