Roland Lee Receives Medal from Utah Governor Gary Herbert in Ceremony at Governor's Mansion

Utah Governor Gary Herbert and First Lady Jeanette Herbert pose with artist Roland Lee after awarding him the Utah Governor's Mansion Artist Award for Visual Arts August 20.

     It was a grand night indeed! An intimate dinner with Utah Governor and Mrs. Herbert. My paintings on display in the Governor's Mansion. A wonderful outdoor concert. And receiving a medal from the Governor. The only thing that made it even better was having a few of my choice friends and family there to enjoy it.
    The Governor's Mansion Artist Series Awards are given each year to a visual artist and performing artist who have made contributions to the arts in Utah. I was thrilled to be in the company of Dr. Craig Jessop, formerly Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as he and I both received the awards on August 20 in Salt Lake City. Now the founding Dean of the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University, Dr. Jessop brought a group of outstanding students and faculty to perform.

Honoree Craig Jessop is greeted by Governor Gary Herbert at the Governor's Mansion

The lovely decor and antiques of the historic Kearns Mansion were a perfect backdrop for my paintings. Gallery owner and committee member David Ericson assisted with the display of the paintings.

The program for the evening's events

     The evening began with dinner in the mansion, joined by the Governor, First Lady, a few wonderful event sponsors and lovely music from Utah State University music students. The elegant meal was catered by Lori Tolbert.

An intimate dinner at the Governor's Mansion prior to receiving the Governor's Mansion Artist Award

     A beautiful outdoor reception followed with many invited guests witnessing the art show, awarding of the medals, and an incredible concert by the Fry Street Quartet.  Threatening storm clouds and occasional bursts of lightning added just the right touch of drama to the event. Finally at the conclusion, a cloudburst opened up, and guests dashed into the mansion to enjoy refreshments and viewing of the paintings. It couldn't have worked out better.
     We all owe a debt of gratitude to Governor and Mrs. Herbert for their love and support of education and the arts. I would also like to thank the Brent and Bonnie Beasley Foundation, Dell Loy and Lynnette Hansen, Greg and Denise Ericksen, Friends of Roland Lee, the Governors Mansion Foundation Members, and Governor's Mansion Artist Series Committee Members for giving of their time and resources in support of the Governors Mansion Artist Series.
     A special thanks to Mary Bangerter, Lorelie Andrus, Carolyn Loder, and David Ericson whose careful attention to details made everything run smooth. Also to O.C. Tanner for providing the beautiful medals. And finally, how could the arts survive in Utah without the ongoing support of Zions Bank, the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, and the Utah Division of Fine Arts and Museums.
     Thanks everyone for making a magical night!

The Fry Street Quartet from Utah State University gave an incredible performance

Guests enjoy the Roland Lee Art Exhibit at the Utah Governor's Mansion

Left to right: Utah Governor Gary Herbert, First Lady Jeanette Herbert, artist Roland Lee, wife Nellie Lee, and son Jim Lee

Some of my family were able to attend. Left to right: Jason and Jennie Maestri, Andrea Conley, Barbara and Jim Lee, and my dear wife Nellie.