The 2010 Island Treasure Awards were presented to Kathleen Alcalá and Frank Buxton at IslandWood this evening.

The Island Treasure Awards, created in 2000 by the Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council, are given annually to two community members whose achievements in the arts and humanities have not only served as an inspiration for others, but who have used their talents to further enrich the Bainbridge Island cultural community.

BIAHC Executive Direcrtor Morgan Smith opened the evening with an explanation of the Island Treasure nomination process and a nod to the award’s founder Cynthia Sears which drew a standing ovation.

Smith then introduced 2009 Island Treasure Alan Simcoe who described author and teacher Alcalá’s career followed by a 15-minute tribute film (directed by Frank Buxton, as is the Island Treasure tradition). The piece included an interview with Alcalá filmed in December soon after this year’s recipients had been announced.

Smith then introduced 2009 Island Treasure Kathleen Thorne, who spoke about Buxton’s long and varied career in show business, both in Hollywood and on Bainbridge Island.

Her introduction was followed by a tribute film about Buxton, for which she manned the cameras. With the tables turned, Buxton shared anecdotes of his varied career.

Following the tribute, Thorne presented Buxton with an Island Treasures statue.

For more information about the Island Treasure awards, visit the BIAHC Web site at www.artshum.org.