MK Shannon: Sculpting a Life

Custom Awards for Pacific Miniatures

2009-07-21T07:28:00.003-04:00

It is our good fortune to partner with various stellar companies to represent them when it comes to outstanding awards. Pacific Miniatures at www.pacmin.com is one such company that has partnered with us to provide quality MK Shannon Awards for Cessna Aircraft Company, Boeing, SEA, Wataniya Air, ILFC, Emirates Airline, ATR and others. Some of the categories include "Customer of the Year Award", "Leadership Excellence Award", "Operational Excellence Award", "Innovation Award", Workforce Development Award”, International Safety Award, and the list goes on and on. Pacific Miniatures is pioneering awards excellence in their industry. It is exciting to be a part of such an innovative company.

See why custom awards are our specialty!

Recognition Award "World Infinity" Designed for Global Organizations

2009-07-15T12:46:00.003-04:00

New for 2009, the “World Infinity” recognition award represents global unity, collaboration, and service. The world is infinite, endless, and continual. We as individuals struggle to grow, to learn, to achieve and to accomplish in an ever-changing planet in an ever-changing world. This custom award illustrates the importance of partnership, of teamwork, of sharing and caring. These figures reach out to one another for support and connection while holding up a globe. In that moment, through that movement they become more than they are alone, they become stronger and brighter and offer hope for a better world. This unique award captures the spirit of teamwork or global partnership. This award is a great fit for any individual or organization involved in global service initiatives or global business activities. To get pricing, information about available finishes, and to order "World Infinity" as a recognition or global unity award, please click on this link.

Custom Award "Vanguard" Designed for Donor Recognition

2009-07-14T18:13:00.004-04:00

Vanguard, designed in 2009, is a custom award that has broad appeal for use as an achievement award, or a donor recognition award. As a corporate award this sculpture honors employee recognition or client appreciation. It also lends itself to use as an achievement award. The word Vanguard in the dictionary means "leading position". Can you imagine an army with the troops at the front leading the way--they are the Vanguard! In companies and foundations there are always “vanguard” individuals. This unique award is a simple design with a powerful message. Two figures are shooting upwards through time and space toward their goal. It could easily represent an outstanding employee and the company working together and be presented as a corporate award. It could also be used to honor teams. As a donor award it could be given to a married couple to honor their work or support of a foundation or non-profit organization. This piece has honor and achievement written all over it!

Recognition Award "Living Sea" to be Presented by Heal the Bay Foundation

2009-04-14T07:34:00.011-04:00

Living Sea, a custom award designed by MK Shannon, will again be presented by Heal the Bay Foundation of Santa Monica, California at their annual gala in May. Their 18th annual Bring Back the Beach benefit dinner is being held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. This year’s theme “A Sea of Possibilities” will recognize and honor those whose "thoughts, words and actions demonstrate the powerful impact of seizing tremendous opportunities for positive change." HTB's mission is dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy and clean.

MK Shannon Awards & Rewards is honored to have been commissioned to design and produce Living Sea for the Heal the Bay Foundation. Our mission for over 20 years has been to design innovative custom awards and trophies for recognition, achievement, fundraising, gifts, and sports. We do that by translating your ideas and vision into meaningful, artistic recognition awards.

HTB has presented awards to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grammy® award winner Brian Wilson (of the Beach Boys), and the National Geographic Society. Shown here are photos of last year's honorees along with Julia Luis-Dreyfus.

The Special Event Show in San Diego Special For Us Too!

2009-02-05T19:02:00.006-05:00

Jenny Hamilton of Jenny Hamilton Weddings is my Irish "cousin" don't you know! She is seen here posing with me and my customizable award named Appreciation in front of our tradeshow booth at this year’s Special Event Show. I appreciate that Jenny has traveled all the way from Ireland to be at The Special Event here in San Diego. We managed to get in a little chat time and even a side trip to the Hotel Del Coronado. The weather was just beautiful and inviting.

The exhibitor show was a lot of fun this year with so many people stopping by our both to tell Kelle Reich, our Sales VP, and I what they have been hearing about our unique awards from their recipients or telling us how they want to use the awards for exciting new events. Big thanks go to Wanda McKnight who makes it all happen for the exhibitors each year and still bigger kudos to Kim Romano, the queen of fun, who put the whole grand conference together for us all. For those who couldn't make this one, you missed one of the best, by the best.

