The Gateway to the Arts Board of Directors has selected Greensburg American Opera and Founding Director, Christina Farrell, as the 2007 Hardie Artist of the Year. This award is presented annually to a Gateway artist and/or organization that has shown outstanding commitment to bringing quality arts learning experiences to the students of western Pennsylvania.

GAO joined the Gateway roster in spring 2006 with its interactive programs Opera? No Way! and The Little Barnyard Opera. Christina immediately jumped in with both feet, attending the Gateway to the Arts Education Institute and developing a residency program for Pittsburgh Public Schools. All told, Christina and GAO have reached more than 6,000 students this year!

Gateway to the Arts Executive Director, Lisa Hoitsma, notes, "Christina is a tremendous asset to our arts and education community. Her experience as a wonderful singer, middle school teacher and arts administrator was the perfect storm! She has excellent ideas for educational programming and we're looking forward to making beautiful music together for quite a while!"

Visit www.gatewaytothearts.org to learn more!