WILLIAM J. HENNESSEY RECEIVES VIANNE B. WEBB AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

NORFOLK, Va. – (November 2009) – William J. Hennessey, director of the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Va., was awarded the Vianne B. Webb Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award is part of the ALLI Awards presented by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads.

The ALLI Awards were established in 1987 to provide a means for the arts and cultural community to publicly and collectively recognize the support they receive from area businesses. In 1992, the awards categories were expanded to include a category for individuals and the media. Subsequently, two additional categories were added: Volunteer and the Vianne B. Webb Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hennessey was recognized for his successful tenure as the museum director since 1997, and for his commitment to make the Museum’s world-famous permanent collection more accessible to all citizens. The Chrysler Museum of Art opened its doors with free daily admission on Sept. 2. It has been recognized as a bold move for the Museum that has already increased visitation and donations beyond projections. Hennessey was also recognized for the Museum’s partnerships with other cultural organizations and exhibitions and programs that appeal to a broad range of people.

A panel composed of individuals representing the arts and humanities commissions from across Hampton Roads selects ALLI Award winners. The Vianne B. Webb Award for Lifetime Achievement is named for the late WHRO Vice President for Public Radio Services.  It is presented to an individual in recognition of continued active involvement in, and enthusiasm for, the cultural community in ways that carry on Vianne's vision and passion for the arts and culture.

The Chrysler Museum of Art is one of America’s most distinguished mid-sized art museums with a world-class collection of more than 30,000 objects including one of the great glass collections in America. The Museum is located at 245 West Olney Road in Norfolk and is open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. The Chrysler is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as major holidays. For exhibitions, programming and additional information, visit www.chrysler.org.