Oct. 5, 2017

Heroes Among Us

Adam and Barbara Schay, son and wife of the late Arts Hero Dan Schay, Theater Works; Aidan Scheffrey, SRP: Mayor Greg Stanton; Arts Hero Matt Engle, Gallagher & Kennedy; Arts Hero Kirk Johnson, SOUNDS Academy; Arts Hero Michael Oleskow, FOUND:RE; Arts Hero Maria Simonetti, Ballet Arizona; Arts Hero Catrina Kahler, Artlink; and Linda "Mac" Perlich

The 2016-17 Phoenix Arts Heroes were celebrated Sept. 27 at Phoenix Theatre. The Arts Heroes program was founded by ON Media Publications to honor individuals who work tirelessly to support the arts community, often behind the scenes.

About 75 people attended the cocktail reception, where guests mingled with the honorees and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres. Linda “Mac” Perlich, CEO and publisher of ON Media Publications, introduced the honorees, presenting each with a personalized plaque. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton also spoke, thanking guests for their support for the arts and the Arts Heroes program.

Following the reception, many guests attended Phoenix Theatre’s performance of Mamma Mia!

ON Media publishes programs for the major arts groups in Phoenix and Tucson, and each month during the arts season, individuals who have been nominated by their co-workers, friends or the arts groups are recognized in the monthly programs for the arts. Salt River Project is the 2017-18 sponsor of the Arts Heroes in Phoenix, and the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona sponsors the Arts Heroes in Tucson.

A separate celebration was held in Tucson on Sept. 28.

If you would like to nominate someone to be an Arts Hero, visit onmediaaz.com.

ON Media Publications also publishes The Red Book, azredbook.com and The Red Book Magazine.

PHOTOS COURTESY ON MEDIA PUBLICATIONS