OKLAHOMA CITY — Honorees from across the state were recognized for their contributions to the arts at the state Capitol Tuesday.
Last month the Oklahoma Arts Council announced honorees for the 44th Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Awards. Fifteen individuals and three organizations received awards for their contributions to the arts, according to an Oklahoma Arts Council news release.
One southwestern Oklahoman, Alberto Rivas, was “humbled” to be among those honored for their contributions to the arts. Rivas is one of six recipients of the Community Service Award for leadership and volunteerism.
“It’s the arts that make our community thrive,” he said. “People who are in the arts are devoted and passionate about what they do. That is what they live, breathe and do.”
Both on and off stage, Rivas has actively supported Lawton’s art scene. He has been involved in promoting, fundraising, acting, directing and music for Lawton Community Theater productions over the past 15 years.
“The arts community is such a close-knit community and is made up of some of the most hardworking individuals who put so much together. There are so many others who are much more deserving than I,” said Rivas.
Rivas explained that theater offers spectators a break from their everyday lives and allows them to stretch their imaginations.
“Theatre provides an escape from reality for patrons,” he said following his recent performance as Daddy Warbucks in LCT’s production of “Annie.”
In theater, “people are able to be taken away from their stressors,” he said. “We are able to provide a moment of release and allow their imaginations to leave this world. That is art.”
Other Community Service Award winners include David Hornbeek, Edmond; Dian Jordan, Broken Bow; Donald Moore, Okemah; Red Dirt Relief Fund, Tulsa; and Wallace Owens of Guthrie.
Rivas and other honorees met on the second floor rotunda of the state Capitol, where Governor Kevin Stitt presented the awards. A reception followed.