The 7th Annual Brush Strokes Awards for Excellence in the Arts

“The only comprehensive awards representation of the Arts throughout Tampa Bay”

October 28, 2010

During a recent writers retreat (Florida Inspirational Writers), Awards Originator Cheryl S. Kuck, Chair person for the Greater Brandon Arts Council took a moment to visit the retreat and announce that one of our very own local artists and book authors Ruth C. Ellinger, was being presented an award, Artist of the Year by the FL Arts Council. This was a very exciting moment for both Ruth and all those that have come to know and love her.

Ruth’s first response was “I’m not an artist.” However, Ms. Kuck was quick to explain that, yes, she is an artist, who holds a pen. Some of Ruth’s other accomplishments include 2008 Writer of the Year award recipient for American Christian Writers, Florida Conference Orlando, Florida. She was also awarded 2006 Writer of the Year for the American Christian Writers Ohio Conference.

Ruth is a very successful Christian Writer, who just published her third book in the WildRose Series, “Sword of the Wild Rose.” Ruth is also the founder and President of the Brandon Christian Writers (BCW). BCW is the local chapter of American Christian Writers that meets monthly in Brandon. Visit us @ BrandonChristianWriters.blogspot.com. Ruth’s heart and passion is to help young and aspiring writers as well as published authors.

Upon arriving at Center’s Place Fine Arts & Civic Association (host of the Awards Presentation), I had no idea of what the evening held. We were furnished with a table of fine appetizers and beverage to sample as we strolled around the room to visit the displays presented by past and present award recipients. The mood for the evening was set by an orchestra string quartet by Bloomingdale High School.

The room was filled to capacity with other artists as well as visitors such as myself. What a marvelous time! The 2010 Awards presentation was an evening to remember. There were thirteen (13) categories of honoring artists. The 2009 artists in each category were introduced by Cheryl S. Kuch, who then introduced and presented the 2010 award recipients.

I was so amazed at the talent we have in this community. It was not only very interesting to hear the last year winner tell about themselves and their accomplishments, but also see the 2010 winner receive their awards.

I came primarily to support my dear friend Ruth C. Ellinger and to represent BCW writing group and our annual conference, Florida Inspirational Writers Retreat. I walked away with so much more. I felt like I had been to the Oscars… but in fact I had been a part of something much more, “Award Winning Artist” of our very own community.