Get ready to stand up and applaud for Cobb County’s outstanding artists, individuals and groups that make significant contributions to the arts. The Cobb Arts Board and The Friends of the Arts, Inc. hosts its annual 2011 Ovation Awards on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre.

“This is an event that has one goal. The Cobb Arts Board and the Friends of the Arts’ primary objective is to support and enhance appreciation of the arts in Cobb County,” said Earl Reece, executive director of the Earl Smith Strand Theatre. He and Superior Court Judge Mary Staley are the awards co-chairs. Reece is also the former director of Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School.

“This will be a lovely evening to enjoy fellowship and recognize the exciting and excellent artists in our community,” Staley said. Recipients of the Ovation Awards will receive recognition and an award for their generous involvement in and advocacy of the arts.

Nominations are being tallied for Outstanding Instructor Award, Outstanding Performing Artist, Outstanding Visual Artist, and Volunteer of the Year. Past recipients of the Ovation Awards include Red and Pat Clinton, Earl Smith, Randall and Karen Heard, Jevares Myrick, Robby Edwards, The Georgia Ballet, Frank Timmerman, Ray Hall, Dance Stop Studios, Alan Kilpatrick, Cindy Mora, Tom Miley, Kayla Taylor, Ann Cummings and the South Cobb Arts Alliance.

Claire and Ron Francis will receive a special acknowledgement and award for their support of the arts in Cobb County. Ron is vice chairman and CEO of First Landmark Bank at 307 N. Marietta Parkway in Marietta.

“Ron and Claire Francis have consistently given of their time, energy and support to the arts in Cobb County,” Reece said. “They have served on boards. They have donated financially. They have been there to make sure that arts groups feel supported and appreciated.”

“Ron has also spearheaded the United Arts of Cobb for five-plus years. His leadership is leading to a unification of different arts groups (who traditionally have not worked together) to raise awareness of the arts and raise much needed funds for arts groups,” Staley said.

During the ceremony, a cocktail bar will be open along with the “Just Desserts” dessert bar. Featuring the creative efforts of culinary leaders, guests will enjoy samples of desserts from local eateries across Cobb County as members of the arts community are celebrated.

Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov or call The Strand Theatre box office at (770) 293-0080.