Patricia Webb honored for decades of contributions to arts and culture

December 14, 2024

BLUE RIDGE - Patricia Webb, a lifelong advocate for the arts and humanities, has been awarded the prestigious Governor’s Award for Arts and Humanities, recognizing her nearly 30 years of leadership and innovation in the arts community of North Georgia.

The award was presented by the Office of the Governor, in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts and Humanities. It celebrates Webb’s exceptional contributions to Georgia’s civic and cultural vitality.

Webb, who was born and raised in Tifton, graduated from Georgia State University before embarking on a career in banking and financial services in Atlanta. During her time in the city, she immersed herself in the nonprofit and arts communities, serving on the Atlanta board of United Way and holding season tickets to three theaters.

In the late 1990s, Webb retired to the mountains of North Georgia, where her passion for community and the arts took on a new focus. As a volunteer, Webb helped start Blue Ridge Community Theater (BRCT), which has since grown into a thriving cultural institution under her visionary leadership. Over the years, she has directed, mentored and guided the theater, which now produces more than 145 live performances annually, encompassing main stage productions, the Sunny D Children’s Theater, Black Box theater performances, and live music concerts. The theater boasts more than $1 million in equity and engages hundreds of volunteers each year.
 

One of BRCT’s most remarkable programs is the Sunny D Children’s Theater Summer Camp, which attracts 100 to 140 students annually. Supported by 50 volunteers, the program produces six full-length plays in two weeks, with multiple performances of each, fostering a love for the arts among young participants and their families.
 

“Patricia Webb has been the heart and soul of Blue Ridge Community Theater,” said Mike Lacy, BRCT board president. “Her dedication to nurturing talent and bringing live theater to our community has not only enriched our cultural landscape but also brought countless individuals together in the shared joy of the arts.”
 

The Governor’s Award for Arts and Humanities recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the state’s civic and cultural vitality. Administered by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the award highlights the role of the arts in fostering education, innovation, economic growth, and quality of life. GCA provides statewide funding, programs and services to support arts initiatives, preserve cultural heritage and increase access to meaningful cultural experiences.
 

For nearly three decades, Webb’s tireless commitment to the arts has inspired countless individuals and strengthened the North Georgia community. Her recognition with this award is a testament to her enduring impact and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of the arts.