SWAC Honors Three From SU Community

SALISBURY, MD---Members of the Salisbury University community making ongoing efforts to promote the area’s art scene recently received one of the highest honors presented by the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council: the Arts Appreciation Award.

This year’s recipients were Public Radio Delmarva, located on the SU campus, and Ursula Ehrhardt, Daily Times art reviewer and SU Art Department faculty.

“Salisbury University is a beacon for the arts in Wicomico County,” said James Gillespie, arts council executive director. “The dedication of WSCL's staff, as well as Ms. Ehrhardt, is a testament to the University's commitment to invest in the cultural capital of our region.”

SWAC also honored Dr. Memo Diriker, director of SU’s Business, Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) with a new accolade, the Volunteer Appreciation Award.

Public Radio Delmarva began broadcasting classical music and news in 1987, from its original station, WSCL 89.5 FM. Now with two stations—WSDL 90.7 FM began broadcasting in 1998—the National Public Radio-affiliated organization has built a 6,000-compact disc music library and expanded its regional broadcasts 24 hours a day to more than 41,000 listeners in Maryland and Delaware. SWAC praised Public Radio Delmarva for “its willingness to broadcast announcement for local arts groups” and “its commitment to broadcasting the music of local artists and arts groups.”

Ehrhardt has written more than 100 reviews for The Daily Times in the past six and a half years. For more than 10 years she has chaperoned trips to New York City art museums for area students and residents, and has moderated the SU Galleries’ art film screening series. She also is a member of SU’s Gallery Advisory Board.

Diriker earned one of SWAC’s inaugural volunteer awards for his work with the arts council. He was one of only four local supporters selected to receive the honor.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.