By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County honored some of the most outstanding artists and arts supporters from the community Friday.
Eight individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to the arts. Heather Hitchens is the Executive Director of the state Council on the Arts. She says she was pleased to celebrate the arts in Buffalo.
"I think Buffalo is ahead of the game in terms of understanding what it takes to keep artists here," Hitchens said. "You have a mayor who has declared 2008 the year of the arts. He has a keen appreciation for the role the arts play in making communities vital."
Among the honorees this year was 95 year-old playwright and actor Manny Fried, who received a lifetime achievement award from the Arts Council.