The 19th Annual Arrowhead Arts Awards Recipients

The Annual Arrowhead Arts Awards has recognized two outstanding individuals in the region who have made major contributions to the arts in the region. This year’s George Morrison Artist Award’s recipient is Dave Lynas and Maddie Simons Advocate Award’s recipient is Mary McReynolds. Recipients reside in one of the seven counties of the Arrowhead Region; Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis.

Dave Lynas is a clay artist and teacher whose work is shown in the Tweed Museum of Art and in private collections throughout the Midwest. Many of his innovations in clay have come from studying and modifying art from other cultures, such as Aboriginal didgeridoos, or South American flutes. Through exploring clay instruments, he has brought together his love for making visual art with his interest and skill in music. His love for art is infectious and his ability to share his knowledge and skills with other people has allowed him to connect with students of all ages as well as local, regional, and national artists. Lynas’ work contunues to be exhibited and collected nationwide. 

Mary McReynolds was the driving force in the formation of the group to renovate the Lyric/State Theatre in Virginia, MN in 1998, working in all facets necessary to bring this facility back to life. McReynolds has not only been part of the building projects, she also researched, wrote, and managed numerous grants that have helped to keep the project moving forward. She is currently overseeing the renovation and repair of the front of the Lyric Center for the Arts (the State Theatre) to return the theater to its 1912 appearance, a project that will start this summer.