The Columbia Museum of Art presents 2018 award winners
January 11, 2019
Celebrating educators, docents, volunteers, and staff
Each year, the Columbia Museum of Art highlights its commitment to education, culture, and community through the presentation of awards for outstanding arts education and museum volunteerism as well as employee service.
The John Richard Craft Leadership Award was presented to Luther J. Battiste III. Through his board service, committee participation, and philanthropy, Battiste has been a dedicated member of the CMA for nearly 30 years, which reflects his commitment to supporting a vibrant and enriching culture for South Carolina.
The Mac Arthur Goodwin Award for excellence in education in the arts was awarded to Joshua Powell of Southwood Academy for the Arts. Powell has proved integral in the advancement of arts education in Anderson County and beyond in such leadership roles as Anderson School District Five’s lead teacher for visual and performing arts, founder and director of the Anderson Five Arts Consortium, and president-elect of Palmetto State Arts Education’s executive board.
The Docent Corps is a valuable and essential group of individuals who volunteer their time to fulfill the CMA’s educational mission and make the museum an engaging and accessible cultural hub of the Midlands. The Docent of the Year Award went to Joyce Leet, outgoing vice president and incoming president of the Docent Corps. Leet spearheaded numerous initiatives to professionalize the group, often drawing on her years of experience working in human resources.
The President’s Award for volunteer of the year went to David Renton for his dedication to the museum, new docent mentorship, and constant helpfulness. Renton has served in Docent Corps leadership roles both as president and vice president.
The Director’s Award for employee of the year went to Kristen Campbell, Protective Services Senior Supervisor, as well as Glenna Barlow, now Senior Manager of Education & Interpretation. Campbell was honored for her invaluable oversight and positivity during the museum’s extensive renovation project. Barlow was lauded for such accomplishments as the development of museum interactives, including the new Cross Hatch, and the redevelopment of the Docent Corps.
About the CMA
The Columbia Museum of Art is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to lifelong learning and community enrichment for all. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, S.C., the CMA ranks among the leading art institutions in the country and is distinguished by its innovative exhibitions and creative educational programs. At the heart of the CMA and its programs is its collection, which encompasses 7,000 works and spans 5,000 years of art history.
