By Raymond Tyler
On Sunday, March 24, The Arts Garage of Stockton University will be the stage for the 3rd Annual Ladies In the Arts Awards.
The program was initiated three years ago as part of The Noyes Arts Garage series, Black Art Matters. The awards celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring women in South Jersey that lead and excel in the world of arts and culture.
Past winners have included Julie Hain of the South Jersey Cultural Alliance, Toby Rosenthal from Stories of Atlantic City, and Shermaine Gunter-Gary of the Atlantic City Rites of Passage transitional living facility.
This year’s winners, see list below, include women that enrich South Jersey through music, cultural exposure, visual arts and podcasting.
Shoanne Seijas is the membership and programs manager for the South Jersey Cultural Alliance and a community advocate for the social and cultural wellness of marginalized communities in South Jersey.
Patrice Hawthorne, formerly “Peaches” of Peaches and Herb, is an actress, recording artist and entertainer for area seniors.
Annette Smith/Brown Sugar, is radio personality and music advocate. She has interviewed many Philadelphia musical legends.
Joyce Hagen, the former director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and 48 Blocks, continues to be an advocate for art in South Jersey.
April Williams is a recording artist who has lent her voice to many local charity events and festivals. Williams has also performed in showcases such as “It’s Okay to Laugh: Clean Christian Comedy” with comedian Alonzo “Hamburger” Jones.
Nettie Long is a recording artist, poet, vocalist, and producer. Nettie Long has built her career while also helping other artists. She has produced and mentored her children and their friends during their musical journey, and sang backup for Angela Burton.
Pamela Thomas-Fields has a long resume of working with artists behind the scenes. She has supported artists, connected artists with each other, and supported them in a myriad of ways. Pamela Thomas-Fields has also worked to bring poetry and creative writing to the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City.
Anne Glapion is a filmmaker, visual artist and supporter of the African American Heritage Museum of South Jersey.
Sip and Discuss: Michelle Moseley and Khalida J. Hunter are two great artists who have teamed up to produce the exciting podcast series, “Sip and Discuss!” Moseley was already an award-winning spoken word artist, and Hunter was a successful novelist. The podcast “Sip and Discuss” came before the popularity of “Drink Champs.” “Sip and Discuss” features the magic of Moseley and Hunter at the microphone with guests, drinks, issues and hot topics.
The Atlantic City Chapter of The Links exists to advance arts, health and culture. The Atlantic City Chapter is currently sponsoring the art of Michelle Foster-Lucas at The Arts Garage of Stockton University, and a Black Family Health Expo 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at The Alms Center in Bridgeton.
The 40 Plus Double Dutch Club of South Jersey ladies stay young by staying active and skipping Double Dutch. Not only will they be recognized with an award, The 40 Plus Double Dutch Club of South Jersey will be performing at the awards ceremony and welcoming attendees to join them between the ropes.
The day will include light refreshments, special guests, presentations by former winners and musical performances and more.
The 2024 Ladies In The Arts (LIA) Awards begins 1 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City.
Admission is free (RSVP is requested at:
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
