EN-RICH-MENT honors Rodney Meadows, other Stark standouts in arts, music
CANTON − EN-RICH-MENT Fine Arts Academy has honored those in the Canton area who have positively contributed to music, art and theater.
Awards were given out earlier this month at the Canton-based organization's fundraising gala, which also marked EN-RICH-MENT'S 10 years as a community group providing music education and arts programming for children in Stark County.
Rodney W. Meadows was honored posthumously with the 2022 Spotlight Award.
Meadows, owner of Motter & Meadows Architects, died in March.
"He is remembered for not only his architectural endeavors, but also the countless ways he used his platform to be an advocate for the community," EN-RICH-MENT said of Meadows. "His legacy lives on in all the lives he has impacted with his generosity and support."
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Meadows' efforts included founding the Juilliard Arts Center in Canton. He also was involved in the Canton Arts District, ArtsinStark 20/20 Vision Cultural Center Neighborhood Task Force and the Louisville Arts Council.
Several other people also were honored.
"I think there's so much talent out there, and they're unsung heroes," said Betty Smith, executive director of EN-RICH-MENT. "So they need to be recognized, the artists, and it's a motivating thing for them. It's nice for people to recognize you."
Albert A. Flowers II received the Anyani Joy Buckmon Music Education Award.
Flowers, a professional trumpet player, has spent five seasons with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra. He also leads the Canton City Brass Quintet.
He's also a member of The John Trapani Big Band, and leads the orchestra at Trinity Gospel Temple in Canton. Additionally, Flowers has been teaching music in Canton City Schools for more than 30 years.
Michael Kelley and Next Level received the O'Jays Award, which recognizes an outstanding musical group.
Kelley and Next Level are a group of ministers and artists who have dedicated their lives and gifts to God for his use, EN-RICH-MENT said in presenting the award. They have ministered from Seattle to Orlando.
Carol McAfee received the Theatre Award. The director of theater for EN-RICH-MENT is a recording artist and vocalist. She has toured in Europe with The Golden Gospel Singers of Harlem, and her directing credits include "Anne and Emmett," "Once on This Island" and "The Emperor Jones."
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Patrick G. Buckohr received the Art Award.
Buckohr, who studied graphic design at the University Akron and previously worked in printing and publishing, has been a full-time artist for several years, and is most well known for his iron sculptures that decorate downtown Canton.
Buckohr also has been commissioned to create sculptures for schools and businesses, with more than 60 pieces displayed in Ohio. Public murals have been among his other works.
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Jimmell Stinson received the Milini Guitar Award posthumously. Stinson died in November 2021 at age 50.
The Massillon native played for his first group, The Stinson Family Singers, at age 8 and began playing piano for local churches in the community by age 10. Stinson served as lead musician for Morning Star United Holy Church in Massillon for more than 40 years.
"Music was more than a love of Jimmel's," EN-RICH-MENT said. "It was his passion and his life. He never wanted to be known as, in his words, a 'hometown hero.' ... He wanted to play music that would unite people."
Mecca Muhammad and Harley Nunez received Honoree Awards.
Nunez, a Louisville High School graduate, has been involved with EN-RICH-MENT since 2015, starting as a member of the drumline before instructing the steel band and drumline. A former member of Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, he's a student at the University of Akron pursuing degrees in music education and percussion performance.
Dajeun Dickerson won the Macy Gray Rising Star Award.
The 14-year-old singer and McKinley High School student recently placed second in Cleveland's Holiday Singing Championship. The event was presented by Marquee Showcase Productions in association with X-Mas Cleveland's Christmas Bar.
Other award recipients include:
Rodney Reasonover, Cindy Lazor Community Advocate Award, which recognizes someone who has been involved in community affairs for 10 or more years.
Linda Cavella, Dance Award, which recognizes someone who shows great talent and skill in dance either through instruction or performance.
Leshone Lewis, Elec Simon Percussion Award, which recognizes a young percussionist who shows the promise of becoming an excellent drummer.
Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com. On Twitter: @ebalintREP.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: EN-RICH-MENT honors Meadows, Buckohr, other Stark County art standouts
