Arts commission names Dottie as this year’s Achievement in the Arts honoree

The Webster Groves Arts Commission voted to present this year’s Achievement in the Arts award to Dottie, a local artist the commission cited for direct community work. The motion to award was made, seconded and carried in the meeting; the transcript did not record who moved or seconded or a roll-call vote tally.

Commission members discussed nominee selection criteria during the vote. Some commissioners expressed reservations about granting an award to a younger nominee without a long-term career record; others said community engagement and direct local impact (work within Webster) were decisive factors in choosing Dottie. Several members noted that nominees James Smith and Elizabeth Keeter were also strong candidates; the group emphasized that the award celebrates impact on the local community rather than lifetime achievement.

Commissioners asked staff to coordinate a larger ceremony and outreach: Danny Williams at The Rep and Webster University were identified as potential partners for a ceremony that could pull in former students and local arts institutions. Commissioners discussed timing options and said they would try to hold the event before the end of the calendar year but acknowledged October is busy for partner organizations. Staff volunteers were identified to form a planning committee.

Less critical: commissioners recalled past ceremonies held in local theaters and suggested inviting the dean of the School of Fine Arts and former students to increase event impact.