Cathedral of the Madeleine Award Dinner

Intermountain Catholic

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I had the privilege of attending the Cathedral of the Madeleine Award dinner last Sunday evening during which Ruth Lubbers was honored for her unique and laudatory contribution to the arts in Utah, with a special emphasis on making art accessible to those with developmental challenges. I was impressed with Ruth’s humility, charm and talent. She is an extraordinary woman who has advanced the arts in our state by serving as executive director of Art Access for the past 18 years. She was a member of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, and developed Art Access exhibits that were included in the Cultural Olympiad. Her past awards include being named one of the 30 Women of Vision in Utah by Utah Business Magazine and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce in 2004; this year she also received the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Award for Service to the Arts. Previously she served on the boards of the Utah Arts Festival and the Utah Museums Association; currently she is a member of the boards of 15 Bytes and the Utah Youth Mentor Project. Her speech was quite moving and I congratulate her once again on this importance recognition. Special thanks also to her husband, Bruce, and her son, Mark. Thanks for all you do in our community, Ruth!