Arts!Longview is pleased to announce the selection of the organization’s first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Excellence.
Pat George Mitchell, the founder and Artistic Director of Longview Ballet Theatre, will be honored with this new recognition from Arts!Longview on Saturday, January 28, 2023, during Arts!Longview’s first Honors Gala.
“The Honors Gala is an opportunity for Arts!Longview to highlight and recognize the accomplishments of individuals, such as Pat George Mitchell, who have made outstanding contributions to the Longview artistic community,” Arts!Longview Executive Director Christina Cavazos said.
The Arts!Longview Honors Gala Committee selected Mitchell as its first honoree in recognition of her contributions to the community, serving for 50 years as the Artistic Director of Longview Ballet Theatre.
Mitchell founded the ballet company in 1972 and has led 50 ballet productions for it. Additionally, she has choreographed more than 150 ballets and taught more than 1,000 dance students in her 53-year career. Mitchell also has been a leader in bringing professional guest artists from New York, Miami, Salt Lake City and more to the local stage in Longview.
“For these reasons and more, we are proud to honor Pat George Mitchell with Arts!Longview’s first Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Excellence,” Cavazos said. “Her work over the past 50 years exemplifies the mission of Arts!Longview.”
Mitchell said she is honored to be recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Excellence. Mitchell intends to end her career with the Longview Ballet Theatre following the organization’s upcoming performance of “Cinderella,” which is scheduled March 4-6 at the Belcher Center. The performances of “Cinderella” will cap her 50 years with Longview Ballet Theatre and her 53-year career.
“I feel my old job is done here, and I am about to embark on what my new job might be. However, I do know I have given everything I have to develop a dream and because of that, I am OK,” Mitchell said. “This life of ours just simply goes by too quickly when you have fallen in love with the music of your heart and the dance of your life.”
In addition to recognizing Mitchell, the Honors Gala also is a time for Arts!Longview to celebrate with its supporters. Honors Gala Chair Nancy Murray is bringing a dynamic vision to Arts!Longview’s first fundraiser. A 1920s theme of “The Great Gatsby” is planned for the black-tie event.
Proceeds from the Honors Gala will support Arts!Longview in its mission to spark a love of the arts, history and culture in order to celebrate and enhance Longview’s creative community. For more information about Arts!Longview, visit www.artslongview.org.