Eloise Pickard Smith Award

The Eloise Pickard Smith Award is periodically presented by the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission to an individual who has fulfilled the high standards required of a recipient, which include: demonstrated an extraordinary and sustained level of commitment of time, leadership, and/or financial support to the arts; a lengthy history and single mindedness of purpose in promoting and supporting the cultural life of our County; played a vital role in initiating the creation of new cultural institutions or organizations which benefit the community.

The award was first given to its namesake, Eloise Pickard Smith, in 1995. In addition to her work as an artist, Eloise was a director of the California State Arts Council, founder of the State Prison Arts Program, and curator of the Cowell College Art Gallery. Former recipients of the Award include Ernest T. "Bud" Kretschmer in 1996, Roy Rydell in 1997, and Jack Baskin in 2000.

Rowland Rebele, the most recent recipient, was awarded in 2003. Whatever his endeavor whether promoting open government, publishing a newspaper, or championing the arts Rowland Rebele pursues it with a passion. Since moving to Aptos from San Diego in 1979, "Reb" Rebele has been a key player in promoting the arts in Santa Cruz County. Mr. Rebele was President of the Santa Cruz County Symphony from 1981-1986, and continues to be actively involved today. He has served on the Board of the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, was a member of the Facilities Committee, and was involved in the Spectra Plus project which brought more in-depth art programs into the schools. With his wife, Pat, he has endowed a Visiting Lectureship in Art History at UCSC, and a weekly newspaper student internship program at Stanford University. Reb is a regular financial supporter of KUSP, Actors Theater, Youth Symphony of Santa Cruz, Cabrillo Music Festival, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, New Music Works, and the Museum of Art and History, among others