View video tribute (5 minutes, 9M) ARTS PATRON Ann Amer Brennan, Akron Nominated By: Akron Area Arts Alliance

Ann Amer Brennan embodies all of the characteristics of a great arts patron. She is among the most generous donors and for more than 35 years has dedicated countless hours to Akron area arts organizations. Brennan has served on the boards of Weathervane Theatre, Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Symphony Orchestra and Ohio Ballet. She has been advisor to Children's Concert Society, Greater Akron Musical Association, Blossom Music Center,The Cleveland Orchestra and Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet. Brennan has served as a catalyst for positive change in the Akron area arts community. Working with her friend Mary Ann Jackson, Brennan organized a meeting of 12 groups and proposed establishing the Akron Area Arts Alliance (AAAA). Arts groups in the Akron area were not united at the time, but under the guidance of the two pioneering women, AAAA continued to grow into a recognized advocacy group and opened a downtown office and gallery in 1999 and 2002, respectively. Today it is a cohesive and influential collaboration with a membership of 38 organizations and 50 artists and arts supporters. Brennan also is a benevolent leader as the chairman of the Brennan Family Foundation. Her substantial financial contributions to arts and cultural organizations have helped strengthen the position of the arts in the Akron area. As a leader, Brennan has received numerous distinguished awards including the Akron Area Arts Alliance 2003 Arts Alive! Award and Northern Ohio Live's Rainmaker Award. Ann Amer Brennan is an exemplary arts patron who has spearheaded the arts revitalization efforts in the Akron area.