Missouri Citizens for the Arts Advocacy Award Recipients are recognized for their:
Missouri Citizens for the Arts remembers the contributions of long time board member, Frederick H. Laas, who passed away in October 2001 after complications from cancer by establishing a Frederick H. Laas Memorial Award. Recruited for MCA from Joplin in 1990, Fred had a long history of commitment to promoting the arts. A board member of the Joplin Community Concert since 1965, and a founding director of the Heartland Opera Theatre, he also helped establish Pro Musica in Joplin. In addition, he had ties to Missouri Southern State College’s International Piano Competition, Jazz in Joplin, and facilitated the founding of the local arts council. Fred worked tirelessly on behalf of the arts in this state. Fred’s contributions to MCA are long lasting, and many have felt his absence, both those of us who had the privilege of working with him in the arts and those who benefited from the quality arts programming he helped provide.
To honor Fred, in 2002 the Frederick H. Laas Memorial Award was established to recognize those within the state who provide artistic opportunities to all, without discrimination of any form. This new award focuses on Fred’s passions:
Previous Recipients
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