FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: February 02, 2015
From: Dunedin Fine Art Center
Contact: Ken Hannon @ 727.298.DFAC, x230
Sterling Society Honors Irwin Entel with 2015 Patron of the Arts Award
When looking to bestow their Patron of the Arts Award at the 8th annual Founders Luncheon, the Sterling Society auxiliary group of the Dunedin Fine Art Center didn’t have to look far for one of Tampa Bay’s outstanding patrons. It’s hard to talk about the Dunedin Fine Art Center and not mention Irwin Entel, M.D. in some capacity. As Gail Gamble, a previous award winner herself noted, “whether you are looking for a committed board member and volunteer, or a generous benefactor, Irwin Entel is all of that and more at DFAC.”
Irwin Entel’s, “first career” was radiology at Mease Hospital Dunedin. He received numerous awards during his years in Dunedin including the Honor Lifetime Recognition Award by Morton Plant Mease. Irwin was President of the Medical Staff of Morton Plant Mease Hospital and also served as the Chairman of the Toast to Life.
When Irwin retired from medicine, he sought out his 2nd love – the arts and Dunedin Fine Art Center, which turned into a second ‘career.’ He became a piece of the very fabric of the Dunedin Fine Art Center in Dunedin beginning with Past Director Nancy McIntyre and continues today with Director George Ann Bissett. He not only witnessed the birth and development of DFAC but he has been instrumental in helping to shape the arts in Dunedin ever since. If you look closely at DFAC publications, you will find Dr. Irwin Entel listed as Financial Advisor. That title has changed over the years but nevertheless, Irwin spends most of his days working at the center. Irwin has been on the Board of Directors, Executive Board and the Advisory Board of the Dunedin Fine Art Center.
Irwin’s first major undertaking for DFAC was during the 1998 expansion of DFAC as the chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee. That Campaign, which resulted in over $1.1 million for the expansion included the David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum and the Entel Gallery. He and his family recruited corporate and community volunteers and donors alike, while his family led by example. The Entel Family Gallery is a testament to their dedication to the arts.
In 2004 Irwin and Syd Entel won the Pinellas County Arts Council “Friends of the Arts Award for Arts Advocacy” in recognition of their dedication to the arts over the years. Irwin also is a founding member of the Baumgartner Performing Arts Center for Ruth Eckerd Hall. Irwin and Syd were elected to the Dunedin Senior Hall of Fame for their outstanding civic contributions within the City of Dunedin.
Irwin also has helped spearhead the last two successful expansion campaigns at the Dunedin Fine Art Center: Creative Visions 2010 and 2014 where DFAC has added much needed space for educational programming in the visual arts
Irwin is a man of many talents and thankfully we all benefit. He is a business manager, appreciates and supports the arts and is a leader by example. You can see the stamp of Irwin Entel, Doctor and Art Patron, not just in the City of Dunedin but also throughout Pinellas County. Dr. Irwin Entel is a giant among his colleagues and the arts community.
This year’s award was an original by pastel by DFAC member and artist Mary Louise Pollock. The awards luncheon on January 30th at the Dunedin Golf Club also honored The Gladys Douglas School for the Arts at the Dunedin Fine Art Center along with DFAC’s 40th Anniversary. Guest speaker Dr. William Corbett made a compelling case for the necessity of the art educational programs in public education and in programs such as the Dunedin Fine Art Center.
Founded less than 9 years ago by Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC) members, the Sterling Society’s mission is “to promote the growth of the Dunedin Fine Art Center and to promote interest and participation in the activities of the Center”
For more information on the Sterling Society and other DFAC programs visit www.dfac.org, call 727-298-DFAC, or email info@dfac.org
Dunedin Fine Art Center – 1143 Michigan Blvd. – Dunedin, FL 34698
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