The Troy Arts Council honored members of the arts community Tuesday night at a ceremony preceding the annual Southeast Alabama Community Band Concert at the Claudia Crosby Theater.
The concert is traditionally the Council’s final event of its calendar year. Therefore, it is the appropriate time for the TAC to recognize those who have made significant contributions in the areas of art, music and community service, said Shelia Jackson, an awards committee member.
The 2014 recipients were Charles Adams, art; Dr. John Jinright, music; and Johnny and Christine Barron, community service.
In making the presentation, Jackson said Adams is a graduate of Troy University and a student of the late Ed Walter, a pioneer in kiln-fired glass art.
“Charles Adams got his beginning in kiln-fired glass in the 1960s. He participated in art shows with Trigger and Jean Lake,” Jackson said. “He has really made a name for himself as a stained glass artist. His stained glass windows are in churches throughout Southeast Alabama and beyond.
Jackson said Adams was active in the Jean Lake Arts and Crafts Festival and has been active with TroyFest since the beginning.
“The TroyFest Barbecue is named for Charles Adams,” she said. “He is always an exhibitor at the festival and promotes TroyFest everywhere he goes.”
Jinright is an associate professor of music in the John M. Long School of Music.
A native of Troy, Jinright earned degrees from Birmingham-Southern College, Troy University and Auburn University.
“Dr. Jinright is a veteran of the retail music trades,” Jackson said. “He has trained in audio and post production with some of the leading engineers in the music industry. He is an accomplished accompanist and regularly performs with community and collegiate ensembles and soloists.”
Jinright is an active member of the Troy Arts Council Board of Directors where he chairs programming and grant writing efforts. He is the organist at First United Methodist Church in Troy.
Johnny and Christine Barron received the TAC’s community service award as individuals who have a clear understanding of what is important and have the strength to do the right thing.
“Johnny and Christine Barron have served their community well,” Jackson said. “They are positive role models and have devoted themselves to community service and to building and nurturing the community. They give of their time and talent to others.”
Jackson said the greatest gift that one can give is time.
“Johnny and Christine give freely of their time through their music. They do what they do without expecting anything in return. They do when no one is watching. They are an inspiration.”
Ruth Walker, TAC president, congratulated the award winners and said they are more than deserving.
“We have so many in our community who are deserving of recognition,” she said. “So, these recipients are certainly deserving of the award for this year.”