Since 2002, the Visionary Awards have honored 68 St. Louis-area women for contributions to the arts, but this year's list includes a first.
Shualee Cook, 37, a transgender woman, is honored as an Emerging Artist for her skills as a playwright. Cook’s“An Invitation Out” opens at Mustard Seed Theater Friday, April 17.
Former honorees Sara Burke, Kim Eberlein and others spearheaded bringing back the awards after Grand Center stopped its sponsorship. Their first Visionary Awards ceremony, which honors seven women takes place Monday, April 27 at the Sun Theater, 3611 Grandel Square.
Here are some highlights of the conversation. (Click on a "Tweet #cutpastestl" link to send out a quick quote.)
Sara Burke on the early nominating process: "In the beginning, we had like one nomination. And we're like, 'Wait, people don't care?'" Tweet #cutpastestl
Shualee Cook joking about the plot of her play and its Oscar Wilde inspiration. "I sometimes jokingly refer to it at 'The Importance of Being in the Matrix.'" Tweet #cutpastestl
Shualee Cook on becoming her own person: "There was a point in my life where ... 'OK, this is what I've been taught, what do I really believe?" Tweet #cutpastestl
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Follow Willis Arnold on Twitter: @WillisRArnold
Follow Nancy Fowler on Twitter: @NancyFowlerSTL
Follow Sara Burke on Twitter: @sarabburke
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