C.F. Martin & Co.®(Martin Guitar) was honored with the Special Recognition for Advancing the Arts at the Governor’s Awards for the Arts Ceremony on Wednesday evening, August 8, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The award honorswork that exemplifies the highest standards of artistry and the significant role the arts play within the economy of the commonwealth. Martin and fellow recipients received recognition from Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf. Chris and Diane Martin attended the event, which included musical performances by Martin staff –Craig Thatcher, Joel Zingone, and Rameen Shayegan.
“The arts play a role in many facets of our commonwealth,” said Governor Wolf. “When we talk about the arts, we often speak of their power to make us connect, feel, and think. But the arts also bolster our economy, shape our youth, and build our communities.”
“I am proud to accept the award from Governor Tom Wolf for advancing the arts, on behalf of all of my coworkers here in Pennsylvania and our sister facility in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico,” said Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO of Martin Guitars and Strings. “They help me carry my family’s business goals of trying to make the best guitars and strings for six generations.”
The Governor’s Office honored five recipients under the following categories:
Quiara Alegría Hudes, Philadelphia native – Distinguished Arts Award: Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning playwright, revered for her richly imaginative and intellectually rigorous work. Hudes’ plays and musicals include Water by the Spoonfuland In the Heights.
Mira Nakashima, New Hope – Lifetime Achievement in the Arts: Renowned furniture designer known for her unparalleled knowledge and mastery of wood; director and custodian of the George Nakashima Woodworker studio and property.
Tina Williams Brewer, Pittsburgh – Artist of the Year Award: Internationally renowned fiber artist known for her artistic exploration of African American history and culture. Brewer uses symbolism and textiles to create story quilts that reflect issues of family, women and children, and spirituality of the culture.
C.F. Martin & Co., Inc., Nazareth – Special Recognition for Advancing the Arts: Six-generation, family-owned, and world-renowned guitar maker with a 185-year history of crafting handmade instruments using innovative techniques. Martin guitars and Martin strings have been played by countless musicians, including Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, and Eric Clapton.
Scribe Video Center, Philadelphia – Arts Leadership & Service Award: National leader with a 35-year history of community-based film, video, audio, and new media programs. Founded by MacArthur “Genius Award” winner Louis Massiah, Scribe is particularly known for exploring, developing, and advancing electronic media to advance social change.
