Twenty years after she initiated the Citizen of the Arts award, Margaret Cunningham is its recipient. The presentation takes place Jan. 25 at the Brown Palace Hotel.
The award is presented on behalf of the Fine Arts Foundation, and recognizes those whose contributions to the arts have been exemplary. The first award went to Marlis Smith, a benefactor and board member whose generosity has been enjoyed by the Colorado Symphony, Opera Colorado, the Central City Opera, Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Santa Fe Opera.
The recipient actually enjoys several moments in the sun. His or her identity is revealed at an announcement party attended by FAF members and spouses; the formal presentation occurs at the Fine Arts Jubilee. Then, at the Fine Arts Debutante Ball, the recipient is a member of the receiving line to which each debutante curtsies.
Janie Prendergast is chairing the 2008 Jubilee and will introduce Cunningham. Claudette Erek is the co-chair and Mary McNicholas is in charge of the pre-dinner silent auction.
Cunningham is a past chairwoman of the debutante ball and has been in charge of landmark fundraisers for numerous Denver organizations, including the opening of the new Central Library.
She was introduced as the 2008 Citizen of the Arts at a cocktail reception held at the home of previous honorees Phyllis and Dr. Gary VanderArk.It’s all good
Denver native Marne Davis Kellogg is the first speaker for the fifth edition of Tables of Content, a four-chapter series of author dinners that benefit the University of Denver Humanities Institute. Davis will discuss her 10 novels Jan. 24 when Dennis and Betty Lynn Jackson open their home for “A Jewel of an Evening.” Subsequent speakers are Susan Tweit on Feb. 8, Gary McMahan on March 25, and Craig Barnes on April 16. Call Meg Steitz, 303-871-2466.
Two other biggies that night: the Concerts 4 Kids celebrity bull- riding contest and country music concert at Fillmore Auditorium and a screening of Warren Miller’s “Playground” to benefit SafeHouse Denver. Denver City Councilman Charlie Brown, chefs Tyler Wiard and Frank Bonanno, and drag queen Nuclia Waste will be holding on for dear life when the mechanical bull starts bucking at 5:30 p.m.; for tickets, call 303-605-2885. The Miller flick begins at 7:30 p.m. at Starz Film Center in the Tivoli Center; the $25 tickets can be purchased at blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp. The event code is playground08.
The Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom is the setting Jan. 26 for Le Bal de Corsaire: A Swashbuckling Affair. It’s a benefit for Colorado Ballet, and the $250 admission includes dinner and dancing to the Tripping Griswolds. Dress is black-tie with a touch of pirate. Call 303-300-3885.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also,
