The MARTY AND LEAH SKLAR CREATIVE VISIONARY AWARD is presented annually by Ryman Arts to an individual of singular creative vision and leadership who has made a distinctive contribution to the creative community: illuminating, inspiring and expanding the impact, relevance and reach of the arts through their work and creative vision. It is named for two visionaries who were co-founders of Ryman Arts. Leah Sklar has been active in community and educational initiatives throughout her life, including a key role in the development of Ryman Arts’ mission and program. Marty Sklar was the legendary Executive Vice President and Ambassador of Walt Disney Imagineering, leading the creation of the Disney theme parks around the world.
This year, the inaugural award will be be presented on November 7 to Kevin Feige, who, as President of Marvel Studios, has led the studio in the development of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From Iron Man to Thor, Captain America to Guardians of the Galaxy, Kevin’s guiding hand has creatively expanded each franchise and the super hero genre in unexpected ways. More recently, the films Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War have reached new audiences and achieved record-breaking box office success. On every project, Kevin and Marvel Studios have pushed beyond the expected spectacle, scale and special effects of the genre to find rich emotional content and humanity in each story.
Ryman Arts provides intensive studio art instruction along with college and career guidance to a diverse community of promising high school youth — all at no cost to the students. Almost all graduates go to college, many go on to work in the creative industries, and all are poised for personal success. A nationally recognized non-profit organization, Ryman Arts was founded in 1990 to honor the legacy of legendary Disney artist Herbert D. Ryman. It has served over 6,000 teens from 150 communities across Southern California in its core program, engaged over 20,000 inner city students through outreach, and is committed to reaching students with the greatest need to ensure all young artists reach their full potential.
For further information and to purchase tickets, visit https://rymanarts.org/be-hero