Cher Presented with MK Shannon Custom Award by Children’s Health Organization

2009-01-22T11:55:00.006-05:00

MK Shannon's Heart of Gold was presented to Cher at Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas by the Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA). We are all familiar with the wonderful entertainer that Cher is—singer, actress, and great performer. What is less known is that Cher has a big heart when it comes to children with facial abnormalities. And that led her to support the Children’s Craniofacial Association as their National Spokesperson and to establish “Cher’s Family Retreat” which is held every year. Since her first involvement with the organization after making the movie Mask, Cher has become the association’s most generous contributor. She has also developed personal relationships with many children who have craniofacial conditions, following their surgeries, and calling them personally to offer friendship and encouragement.

CCA's mission is to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by facial differences. We envision a world where all people are accepted for who they are, not how they look.

Heart of Gold truly communicates the gratitude the Association has for Cher’s generous contributions and for her own “heart of gold,” said Jill Gorecki,  Development Director  for Children's Craniofacial Association. “Thanks again for your patience and for the beautiful sculpture for CCA to give in thanks to our beloved Cher!”

All of us at MK Shannon Awards were thrilled to be a part of making that special moment.

How Green Are Your Awards?

2009-01-20T10:42:00.005-05:00

Oakland, CA
Eco-friendly practices are a good thing, and–it’s no secret–an important consideration in planning a conference, meeting, or convention today.

MK Shannon Awards & Rewards and our most important business partners have worked together to reduce the footprint we leave on our planet. As it turns out, good earth-friendly practices are often good business practices, too. We continue to look for ways to minimize our use of resources and to offer you the highest quality recognition awards and service.
Here are a few of the practices that are helping us reach our goal:

MK Shannon recognition awards are individually cast and hand-finished at an art foundry. The foundry has implemented practices that are geared to reducing waste, energy usage and toxic substances in their processes:

Some pewter used for awards in the awards industry does contain lead, as does all glass crystal. The pewter used in casting MK Shannon sculpture awards is the highest quality pewter available and contains no lead.

All cardboard is recycled, and the foundry has implemented a program for its industrial neighbors to conveniently recycle their cardboard at the foundry site.

All metal scraps are collected and recycled for reuse.

Effective shipping materials for the sculpture awards are critically important for delivery of the awards in good condition. The foundry uses a variety of materials for shipping, choosing the greenest materials that will guarantee a good delivery of the awards.

Only fans are used for cooling the casting and finishing area of the foundry to minimize energy usage.

A Virtual Company MK Shannon Awards & Rewards, Inc. is a “virtual” company. All of our employees work from their homes, and this greatly reduces our impact on the planet:

No impact from commuting–no added gasoline consumption, pollutants, or congestion.

Whenever possible, we minimize the use of paper in favor of electronically storing data and other information. This reduces the usage of toner, as well as paper.

All paper and laser cartridges are recycled.

All MK Shannon employees are very conscious of the need to conserve our resources and individually implement practices in their own offices that support that goal.

MK Shannon no longer uses a printed catalog, minimizing use of paper and ink products.

MK Shannon uses UPS for shipping. UPS has implemented several eco-friendly practices such as a system that tracks minute details for each truck to maximize maintenance cycles and decrease pollutants. UPS drivers are encouraged to practice “green” behavior, such as reducing idling time, which reduces fuel usage and pollutants. With 90,000 drivers on the road, even a few minutes less idling time a day per driver can make a significant impact. UPS was also awarded the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute’s “Green Fleet Award” and the Uptime Institute’s “Green Enterprise IT Award.”

With Green Awards in mind, we have designed two new awards that express our feelings about this new world we live in. They are World Above and World Infinity. Here are the Artist’s Notes about their concept and inspiration.

World Above: This single figure sculpture award was conceived to express that feeling of accomplishing above and beyond, to capture that sense of "out of this world." The figure is open and this refers to the concept of an individual being open to new ideas, new thinking, and new ways of being in the world. This design honors those who are a world above and a world apart from their contemporaries.

