COLLEGE STATION, August 2024 – The Arts Council of Brazos Valley is proud to announce that Chris Dyer, President & CEO of the Dr Pepper Museum, and former CEO of the Arts Council (2010-2018) was honored with the prestigious D.A. “Andy” Anderson Award at this year’s Celebrate the Arts (CTA) event. The celebration took place on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Brazos Center in College Station, Texas.
The D.A. “Andy” Anderson Award is the Arts Council’s lifetime achievement award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in the Brazos Valley. Chris Dyer’s visionary leadership and commitment to cultural preservation have left an indelible mark on the community. Under his guidance, the Arts Council has not only become a key attraction in the region but has also significantly contributed to the local arts and heritage landscape. During his tenure, the Arts Council raised and distributed millions in direct funding support to area arts organizations, established the College Arts Scholarship program that has awarded over $100,000 to Brazos Valley students, and via the generosity of the Arts Council’s closest supporters, opened a new regional arts facility. Dyer is most proud of the many close personal relationships forged and impactful programs created during his time in B/CS, including the Arts Council’s Artist in Residency program, Empty Bowls, Jr., and the STARs volunteer corps.
Celebrate the Arts is the Arts Council’s largest and most important fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the event help the Arts Council achieve its mission of making the arts accessible to all residents and visitors of the Brazos Valley. Over the past year, the Arts Council has awarded over $400,000 in direct funding support to local non-profit arts, culture, and heritage organizations.
This year’s event included performances by A&M Consolidated and College Station High School Band Ensembles, dinner from Buppy’s Catering and Bartending, live and silent auctions, a raffle, and recognized several individuals who have made a significant impact on the arts in the Brazos Valley. Rick Hill, “The Voice of Aggie Sports,” will serve as emcee, with Lance Swigert, President of SWICO Software Solutions, as the auctioneer.
In addition to Chris Dyer, the Arts Council honored the following community members for their contributions:
- M.L. “Sonny” Moss Artist of the Year Award: Steve Fry & Harry Hutchins, AMCHS Head and Assistant Band Director; Jon Seale & Michael Dixon, CSHS Head and Assistant Band Director
- Business Arts Patron: Buppy & Jennifer Simank
- Arts Champion Award: Sandi & Phil Trapani
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Bunny Griffith
- Jane Wolfe Distinguished Arts Leadership Award: Don Hellriegel
This year’s raffle will featured a $3,000 shopping spree to David Gardner’s Jewelers, generously provided by David Gardner’s Jewelers and Gemology. Two prize drawings will be held during the event.
The Arts Council extends its gratitude to the generous sponsors of this year’s CTA event, including Premiere League sponsors Pam & Bob Smits and many others.
About The Arts Council of Brazos Valley: The Arts Council of Brazos Valley is a non-profit organization chartered in 1970 by a group of visionary local arts patrons with the purpose of establishing a leadership role in organizing local arts advocacy efforts and fostering a true community for the arts. Over 50 years later, The Arts Council has grown to serve the 5,000 square mile Brazos Valley region and since 2008, has provided over $4,000,000 in direct funding support to arts organizations throughout the Brazos Valley.
About the Dr Pepper Museum: The Dr Pepper Museum educates, inspires, and entertains by sharing the stories of Dr Pepper and the soft drink industry. Located in the historic Artesian Manufacturing & Bottling Company and Kellum-Rotan Buildings, the Museum is the most visited cultural destination in Waco and the Original Home of the Dr Pepper Float. The Museum offers over 35,000 square feet of exhibits, popular experiences like Make-A-Soda and Taste-A-Soda, and handmade fountain drinks. In 2023, the Museum welcomed over 220,000 visitors. As a proud independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are celebrating 33 years of public service in 2024. We are not owned or operated by Keurig Dr Pepper. (Please note, there is not a period after “Dr” in our name.) For more information, visit drpeppermuseum.com.
