The Permanent Endowment Fund for Martha’s Vineyard will present the 2012 Creative Living Award to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School art teacher and department chairman Paul Brissette of Vineyard Haven in a public ceremony on Thursday, October 18, at 5:30 at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury.
The award was established in 1983 through the Ruth J. Bogan and Ruth Redding Fund and recognizes members of the Vineyard community who embody Ruth Bogan’s spirit and love for the Island and who have contributed significantly to the quality of life on the Vineyard.
During his 33 year tenure, Mr. Brissette has been instrumental in expanding a single-course curriculum in a one-room facility into an award-winning, nationally recognized program with 30 course offerings, seven specialized art, design, and computer facilities and four instructors, according to the Endowment Fund.
“I am touched and honored to be selected because this award is for the work I’ve been able to do here on the Vineyard,” Mr. Brissette said in a press release. “I’m retiring after 35 years in education. Receiving this award is a nice period at the end of the sentence.”
Endowment chairman Anne Williamson said Mr. Brissette “embodies the intent and essence of the Creative Living Award, specifically the criteria of fine craftsmanship, creativity, and ingenuity. His passion to nourish Martha’s Vineyard through fostering the artistic talents in students is a priceless gift to the Island community.”
The evening will also include a drawing in which guests have the opportunity to win $1,000 and donate their winnings to an Island nonprofit of their choice.
More information on the Permanent Endowment Fund is available at endowmv.org or at 508-338-4665.
