Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame inducts seven

Feb. 5—Prestigious moments flooded the stage of the Simmons Center theatre as seven community members received induction into the Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame on the evening of Jan. 28.

The Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame 2023 Spectacular honored seven over the course of the evening, including Stephanie Gregston, Dr. Martha Burger, Marilyn Hugon, Jimmy Zinn, Scott Vestal, Mae Boren Axton and Hoyt Axton.

Pathfinder Inductee: Gregston

The first induction of the night went to one of the Pathfinder Inductees in Gregston.

Gregston's daughters, Jillian and Jerica, stepped up to the podium to share a little about their mother.

Jillian and Jerica noted their mother's accomplishments and shared a few memorable moments, which included singing, dancing, decorating costumes and more.

Gregston owned Heartbeat for 32 years, before turning it over to Chelsea Cain Shores in 2015.

Jillian and Jerica presented the award to their mother, who said she's honored to receive this recognition.

"When you have a dream at age 22 to start a dance studio in your town, you barely know — you can never imagine how 38 years later it will all work out," she said. "Turns out, God's plan is always greater than you can ever imagine."

According to Gregston, she's had so many friends and family members help her along the way. She acknowledged her dancers who became teachers, as well as her office staff, her daughters and all who have supported the shows year after year.

"I hope to keep teaching young people about the joy of dance, while I can still dance," she said.

Artist Inductee: Burger

Next in line, Tanya Case addressed the audience to talk a little about the impact of Dr. Martha Burger.

Case said she thinks of Burger as a "modern day renaissance woman."

"According to a online reference, a modern day renaissance woman is a woman who is well-educated, sophisticated and who has talent and knowledge of many different fields of study," Case said. "We all know that Dr. Martha Burger is indeed a woman who is well-educated."

Case continued to read a few more of Burger's accomplishments, from holding a doctorate in Educational Leadership to being an athlete, a dancer, a musician and a photographer.

After receiving the award, Burger thanked a few people for their support.

"I wanted thank God for my amazing good fortune," she said. "I have done nothing to deserve the blessed life that I have and I'm thankful for it."

Burger thanked Duncan for the many years she's spent in the city. She then thanked her family and friends for getting though all of the good times and not so good times.

"They've pulled me through," she said.

Patron Inductee: Hugon

The Patron Inductee was announced next, and it went to Marilyn Hugon.

Bill Gossett presented the award to Hugon and read a few of her accomplishments over the years, which included laying strong foundations to support arts organization in Stephens County.

Hugon's involvement included serving as early President of Duncan Arts and Humanities Council, now the Chisholm Trail Arts Council, chairing events such as Fall Fest and the Simmons Center Theater inaugural event, as well as working to organize events such as the American Music Festival, and helping in the founding of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center.

Hugon thanked everyone for being in attendance, for the introduction and for the committee. She then thanked the person who introduced her to the craft.

"I just want to thank my mom," she said. "She is the one that introduced me to the arts at the young age."

Hugon said her mother had a profound influence on her becoming an artist.

"She just encouraged me to be part of the arts," she said. "She took me to the symphony."

She said some her favorite childhood memories were when they would go to museums, the theatre, musicals and art museums.

Hugon also thanked her dad for all of his support of her introduction to the arts.

"It's become such a huge part of my life," she said.

Hugon encouraged everyone to introduce the next generation to the arts.

"It is such a huge part of our life," she said. "It makes it so much more to be part of that."

Pathfinder Inductee: Zinn

Next, the Duncan Arts Hall of Fame presented a video in memory of its next Pathfinder Inductee, the late Jimmy Zinn, who previously worked with the Duncan High School Vocal Music Department. Danielle Flesher Webb presented the award.

Webb talked with audience members about a few of Zinn's achievements and memories from taking his classes, and touched on his impact and legacy he left his students.

To accept the award, Jimmy Zinn's daughter, Jamie Morrow and son, Jonathon Zinn addressed the audience.

Jonathon Zinn said it's an honor to accept the award for his late father and he talked with the audience about Jimmy's life, memories and the legacy he left.

"He was a very practical man, which allowed him to build a legacy that continues on today," he said. He left with "our father, Jimmy Zinn's life, proves that strength of character is a lot more important than any worldly riches."

Morrow said after her dad passed in 2004, she would call the school, just to hear his voice, as it was still part of the voice system until it changed.

"This has been an extraordinary moment," she said. "Nineteen years later, for my dad to be honored, it's so special to us. He gave his time and his love, with passion for music and in return the reward was far greater than a paycheck. He would be so honored to stand here tonight accepting this award."

She said the family was honored to accept the award in his memory.

Artist Inductee: Vestal

Cindy Parks presented the next Artist Inductee as Scott Vestal.

Parks read a little about Vestal's accomplishments over the years.

"(Vestal) started out on guitar and then picked up the banjo at the age 13," she said. "Just two years later he headed out on the road playing with the with TJ Rogers' family band."

Parks said Vestal has performed ever since, across the nation and beyond.

According to a biography, Vestal has performed with bands across the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as receiving numerous awards, which eventually led to a tour in Japan.

According to Parks, Vestal's talent has affected many musicians in the local area, "including my son, who learned to play the banjo after watching Scott perform numerous times," she said.

Parks congratulated Vestal and said he was sorry he couldn't be in attendance on Saturday night.

"His musical career kept him from being here, but he wanted to say that he sends his deepest gratitude," she said. "He's so, so grateful."

Artist Inductee: Mae Axton

In wrapping up the night, members of The Axton Family presented and accepted awards for Mae and Hoyt Axton.

Heather Axton, Shaun Axton and Matt Axton addressed the audience with memories and accomplishments of Mae and Hoyt.

Mae Axton's accomplishments included teaching English and journalism at high schools throughout Oklahoma before coming to Duncan and diving deeper into her songwriting career. In 1955, Mae and Tommy Durden sat down and quickly penned "Heartbreak Hotel," according to a biography.

Heather Axton provided attendees a chance to take the journey alongside them as she shared a little about who Mae Axton was.

Shaun Axton also stepped up to talked about Mae and who she was.

"She was a connector and influencer," he said. "Finding this person, that person and bringing them together."

Artist Inductee: Hoyt Axton

Following Heather and Shaun, Matt Axton presented and accepted the award for Hoyt Axton.

A few of Hoyt Axton's achievements included attending and playing football at Oklahoma State University, a short service in the Navy and then moving forward with his musical talents.

According a a biography, Hoyt Axton made his way west, spending time in the musical scenes of New York, Chicago, Memphis and Nashville.

From television to films and songwriting, some of Hoyt Axton's hits include "Joy to the World", the #1 song of 1971 for Three Dog Night, and "Never Been to Spain" (1971, Three Dog Night).

Matt Axon said Hoyt's heart always stayed in Duncan.

"Oklahoma's always (been) a special place to him," he said. "In turn, it's special to me and all of the Axton people."

Matt Axton thanked everybody for dedicating this award for both generations of the family.

The next Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame will take place next year on Jan. 27, 2024.