10th Annual Annie Awards

The Arts

Seven Win For Their Contributions To The Anne Arundel Arts Scene

The Earls, married for more than 55 years, are financial supporters of the arts and board members of several organizations. Their Helena Foundation is named in honor of James' mother, Margaret Helena Earl. Formed in 1988, this foundation supports Maryland Hall, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Mitchell Gallery, Annapolis Opera, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Bay Theatre, World Artists Experiences, Pasadena Theatre and Children's Theatre of Annapolis. The Earls moved to Crownsville in 1995, and soon after James Earl began classes with Boynton at Maryland Hall. He continues his art studies today, and might be described as an artist-philanthropist, known for his meticulously detailed travel drawings.

After the ceremony, Sylvia Earl recalled working as a volunteer for Annapolis Opera, where she recognized a need to support the annual vocal competition.

"The vocal competition can be considered educational, as everything we do is geared to education," she said. "For Annapolis Symphony we chose to give to the Music Van, and we go at least once a year to observe the children in class being visited by the ASO musicians to have hands-on experience with instruments."

Comfortably into his eighties and the first African-American Annie recipient, Ray, a 27-year resident of Anne Arundel County, received the 2009 performing arts award. Ray pursued his dream of having an operatic career in Europe in the 1950s, when it would have been unlikely if not impossible in his own country. In his remarks, Ray recalled attending segregated schools in Lexington, Ky., and serving in a segregated U.S. Army. "All along the way, I had people who saw what I could become and helped me on the journey. As a school child I was encouraged to sing, and later as an adult I was advised to pursue an operatic career in Europe."

After establishing a remarkable operatic career singing leading roles in "Il Tabarro" and "Rigoletto" among others, Ray also enjoyed a successful television career in Europe. He returned to the United States to teach voice at Peabody Conservatory and later headed the voice department at Howard University. Today Ray works with young singers and serves on several boards.

"This Annie award came as such a surprise to learn that what I've been doing hasn't been ignored with the fruits of my labor acknowledged," he said after the ceremony.