Event of the Year Award for the Lentz Center for Asian Culture

The Lentz Center for Asian Culture has been selected to receive special recognition for "Arts of Tibet: Object and Performance" via the "Event of the Year Award" (sponsored by Steve Nolan, Central Financial Services) at the 2004 Mayor's Arts Awards.

This three-part program brought several aspects of Tibetan culture to the community in 2003. An exhibition of Tibetan objects from the Lentz collections drew nearly 2,500 visitors. A highlight of the exhibition was the five-day construction of a mandala sand painting in the center of the gallery by nine visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery. This particular mandala was chosen by the Dalai Lama for the American people after September 11, 2001. Its purpose is to help to dispel anger. The monks also presented a Sacred Music and Dance program at Kimball Hall in honor of Velma Lentz and in memory of Professor Donald Lentz.

The Lentz Center, an interactive cultural museum established 18 years ago, is gaining a national reputation for its collections and events. The Center was nominated for the award by Robert Kuzelka. The award will be presented on June 2, 2004 at the 26th Anniversary of the Mayor's Arts Awards.