January 5, 2021 (Moscow, Idaho) -- The 2020 City of Moscow Mayor’s Arts Awards winners were announced by Mayor Bill Lambert at the Moscow City Council Meeting on Monday, Jan. 4.

Melissa Rockwood of Rdesign was awarded Outstanding Contribution as a Business. Rdesign has collaborated with area organizations such as the 1912 Center, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, the Moscow Food Co-op and many others.

“Rockwood has provided the Palouse community with over 30 years of creative design,” nominator Kathie LaFortune wrote. “Rdesign has quietly made the community of Moscow a more beautiful place…”

Paul Anders was recognized with the Arts Advocacy award. His support and inspiration of musicians of all ages helped to grow a budding music scene on the Palouse. Anders attended many events across the Palouse in support of the arts, and played in many music groups celebrating different genres. He passed in January 2020.

“Paul left all of us with great memories of dancing with friends and strangers on grassy patches in parks,” nominator Nancy Zabriskie wrote. “His enthusiasm for any kind of music and the desire to share it with as many of us as possible is the gift this artist didn’t know he was leaving for us.”

Carolyn Guy was presented with the Individual Excellence in the Arts award. Guy was introduced to pottery in 1973 while on the campus of UC Davis. Her passion for the art form led her to travel the world to work in the studios of Albert Diato and Diana Berier. She was known for her handcrafted stoneware and porcelain as well as her custom glazes. Guy passed in September 2020.

“She not only had a passion for creating original work and experimenting with…clays and glazes, but [she] had interest in learning the bagpipes, gardening, family and friends,” nominator Belinda Rhodes wrote. “The diversity of interests seemed to bring a balance to her life that shows in her pottery.”

The final award of Lifetime Achievement was presented to Jim Christiansen. His work is known locally and internationally for its design and enhancement through carving. He began turning wood in the 1980s and has since developed a breadth of work that spans over three decades. Christiansen has been a long-time educator and mentor, published author and artist, speaker, and active Moscow community member.

“Because of Jim Christiansen, there is, and will remain, world-class wood art produced on the Palouse,” Jill Kyong wrote on behalf of 27 other artists.

The City of Moscow Mayor’s Arts Awards recognizes individuals and organizations who have shown substantial support of and excellence in the arts. The event is biennial, with a nomination and selection process initiated by members of the Moscow Arts Commission and finalized by the Mayor.

For more information about the Mayor’s Arts Awards and the 2020 winners, visit https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/215/Mayors-Arts-Awards.