The Renton Municipal Arts Commission has presented the prestigious Bravo Award to Barbara Nilson in recognition of her efforts to make the arts and culture a vital part of the Renton Community.

The presentation was made at a recent City Council meeting.

Nilson was nominated by the Allied Arts of Renton board, of which she has been a member since 1981, to acknowledge her commitment to the arts, heritage and cultural communities in Renton and beyond.

She has led fundraising efforts to support local arts performances, publish the new brochure and bi-annual, award-winning newsletter and spearhead the growth of the Chalk Art Festival as part of Renton River Days, which she supports financially by funding the People’s Choice Award.

Nilson taught English and journalism at Franklin High School in Seattle for 20 years. Her students included former Gov. Gary Locke and performer Kenny G.

When she moved to Renton in 1981, she was youth projects director for the National Federation of Press Women. Her task was to promote student journalists and conduct contests to reward their talents. At that time there were no journalism programs in the three Renton high schools. Today, the high schools have such programs.

She is currently helping create a book to celebrate Renton High School’s 100-year anniversary.