The Thousand Oaks Arts Commission announces the 20th Anniversary of the Excellence in the Arts Awards, and an Art Exhibition of 90 local artists on Sunday, August 17, 2008, in the Fred Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Performing Arts Center. A reception and short awards ceremony will be held on the Mezzanine Terrace from 5 – 7 p.m.

The Excellence in the Arts Awards is an annual event honoring individuals and organizations that have contributed to the arts in Thousand Oaks as participants, supporters or leaders in the arts community. This year, the highest honor, the Encore Award, will be presented to Penny Lee and Julian Macdonald. Their contribution includes Penny’s service as Arts Council of the Conejo Valley historian and Julian’s Civic Arts Plaza Board of Governors service.

Certificate Awards will be presented to Craig Morton on behalf of his contribution to the community’s visual artists; Stephen Custer, an L.A. Philharmonic professional cellist, who has performed for elderly and disabled people through the Healing Power of Music program; and, Frank Laguardia, a unique music teacher with the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

Entertainment for the reception will be provided by Stephen Custer, cello, and Alan Roubik, piano. The program will also include a special acknowledgement, Fifty to Five. The Conejo Players will be recognized for 50 years of providing high quality community theatre, and the Thousand Oaks Arts Festival and City of Thousand Oaks for five years of programming.