Don Oriolo and family accepting on behalf of honoree Joseph "Joe" Oriolo
Classy Fun-filled Affair
The City of Union City’s Fourth Annual Union City Artist Awards held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at the William V. Musto Cultural Center in Union City, New Jersey was a classy fun-filled affair. From the moment you approached the “museum” you knew you were in for a glorious night. Outside the Center, attendees were greeted by several classic cars, a red carpet, and underneath a large white tent, theatrical lighting and killer dance music. The event brought together a who's who from the arts community. If you're an artist, this was the place to be seen.
The awards honored some of the most talented and dedicated artists from all disciplines who have contributed to Union City's artistic fabric, and some honorees have succeeded at an international level.
Inside, refreshments were served to the music of Bob DeBenedette. The place was swinging and enthusiasm was very high in anticipation of the awards ceremony. City Commissioners Tilo Rivas and Celin Valdivia addressed the audience, as well as City Historian, Gerard Karabin; City Poet Laureate, Jorge Luis Seco, and City Art Curator, Amado Mora. Each spoke eloquently in explaining the importance of the arts in the community.
Commissioner of Public Affairs and also artist, Lucio Fernandez served as Master of Ceremony, and accompanying him as presenters were Taylor Schramm and Liliana Barrera. However, the night belonged to the dozen honorees. They varied from photographers to fashion designes to educators, but all were very accomplished individuals with an extensive list of credentials.
Ray Machado & His Group
Following the awards ceremony the packed house danced the night away to the electrifying music of Ray Machado & His Group. This was a most memorable evening, and having so many artist under one roof made it all even more special.
The honorees were:
Charles Bernard Murray
Ray Machado Gomez
Mouhsine Idrissi Janati
Alex Rask
Giovanni Calabrese
Orlando del Rio
Ray O. Machado Cruz
Joseph D. Fiorenza Conklin
Mrs. Eleanor Yaschak
Elizabeth Ann McLaughlin
Joseph "Joe" Oriolo - Accepted by his son Don Oriolo
&
Michele Savoia of House of Savoia
Virginia Hildebrant and Steven Zivkovic accepted the award on behalf on of Gabriella Savoia
for her dad, Michele Savoia
