The CNY Branch of the National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) is pleased to

announce its 2018 Friend of the Arts Awards (FAA), presented to individuals and organizations who have effectively, consistently and collaboratively advanced the cause of visual, literary, music, and dance composition arts in this region. This year’s awardees are Phil Memmer, Executive Director Arts Branch, YMCA of Greater Syracuse; and Donna Lamb, Executive Director, Schweinfurth Art Center, Auburn.

These awards will be presented at the CNY Branch’s second annual Painted Sounds gala event on May 17, 2018 at the Genesee Grande Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, beginning with a reception at 4:30 pm, to be followed by the FAA ceremony, the unveiling and presentation of new work in literary and visual arts created by Branch members who have inspired each other in the creation of these pieces, and a full buffet dinner.

Previous recent winners of the Friend of the Arts Awards are Senator John DeFrancisco,

Cheryl Chappell, Jim Emmons, Mimi George, Todd Benware, Steven Kern, HSBC Bank,

William Delavan, Janet Fagal, and Patricia Dickinson who received a special recognition certificate.

The public is invited, but reservations and pre-payment ($30, all inclusive) are required. Reservations may be made by calling (607) 749-2937 or signing up on the Pen Women website at www.cnybranchofnlapw.com.

The CNY Branch celebrated its 90th Anniversary in 2016 and continues to maintain a strong local presence in the arts, as its parent organization, NLAPW, maintains national outreach.