Nominations being taken for 2015 Dingeldein award

The Southeast Missouri Arts Council has announced nomination forms for the 2015 Otto F. Dingeldein and Friend of the Arts Awards are available. Deadline for nomination submissions is Dec. 29.

Award recipients will be named at the Dingeldein Gala, which will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at a location to be announced.

The Dingeldein Award was established in 1975 and honors living individuals whose artistic achievements have made a considerable impact on the cultural enrichment of the Cape Girardeau community. The award may be given to artists, non-artists or organizations. Brenda Seyer was named winner of the 2014 Dingeldein Award.

The Friend of the Arts award was established in 2002 and is one of the highest honors the Arts Council can bestow upon an individual or organization within the community. Nominees are involved with the Arts Council in a capacity that helps the organization achieve its goals for programming and outreach. This assistance may be delivered either through the nominee's service as a volunteer or through donations of funds or goods. Thomas Smugala, on behalf of 573 Magazine, was awarded the 2014 Friend of the Arts Award.

Nomination forms may be downloaded at the council's website, www.capearts.org, or picked up at Arts Council of Southeast Missouri at 32 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau. More information is available by calling (573) 334-9233.