07/26/2007
Contact:
Beth Olsen
Goodman Media for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 ext. 243 or bolsen@goodmanmedia.com
Americans for the Arts Presents Lieutenant Governors Arts Award to John Bohlinger of Montana
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 26, 2007—Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America, and the National Lieutenant Governors Association today presented Montana Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger with the Lieutenant Governors Arts Award. The award honors a public official who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of the arts at the state level. It was presented at the National Lieutenant Governors Association annual conference in Williamsburg, Virginia as part of the Public Leadership in the Arts Awards series.
“Montana is deeply dedicated to promoting and emphasizing its love for the arts,” said Bohlinger. “As a native Montanian, I know we possess art and culture to the likes of which simply don’t exist anywhere else on earth.”
After taking office in 2005, Bohlinger supported and advocated for state senators to endorse the arts as a vehicle for community development, and has cast the deciding vote defeating bills that would have eliminated the Montana Arts Council and the state’s Cultural Trust. He has worked to educate elected officials on the economic importance of the arts in Montana and the importance of arts education to every child.
Bohlinger’s support for the arts began as a child when his mother, who was an artist, introduced him to and taught him about the importance of the arts. The arts became a major part of his life. His late wife, Bette, was an artist and one of their sons is a professional musician. Prior to joining public service, Bohlinger worked for many community organizations in the Billings, Montana area. He was a member of the board of directors of the Billings Chamber of Commerce and the Billings Studio Theater. He also has served as president of the board of directors of the Yellowstone Art Museum and president of the Billings Symphony.
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 45 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
