It’s no surprise to those who enjoy the extraordinarily rich and diverse local arts and cultural scene that the region has more than its fair share of talented artists.

Exhibits by local artists, productions by area musicians, actors and other performing
artists, as well as works by regional authors and writers, often demonstrate the remarkable talent that abounds in our region.

Which is why we do not envy the officials with the Rome Arts Hall of Fame who must winnow down from among this bevy of highly deserving and immensely qualified individuals to just a select few for inclusion in the hall’s annual class of inductees.

This year, the committee selected six nominees — Tom Amidon, Peter Costianes, Sandra DeVisser, Alex Haley, Norm Landis, and Maria Ringlund — for induction.

These individuals are not just renowned for their extraordinary talent and contributions locally, but regionally, nationally, and in some cases, internationally.

We applaud the committee for its diligence in its process and welcome the opportunity to acknowledge these six individuals for their decades of sharing their incredible gifts with us all.

Since its inception in 2005, the Rome Arts Hall of Fame has worked to fulfill its mission to honor individuals (living or deceased) who have a strong connection to the Rome community and have a significant involvement in the performing, visual or literary arts.

The members of the Class of 2023 will be inducted in a ceremony on Sunday, May 7, at 4 p.m. in the Capitol Theatre, 220 W. Dominick St.

The ceremony will not only give area residents an opportunity to salute these artists, but it also will include an opportunity to see some emerging young artists with a performance by Rome Free Academy’s show choir Rhapsody.

We encourage members of the community to view the complete listing of the ninety-five members of the Rome Arts Hall of Fame which can be found online, under the events tab on the main menu on the Capitol’s website at https://www.romecapitol.com. The collection of talent and myriad of accomplishments of these individuals is truly awe-inspiring.