Arts Council honors two for contributions to arts

Congratulations to Caroline Kahler, winner of this year's Otto F. Dingeldein Award from the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

The Dingeldein Award is given annually to an individual whose artistic achievements have made a considerable contribution to the culture in the region.

Kahler, chairwoman of Southeast's art department, tearfully accepted the award, saying "One of the things that I think has been the hallmark of my career as an artist is always connecting to the community ... and it has been an honor to connect to Cape Girardeau and to Southeast Missouri State University. I have often had to redefine myself as an artist depending on where I'm working and where I'm able to teach."

In addition to the Dingeldein Award, the arts council also bestowed the 2017 Friend of the Arts Award to Ron Nall, longtime band director at Cape Girardeau Central. Nall also has been conducting the Cape Girardeau municipal band for more than 25 years.

"Ever since I had gone to school here, I always wanted to come back to Cape. ... I loved being a band director. Thirty-two years of high school, and after I retired, somebody would say, 'Well, you're too young to retire.'

"So, I really appreciate this [award]. And, as I said, I didn't do anything trying to get anything. I just did it because I really liked it."

Nall and Kahler have enriched many lives and the community overall for their contributions in the arts. We say thank you for helping make Cape Girardeau a more artful place to live.