A large audience turned out in October for the 10th annual Arts Recognition Awards event presented by the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County. Honored for achievement in the arts over a sustained period of time were:

Jim Nunes of Concord, former police chief in Pleasant Hill, who organized Star Quest, a performing arts showcase for talented youths in 1993.

Rick Carraher, of Antioch, managing director of the El Campanil Theatre, a 77-year-old venue that reopened last year in Antioch.

Mary Fettig, of Pleasant Hill, prominent saxophone artist and music educator, who has performed in jazz festivals and concerts throughout the U.S.

Ramona Braxton-Samuels, of Richmond, executive director of the Richmond Main Street Initiative, which is participating with other groups in the rejuvenation of the city’s Macdonald Avenue, with the arts as an integral force.

Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation, celebrating its 25th anniversary as a model in preserving arts and science programs threatened by budget cuts.

The Masquers Playhouse, of Point Richmond, celebrating its 50th anniversary as the oldest, continuously operating community theater in Contra Costa County.

The ceremony, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank. was held in the Willows Theatre in Concord.

Adrian Flores, a presenter of Latin dance reviews, greets honoree Ramona Braxton Samuels of Oakland.

Honoree Mary Fetig delights the audience with her sax solo.

Director Bruce Lengaher directs Acalanes High School Chamber Singers in a musical salute to the Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation, one of the 2005 honorees.

Rhona Space of Operation West in Richmond joined Michelle Seville, Sydney Metrick, and Kate Sibley, who represented the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission.

Honoree Rick Carraher of Antioch makes acceptance remarks. Former AC5 Commissioner Rebecca Ines is in background.

County Supervisor Federal Glover shakes hands with Harold Beaulieu, AC5 commissioner, prior to the ceremony.

AC5 Commissioner Bob Rezak welcomes Bob Goshay, president of the board of the Masquers Playhouse of Point Richmond.

Duane Carroll (in tan coat), a former honoree, was among those who attended the 2005 event.

John Blytt (in costume!), Shay Oglesby-Smith, and Hanna Rose Kornfeld performed the title song from “Ruthless, The Musical” in tribute to the Masquers Playhouse.

The cast of Diablo Light Opera Company’s “A Grand Night for Singing” performed a musical tribute to honoree Rick Carraher. The singers, left to right, are Derek Robinson Mema Mataban, Jennifer Graham and Bobbie and Keith Duncan

Suzie Butler charmed the audience with “My Funny Valentine” in a tribute to honoree Ramona Braxton Samuels.

The audience filled the Willows Theatre, where the awards event was held.

Don and Reina Flynn greeted honoree Jim Nunes.

Alicia Killings, Pittsburg youth volunteer supervisor, chats with Supervisors Mark DeSaulnier and Federal Glover.