Scenes from the 2019 Milley Awards. Photos by Jim Block.
In a letter to Milley Award supporters and friends, Amy Torrano, the chair of the program’s executive committee, said that organizers “held tight and continued the theme of perseverance and togetherness in isolation. We’re proud of the Mill Valley arts community for showing resilience and for coming together (while still being distant) to create and embrace art!”
“Throughout history, art has always been a powerful tool that drives cultural change, stirs emotions, and gives a voice to the underserved and underrepresented,” she continued. “This past year, you continued that tradition in many creative ways. We have heard such incredible stories ranging from artists embracing social and racial justice to entering the Mill Valley Arts Commission Click Off contest.”
Torrano said organizers are “hopeful to get started rolling out plans for 2021 to celebrate our diverse community of artists. In 2021, the Milley Awards Committee will discuss additional categories that includes fostering racial and social justice in the arts. We would also like to learn more about young artists in Mill Valley who are making and creating art – songwriters, poets, dancers, art visionaries who are making a difference in our community. 2021 can be a year of hope and optimism. The Milley Awards would not be able to continue without your support and involvement.”
“We hope to see you all October 24, 2021,” she added. “Our event this year may be a streamed celebration or it may be a live event at the Mill Valley Community Center – or a hybrid of both. Save the date. Please know we are thinking of you and we miss you. How grateful we are for the arts in Mill Valley!”