St. Johns Cultural Council Names 2023 ROWITA Honorees

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Feb. 10, 2023 - PRLog -- Each year, the St. Johns Cultural Council recognizes women who have profoundly influenced the artistic environment of St. Johns County, Fla. with the Dr. Gail Pflaster ROWITA ("Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts") Awards.

Nominations were received from the community about numerous women who have made significant contributions to the arts in St. Johns County through their work, leadership, and philanthropic support.

This year, five local women have been selected as ROWITA recipients.  Honorees include:

Joy D'Elia, a musician, storyteller and arts advocate who co-founded the ROWITA Awards with Dr. Gail Pflaster while serving as Program Coordinator for the St. Johns Cultural Council.

Jennifer Dournaux, a leader in the St. Johns County dance community for two decades, as a performer and as Director of the St. Augustine Adult Ballet.

Margaret Kaler, an actor and director who has played a significant role in community theatre since her childhood, first appearing on stage in St. Augustine in the 1950s.

Sallie O'Hara, a member of the Tale Tellers of St. Augustine who has leveraged arts, culture and heritage to create economic opportunity and enhance community development efforts through her work with the Florida Main Street program and Friends of A1A.

Laura O'Neal, a visual artist and founder of Art Box gallery who, as a member of the Board for the Art Galleries of St. Augustine, was instrumental in creating and promoting the City's Arts Districts.

Honorees were selected by a panel of community members in January. The annual ROWITA celebration will take place on Saturday, March 25 from 2 pm until 4 pm at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine, Fla.  Additionally, the recognitions will feature Junior ROWITA scholarship recipients. The event is open to the public and reservations are required.  For more information, email sjcc@historiccoastculture.com.

The mission of the St. Johns Cultural Council is to support local artists and arts organizations and to promote St. Johns County as a premiere destination for cultural travelers, ensuring that the lives of residents and visitors are enriched through art, culture, history, and heritage. The nonprofit was established in 2000 and designated as the official local arts agency by the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners in 2007. Visit the website at https://www.stjohnsculture.com.