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Governor Brad Henry recently honored Gene McKown of Ideal Homes and Dr. Jack Herron, both of Norman, for their contribution to the arts in Oklahoma.
McKown received the Earl Sneed Memorial Business Award during the 32nd annual Governor's Arts Award in Oklahoma City at the State Capitol.
The Norman Arts Council's Roundtable Advisory Group nominated McKown for his many contributions to public art in Norman. McKown is known as the "father of public art" in Norman, according to the council.
He contributes his time, money, and property to the public parks in Norman. McKown also volunteers his time as an auctioneer to many non-profit organizations.
Legacy Trail is his largest contribution to public art in Norman. The landscaped and paved path is a historical walk through the city's past and present with sculptures and historical points of interest along the trail. The trail covers four city blocks in Norman.
Herron received an Arts -- Education Award which recognizes professional educators who go above and beyond the call of academia to promote arts education for Oklahoma's students.
Herron serves as outreach coordinator for the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics. He believes strongly in the incorporation of the arts into the curriculum and has encouraged this practice throughout his professional life, presenters said. He was a Kennedy Center National Arts Award winner and has been awarded the Oklahoma State Superintendent's Arts Award for Excellence by Sandy Garrett. He is past chair for the Arts Alliance for Education for Oklahoma, an affiliate of the Kennedy Center.
As a school superintendent for 18 years, Herron also was a college administrator, high school principal and teacher. He received a National Community Service Award and holds a position as chair of the Oklahoma Community Service Commission. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has been an American Legion Post Commander. He is a graduate of several leadership programs including Leadership Oklahoma Class Two and founded the Leadership Oklahoma State Association.
Herron and McKown were among several Oklahomans honored at the annual awards show presented by the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information on fellow recipients, visit www.arts.ok.gov.
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