Businesses awarded for their support of the arts

Twelve businesses that support the arts locally won awards from the Orange County Business Committee for the Arts at a dinner program Sunday hosted by the committee.

For the 27th year, the Costa Mesa-based organization held its Business in the Arts Awards, this time at the Newport Beach Marriott.

This year’s business winners were divided into two categories. Rohrer Fine Art, Super Dave’s Print and Mail Inc., Deutsche Bank, Farmers & Merchants Bank, and U.S. Bank all won First Time Awards. Cartier Inc., Haskell & White LLP, Rutan and Tucker LLP, Tiffany & Co., Bank of America, Disneyland Resort, and Wells Fargo Bank won Distinguished Achievement Awards.

Bowers Museum won the Arts Award for “developing innovative partnerships with businesses,” and Dean Corey, president of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, won the Lifetime Leadership in the Arts Award.

A panel of judges from the local business and arts communities decided the awards based on financial support and volunteerism.

“Orange County is a role model for making the arts happen,” said Executive Director Betty Moss.

The winners were responsible for underwriting exhibits at the Orange County Museum of Art and Bowers Museum, and performances at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and other local venues.

— Alan Blank