Arts awards

The Dingeldein Award for Excellence, given by the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, is named for Otto F. Dingeldein, founder of the arts council. This year's recipient is Dodie Eisenhauer, whose creations using screen wire have become a local and national sensation. Eisenhauer's business, Village Designs, and her gift shop, Grandma's House, are in Daisy, and she has mentored other artists over the years through the Best of Missouri Hands organization.

The Maguire Friend of the Arts Award is named for a local arts patron and recognizes arts and nonartists or organizations that support the arts council and promote the arts. This year's recipient is Richard Webb, acting director of the arts council, who also is an artist, working in woodcarving, pottery and watercolor. He is active in the Best of Missouri Hands, and he started ARoundTown, a network or artists and studios involved in the monthly First Friday gallery walks that have become so popular.

Hats off to Eisenhauer and Webb for their efforts for the arts and for the recognition that have brought to the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.