For the first time, the Mayor’s Cultural Legacy Award was given posthumously to Jeffrey Wayne Nickelson, the founder of Shadow Theatre Company, who died in September at the age of 53.
“It’s the first time it’s being given posthumously, but Jeffrey just did so much everyone thought it was the right thing to do,” said Gina Rubano, special events coordinator for Denver’s office of Cultural Affairs.
The annual Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts was announced this afternoon.
Nickelson’s daughter, ShaShauna Staton, said she was grateful for the honor.
“My father’s death has been the hardest time in my life. The news of this award came on a very hard day for me,” she said. “It was as if my daddy was telling me it will all be all right.”
This year, Mayor John Hickenlooper gave the Award for Excellence in the Arts to three groups: local band, Flobots, Museo de las Americas and VSA Colorado/Access Gallery.
“It was a very pleasant surprise and welcome surprise,” said Maruca Salazar, executive director of Museo de las Americas on her reaction to the award. “It will allow us to have a better standing and to recognize so many volunteers and sponsors who donated and contributed so much to maintain this institution vibrant and alive.”
The Mayor’s Award program started in 1986 to recognize organizations and individuals who contribute to the arts in the city of Denver.
The number of recipients varies each year. A committee makes the recommendations based on their reviews of approximately 30 nominations, including self nominations. The mayor reviews the recommendation and makes final decisions.
The Cultural Legacy Award is not an annual award. It is reserved for patrons of the arts who contribute to the arts of Denver behind the scenes.
Nickelson who received the Excellence in Arts award in 2005 for Shadow Theatre Company.
Salazar received the Excellence in the Arts award in 2005 along with her husband, film maker, Daniel Salazar, for their contribution to the Chicano art movement in Colorado. After spending 30 years working with Denver Public Schools as a teacher and later director of the arts programs, she was named executive director at the Museo de las Americas last May.
“My goal is to continue to promote new voices,” Salazar said. One of the changes she hopes to make is to make sure every exhibit includes at least two local artists.
The awards will be presented to the recipients at a ceremony later this month.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1638 or yrobles@denverpost.com
