The 15th annual 2011 Pell Awards Gala, which was recently held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, raised nearly $180,000 to benefit Trinity Repertory Co. The Gala – established in honor of U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, who was a supporter of the arts throughout his career – drew 300 guests this year for a 1940s, tropical nightclub-themed evening of live music and fine cuisine.
This year’s honorees were: Adrain Hall, founding artistic director of Trinity Rep – 2011 Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts; Amy Morton, actress and Steppenwolf Theatre Co. member – 2011 Pell Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts; Steven Weinberg, glass artist – 2011 Rhode Island Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts; and Lowry Marshall, Brown University professor – inaugural Charles Sullivan Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts.
Robert and Grace Vincent and William and Alison Vareika served as event co-chairs for the black-tie affair. Nuala Pell and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras served as the honorary co-chairs. •
