Courtesy photo
CAMARILLO — Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIART) has announced Dr. Joseph (Joe) Halcomb III and his wife Joani Halcomb as the recipients of the 2019 Medici Award, the highest recognition presented by SCIART. Each year SCIART’s board of directors selects an honoree whose support has been exceptional and transformative for the organization. This year’s award will be presented as part of the annual Art à la Mode gala, Sept. 7, at the Saticoy Country Club, 4450 Clubhouse Dr, Somis. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information are available at http://studiochannelislands.org/events/art-a-la-mode-2019/
The Halcombs’ support for SCIART has been without parallel. Dr. Halcomb served on the board of directors for six years, as president (2013-2014) and subsequently as chief financial officer (2016). He recruited key stakeholders from the business community to join the board and embedded sound business practices into the operation. As co-chair of the gala committee for three years, Joani Halcomb’s leadership helped transform the event into an elegant celebration of the community that supports SCIART’s mission.
Daniel Stern, actor, musician and former artist-in-residence at SCIART said, “Joani and Joe have been quiet champions of the arts, artists and the artistic community for most of their lives, selflessly serving the SCIART community. Their efforts have helped countless children, families and artists find their voices and feel at home. They are incredibly funny and vibrant people whom I am proud to call my friends. I am so glad they are finally stepping into the spotlight and accepting the well-deserved Medici Award.”
“I met Joe and Joani as customers,” said Camarillo Mayor Kevin Kildee, owner of Bob Kildee Clothing. “They are strong supporters of local businesses and they have always been intently interested in local issues. The Halcombs stepped forward at a time when the arts needed leadership in our city. Joe joined SCIART’s board at a key moment when the organization was expanding, and it needed solid business skills to underpin its growth. Nonprofits need the support of their community and Joani transformed the annual Art à la Mode gala into an exciting social event that brought people together to support SCIART and its programs.”
“I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of the Medici Award,” said David Edsall, founding partner of Edsall Law and long-time SCIART supporter. “I have known Joe from my time serving on the SCIART’s board of directors. Joe was always an outstanding board president and a diligent chief financial officer. He invested his time, talent and treasure into moving the organization forward and holding it to its mission. Joani’s leadership of the gala committee was instrumental in shaping the event into a well-attended and successful annual fundraiser.”
Camarillo Vice Mayor Tony Trembley said, “Every so often–but not often enough in our world–a person like Joe Halcomb comes along. Joe makes an extraordinary and positive impact on the lives of so many people. I am privileged to know Joe personally as a friend. His brilliance, depth of knowledge, kindness and compassion for others make him a true role model. Our community is blessed that he and Joani make Camarillo their home. Together, their example of service above self is one to which we all should aspire.”
Dr. Halcomb is chief executive officer of Phoenix Initiãre and has been a partner at Telegraph Hill Partners since 2001. Both are private equity firms primarily dedicated to helping life science, medical device and healthcare companies achieve their growth objectives. Dr. Halcomb earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kentucky and completed post-graduate training in internal medicine. He also holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), respectively. Dr. Halcomb served as vice president, drug product and device development at Amgen, and in other executive capacities from 1995 to 2010. Prior to joining Amgen, Dr. Halcomb served as president of the Hall of Surgical Division and vice president of product development at Zimmer, and in other capacities from 1980 to 1995. Dr. Halcomb and his wife Joani are long-time residents of Camarillo.
Sponsorship opportunities for the Art à la Mode gala are available now by contacting Peter Tyas, executive director at ptyas@studiochannelislands.org or calling 805-383-1368. Tickets to Art à la Mode are available online at http://studiochannelislands.org/events/art-a-la-mode-2019/ or by calling or visiting the SCIART office.
Studio Channel Islands Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together artists and the community for extraordinary artistic encounters that enrich, educate, and entertain. Ongoing programs include artists-in-residence open studios, arts education classes, diverse Blackboard Gallery exhibitions, cultural events, festivals and more. SCIART is located at 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010. Gallery hours are Tues.–Fri., 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. For more information, visit www.studiochannelislands.org, or call 805-383-1368.