On February 8, 2024, the Kirkland Arts Center celebrated its latest exhibition, “Coronarya: Crisis, Color, Control”, and one of our Rotary Club of Kirkland members and his spouse. It's reported that the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious HeART of the Community Award by Kirkland Arts Center board president Chris Lye to Don and Merrily Dicks. The award is a symbol of recognition for outstanding support and dedication to the arts and community service. It was awarded to Don and Merrily in acknowledgment of their remarkable contributions. Don is shown in the photo with his daughter, Shelley Schwinn, and Rupa Palasamudram, the artist who created award vase.Merrily Dicks is a founding member of Kirkland Arts Center dating back to its inception as the Creative Arts League in 1962, has been instrumental in shaping the center’s growth and future. Rotarian Don Dicks was celebrated for equally being dedicated to community service through his involvement with organizations such as the Rotary Club of Kirkland, Evergreen Hospital Foundation, and other organizations. Don was described by his peers as an “unsung hero,” and his selfless contributions have been recognized with a Community Service award from the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce. In accepting the award, Don spoke movingly about their shared love of the arts and service and how even after all these years Kirkland Arts Center still holds a very special place in both their hearts.
Reprinted by permission from Greet Kirkland magazine.