The Steelville Arts Council (STARCO) celebrated its first full year of community education and arts events with a barbecue luncheon held at the Evans House gallery grounds. Members of the arts council and volunteers associated with ongoing STARCO programs were invited to the outdoor barbecue and annual awards ceremony.

    Scott Perkins, president of the STARCO board, thanked the members, artists, and volunteers who attended the outdoor banquet behind Evans House, saying he felt it had been a great year for the arts council.
    “We’ve done a lot in these past few months. Our gallery events are being well attended, we have a committee actively putting together community events, and the summer education program was a huge success for us,” said Perkins. “I’m very proud of where we’ve taken the arts council in such a short time, and I believe this is just the beginning of what we will do for Steelville in the days ahead.”
    Gary Sanders, STARCO treasurer, announced the winners of the annual awards during a ceremony held after lunch was served. Sanders thanked the volunteers and said it was only because of their tireless efforts that the arts council had seen such success. “It’s not because of us (the board of directors),” said Sanders. “It’s because of you. Without you, we are nothing and I would like to personally thank each and every one of you on behalf of the board for what you do for us every day.”
    Award winners were announced as follows: Terry and Barbara Bryan received the Volunteer of the Year award, Barbara Bryan received the Artist of the Year award, Reagan Melby received the Outstanding Youth award, Paul and Delores Bell received the Sponsor of the Year award, and Jack and Ellen Bowles received the Board Excellence award.
    Missouri Hick South catered food at the banquet. Robert Roe, a Native American flautist, performed music during the luncheon.
    For more information about the Steelville Arts Council, go to steelvilleartscouncil.org or visit the Facebook page.