Congratulations, Lee! Lotus founder Lee Williams was just named for a Community Arts Award Special Citation for Lifetime Achievement, by Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington. Winners were juried by an independent community group, from 50+ nominations received.
From the program: “Lee Williams has shaped and defined the music culture of Bloomington. Lee co-founded and booked a nightclub called Second Story that was a home for local, national and sometimes international artists (Gabriel Yacoub, Richard & Linda Thompson!). In his early days as a music booker, Williams introduced independent artists to Bloomington and helped establish its reputation as a “music town.” Working in partnership with a group of other strong leaders, Williams founded the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation and started the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, which established Bloomington as a place for world-renowned festivals. Williams was instrumental in founding the Buskirk-Chumley’s BCT Management, Inc., and his advocacy was invaluable to its success. The fact that people in Bloomington wish each other a “Happy Lotus!” on Lotus Festival weekend every year indicates the level of integration the event has in the community.”
Read the full Community Arts Awards press release here.
Categories and recipients of all Community Arts Awards 2016 are as follows: Arts Advocate, Ted Jones; Arts in Business, Monroe Convention Center Bloomington Indiana; Arts in Education, Rhino’s Youth Center; Regional Arts Service, Lawrence County Art Association/The Wiley Art Center; and Special Citation, Lee Williams.
(Images: Top: Lee (center) celebrates his award with his parents, sister, and wife Carol; Bottom: Lee receives his award from Ivy Tech Chancellor Jennie Vaughan)
