Nine years ago, ArtsBuild created the Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award to recognize individuals who have made “significant contributions to the arts in Chattanooga and who are actively engaged in the cultural life of our community.”

The awards are named in memory of Ruth Holmberg, who was a local business + civic leader and a philanthropist for the arts during her lifetime.

The "art builders" recognized this year are Peggy Wood Townsend, Dr. Roland Carter, Stan Townsend, and Vincent Oakes.

Peggy Wood Townsend

Peggy has worked in the Education Department at the Hunter Museum of American Art, was the first full-time director of the Association for Visual Artists, served as the coordinator of the Department of Arts and Culture for Chattanooga Parks and Recreation, the director of Public Art Chattanooga + oversaw the creation of the city’s first public art plan. Additionally, she and her husband Stan own Townsend Atelier, an independent visual art school in downtown Chattanooga.

Dr. Roland Carter

Dr. Carter has served as a music professor at UTC for 24 years + at Hampton University for 25 years, both in leadership roles and as choir director. Additionally, he has been noted as an authority on the performance and preservation of music of African American traditions and composers.

Stan Townsend

Stan owned and operated Townsend Gallery, helped found the Association for Visual Artists, was the assistant director of the Hunter Museum of American Art, and taught art at UTC + Chatt State. Notably, Townsend's work has been “integral to Chattanooga’s intentional efforts to include the arts at the forefront of community revitalization projects.”

Vincent Oakes

Vincent is entering his 20th year as the artistic director of the Chattanooga Boys Choir. He is also the director of choral music at The Baylor School — which has tripled in size under his direction. He has received numerous awards for teaching and service + has founded several initiatives in the Tennessee Valley region.

The awards will be presented on Thursday, Sept. 14 at ArtsBuild’s inaugural InterMission fundraising event, featuring special guest Alan Cumming. Limited tickets are available for purchase.