Maryland arts advocate honored by Governors Association

Mary Ann Mears, founder and board member of the Arts Education in Maryland Schools (AEMS) Alliance, received an award for Distinguished Service to the Arts from the National Governors Association (NGA) at its annual meeting, July 18 in Biloxi, Miss.

Gov. Martin O’Malley, who nominated Mears for the award, said: “Mary Ann Mears is a true champion for arts education." In the above image, Mears (center) and her daughter, Elizabeth, posed with Gov. O'Malley at the event.

Each year, the NGA honors eight individuals for their contributions to public service – three state officials, three private citizens and two for their work with the arts. The art awards, established in 1980, spotlight “on contributions that improve the quality of life and bring distinction to a state.”

Mears is also a prominent artist and a former member of the Maryland State Arts Council. Her work with the Maryland State Department of Education led to the adoption of the Voluntary State Curriculum in Fine Arts. AEMS is a statewide partnership that advocates for the arts as a basic element of public education.