Nominations are now being sought for the Governor's Awards for the Arts 2008
which will be presented by Governor Timothy M. Kaine in September. The
Awards, which have been presented only three times in Virginia, recognize
outstanding lifetime achievement by Virginia artists, arts organization and
those who support and encourage the arts. Nominated by the Arts Council of
the Twin Counties, one of nine statewide awards was presented to the Galax
Moose Lodge/Old Fiddler's Convention in 2000.

Penelope Moseley of the Big Blue Magazine and former director of the Arts
Council of the Twin Counties will serve as Area Coordinator for Carroll,
Grayson and Wythe Counties and the City of Galax.

The Governor's Awards are administered by the Virginians for the Arts
Foundation and   former First Lady of Virginia Jeannie Baliles is serving as
the State Chair.  "While the Governor's Awards spotlight the creative spirit
throughout the Commonwealth, they also provide an opportunity to demonstrate
how the arts contribute to the quality of life in our individual
communities," said Penelope.  Our area is rich in the cultural arts, and I
am honored to be asked to serve on this important program that recognizes
their significance."

Nominations may be made by anyone in the Commonwealth and must be sent or
e-mailed to the Virginia Commission for the Arts no later than May 15, 2008.
Forms are available online at www.arts.virginia.gov
<http://www.arts.virginia.gov/>  or at penny@bigbluemag.com, 151 S. Main
Street, Hillsville.  Nominees must be native Virginians or current
residents; businesses and organizations must currently operate in the state.

A blue ribbon panel of judges will select 10 Award winners based upon the
nomination materials.  The panel will be asked to have diversity among the
winners in artistic discipline and region of the state, and the winners will
be announced August 1.  An awards ceremony will be held at the Capitol in
Richmond in September. 

No public funds are involved in the Governor's Awards which are made
possible through generous support from corporate sponsors including
Dominion, Exxon/Mobil, Norfolk Southern, Philip Morris USA and Virginia
Natural Gas.

For Additional information, contact Penelope Moseley, 276-728-9704 or June
Britt, State Coordinator of the Governor's Awards for the Arts, 434-385-0600
or june@brittmarketing.com.