Artwork by Tucson Artist Chrysanthe Kapuranis Chosen for Cover of Governor's Arts Awards Program, Invitations

Artwork by Chrysanthe Kapuranis, a graphic designer in the Division of Human Resources at the University of Arizona who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Design Science from Arizona State University, will be exhibited on the cover of the 2017 Governor's Arts Awards program book, and has been used for invitations to the event.

The 36th annual awards celebration will take place on May 4 at the Phoenician Resort. Twenty-one finalists have been named in seven categories for 2017 Governor's Arts Awards.

The Governor's Arts Awards are presented by Arizona Citizens for the Arts in partnership with the Office of the Governor.

Kapuranis' paintings explore the duality of forms, often by merging abstract mark-making with organic shapes and meaningful life experiences. She begins connecting seemingly disparate concepts through research, examining nature and photography. She uses texture, transparency and hidden messages within the painting to bring further meaning to the work.

At the event, Mary Way of Paradise Valley will receive the inaugural Philanthropy Award to recognize extraordinary philanthropic leadership through the contribution of financial resources to non-profit arts and culture organizations, and by encouraging the philanthropic support of others.

Finalists for 2017 Governor's Arts Awards are:

• Artist: Liliana Gomez, Phoenix; Katherine Josten, Tucson; Dennis Rowland, Phoenix.

• Arts in Education, Individual: David Andres, Tucson; Dr. Mary Erickson, Tempe; Dennis Ott, Sedona.

• Arts in Education, Organization: Children's Museum of Phoenix; Osborn School District, Phoenix; University of Arizona Museum of Art.

• Individual: Lin Ling Lee, Phoenix; Hope H. Ozer, Paradise Valley; Dr. Ruth Tan Lim, Mesa.

• Community: Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, Wickenburg; Mesa Arts Center, Mesa; Phoenix Center for the Arts, Phoenix.

• Small Business: Arizona Copper Art Museum, Clarkdale; Galiano's Café, Douglas; Partridge and Associates, CPAs, Scottsdale.

• Large Business: Alliance Bank of Arizona, Phoenix; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Phoenix; Casino Del Sol Resort, Tucson.

The annual event will also recognize ten Pioneers of Advocacy with 2017 Shelley Awards for their dedicated work on behalf of arts and culture during the formative years of arts advocacy in Arizona that helped create the vibrant arts and culture environment we enjoy today, and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Pioneers of Advocacy honorees are:

• Dino DeConcini and Beth Murfee DeConcini, Tucson - Arts, philanthropy and advocacy leaders

• Katie Dusenberry, Tucson, Corporate philanthropy and arts leader

• Shirley Estes, Tucson, Corporate philanthropy and arts leader

• Terry Goddard, Phoenix, Former Mayor of Phoenix

• Myra Millinger, Phoenix, Foundation leader and arts advocate

• Gene Polk, Prescott, Foundation leader and arts advocate

• Kim Sterling-Heflin, Phoenix, Corporate philanthropy and arts leader

• Richard and Linda Whitney, Phoenix, Arts, philanthropy and advocacy leaders

Since 1981, more than 200 artists, individuals, arts and cultural organizations, educators and businesses have received Governor's Arts Awards.

For registration information and to purchase tickets, visit www.azcitizensfortheare.com