| | Published November 6th, 2013
| 2013 Annual Arts and Culture Commission Awards Announced
| | Submitted by Darwin Marable |  | | From left: Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor, Corey Mason, James Phillip Wright, Eugene Rodriguez (Los Cenzontles), John Gioia, District I Supervisor and Federal Glover, District V Supervisor and chair of the Board of Supervisors.
Photo Raj Bhandari
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The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5) and the County Board of Supervisors honored two individuals and an organization Oct. 22 at the County Administration Building in Martinez for their continuing contributions to the arts and culture of the county. For the past 17 years the Arts Recognition Award has honored individuals, institutions, organizations and businesses that have made significant contributions to the arts and culture of Contra Costa County and beyond over a sustained period of time. The awardees for 2013 are James Phillip Wright, architect, Corey Mason, cultural promoter and educator, and Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center.
When James Phillip Wright purchased the 123-year-old "Old Yellow House," as it was originally known, at 209 Moraga Way in Orinda he had a vision for the house, both exterior and interior. After consulting with the Orinda Historical Landmarks Committee, Wright is restoring and modifying it as close as possible to its original form and color combined with some modern innovations. He plans to use the historical building as a residence and an office.
Wright graduated from the University of Maryland and has been a practicing architect for 31 years. He was inspired by the organic architecture of the Spaniard, Antonio Gaudi, after a trip to Spain. Wright has been an architect in California since 1988 working in Lafayette, Bel Air, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco, Lake Almanor and others. His creativity and innovative work in integrating modern materials and the latest energy efficient methods with architecture are both creative and unique.
Corey Mason is an educator at El Cerrito High School where he is the founder/director of worldOneradio WCCUSD Public Radio 88.1 keCg 97.7 since 1995 which both educates and engages the community while promoting global awareness through music, culture, nature and technology. He also teaches radio courses at El Cerrito High School. In addition, since 1998 as festival director of worldOne radio and festival in El Cerrito, he has promoted cultural diversity.
Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center in Richmond provides innovative arts programs which celebrate the beauty of Mexican American culture. The Arts Academy provides cultural education in traditional and popular arts, music, dance and crafts. The Academy also educates more than 250 students annually while the Youth Mentorship Program builds lifelong skills and encourages students to become teachers.
Each honoree received a commemorative glass sculpture representing the flame of creativity created by the internationally recognized artist Randy Strong of R. Strong Glass, Berkeley from the Arts Commission and a resolution from the Board of Supervisors honoring their accomplishments.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA