Presenting the 2021 Arts Awards

Dr. Caswell is the music director of the Masterworks Choir and faculty at Francis Marion University. “Dr. Carswell is not only a consummate musician, but also excels at outreach and promotion of serious choral music to a new generation. He was the impetus behind the founding of the Masterworks Children’s Choir, directed by Sandra Howard. He is also an unfailing encourager of both performance musicians and those who support the musical arts through philanthropy.” states a nominator.

Jim Gleason opened his instrument repair shop, Old World Music in 1994 after retiring from 24 years of service in the US Marine Corps. Gleason graduated from the Navy School of Music, served in three field bands and toured with the Bicentennial Military Band. In 1977, Gleason was one of two Marines selected to be the first to attend and extend civilian training course in the manufacturing/retrofitting and repair of music instruments at a school operated by one of the country’s premier instrument manufacturers, The Getzen Corporation. He perfected his trade by servicing instruments of the Marine field bands, the President’s Own and the Commandant’s Own. As a professional musician and master technician in the repair of brass and woodwind instruments, Gleason has spent much of his life devoted to extending the lives of instruments. When the parts and pieces of whole instruments are no longer in a state that makes sense to repair them, Gleason gives them new life, saving them from being discarded completely by turning the parts into lamps, music boxes, and sculptures.

Mr. Powers is in his 11th year of teaching and his 3rd year as Director of Bands at West Florence High School. Under the direction of Mr. Powers, students have received the highest ratings at State Concert Festival, State Marching Band Championships, and Solo and Ensemble Festival, while individual students have been selected by audition to District, Regional and All-State Bands.

The Florence County Museum is presented with the Outstanding Arts Organization Award. The Florence County Museum reflects the region’s rich artistic, cultural and historic heritage. Through dynamic range of exhibitions, studios, lectures and family programming the FCM provides an engaging education experience to our community and beyond.

The SC Pecan Festival is celebrating its 18th year. The festival is held in Historic Downtown Florence which is also designated as a South Carolina Cultural District. Councilwoman Pat Gibson-Hye Moore and Councilman George Jebaily accepted the award for the City of Florence and Downtown Florence.

Ron Jaggers is a retired executive pastor and has served on Board of Directors of the Florence Regional Arts Alliance as a valued member and officer. He is instrumental to the fiscal efficiency of our agency by serving as the FRAA’s Treasurer.