The 2007 Governor’s Awards in Support of the Arts were presented at the Executive Residence by Jim and First Lady Jessica Doyle on Thursday, November 1, 2007.

The 2007 recipients demonstrate their love of the arts with generous financial gifts and an outstanding record of volunteer leadership. Honored in the “Individual Leadership” category are Ellsworth and Carla Peterson, of Sturgeon Bay; and Susan Vette of Oshkosh. Selected in the “Arts Organization” category is Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, with founder, producer and artistic director, Warren Nelson, of Washburn. American Girl’s Fund for Children, Carol Hay, President of the Board, Madison, is recognized in the “Corporate/Business” category.

Northwestern Mutual Foundation of Milwaukee is partnering with the Wisconsin Foundation for the Arts in sponsoring the annual event. Edward J. Zore, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwestern Mutual, will represent the company at the ceremony.

Honorary Chair of this year’s Governor’s Awards in Support of the Arts was Chris Abele, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Argosy Foundation, of Milwaukee. In 2005, Abele received a Governor’s Award in Support of the Arts for generous philanthropy and volunteer leadership supporting performing arts organizations and venues in Milwaukee and the surrounding area.

Each recipient of the 2007 Governor’s Awards received a gift of original art. In 2007, the WFA commissioned pastel artist Kristine Martineau Gellerman of Marshfield to create the art.