World Infinity: The world is infinite, endless, and continual. We as individuals struggle to grow, to learn, to achieve and to accomplish in an ever-changing planet in an ever-changing world. This sculpture illustrates the importance of partnership, of teamwork, of sharing and caring. These figures reach out to one another for support and connection. In that moment, through that movement they become more than they are alone, they become stronger and brighter and offer hope for a better world. This recognition award captures the spirit of teamwork or global partnership.

Fulfillment Fund Honors CEO of Legendary Pictures with MK Shannon Custom Awards

2009-01-16T07:40:00.027-05:00

Los Angeles, CA. Each fall, the Fulfillment Fund hosts one of the largest Los Angeles area benefit events, raising over $2 million to assist economically disadvantaged students graduate from high school and college. The STARS Benefit Gala honors a leader in the entertainment industry for his or her extraordinary generosity and philanthropic involvement.

The Fulfillment Fund selected three custom awards designed by MK Shannon to recognize their honorees. This year the honoree is Thomas Tull, Chairman and CEO of Legendary Pictures. This year also includes a special presentation of the Gitnick Visionary Award to Shelley Freeman, Regional Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank, and the Inspiration Award to Andrea Cockrum, Founding CEO of the Fulfillment Fund.

The STARS Gala is a popular Hollywood celebrity event. Leading celebrities serve as entertainers and presenters, and have included Ben Stiller, Jamie Foxx, Steve Martin, Vince Vaughn, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Roger Daltry, Calista Flockhart, Kate Hudson, Salma Hayek, Quincy Jones, David Hyde Pierce, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Stevie Wonder —and many, many more. This year the Master of Ceremonies was Ryan Seacrest, John Fogarty provided entertainment, and Kate Beckinsale and Christian Bale were speakers, along with others.

We Received Our Own Recognition

We are MK Shannon Awards & Rewards are delighted to have been chosen by the Fulfillment Fund to provide their recognition awards for 2008. They selected Dream Maker, Excellence Grand, and Enlightenment for these awards. Because they were recognizing three honorees at the event, it was good to select three different awards that enabled each recipient to feel special in their own right. Working with Stacy Seligman Kravitz, the Director of Special Events for the Fulfillment Fund to make all this happen, here’s what she had to say about her experience:

"Working with MK Shannon Awards gives you the opportunity to present a unique piece of art to an honoree. The sculpture tells a story and embodies a value that you are expressing to the recipient. What a meaningful way to show your appreciation at an event! We were very pleased to work with you."

Stacy met us at last year’s Association for Fundraising Professionals conference. She said she was blown away by the uniqueness of the awards displayed in our booth. She immediately recognized that our awards stand out from the rest and would have more meaning to their recipients. “Your sculpted awards are pieces of fine art,” she said. She also loved the idea that each piece had the artist’s notes about the inspiration for the piece and that they were quality awards that people would prominently display in their homes or offices. She knew that it would be important for their organization to present something beautiful and unique, not just a piece of glass or crystal.

After the STARS gala, Stacy visited the home of their CEO who had been recognized for the legacy she has given their organization. Stacy knew the CEO collects art and she wanted to give her a special award that would make an imprint. She was pleasantly surprised to see the award displayed prominently on the woman’s piano for all to see. “It was good to see that she had found a place of meaning for the award.”

NATPE Honors ‘Idol Gives Back’ with Inaugural Reality Innovator Award Designed by MK Shannon

2009-01-13T16:35:00.007-05:00

LOS ANGELES, CA. The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) recently presented MK Shannon’s “Brilliant” award to Nigel Lythgoe the executive producer of American Idol. Rick Feldman, NATPE’s President and CEO made the presentation and Mr. Lythgoe accepted the award on behalf of American Idol’s producers. The gala reception and presentation was hosted at The Annex in the Hollywood & Highlands Entertainment Complex. NATPE created the Reality Innovator Award to recognize outstanding achievement in reality programming. Recipients of the award showcase extraordinary passion and leadership, leveraging their platform in new and innovative ways.

“Idol Gives Back” is a huge music celebration and fundraising event produced by 19 Television and Fremantle Media. Idol Gives Back has raised millions of dollars during the last two seasons for various U.S. charities that deliver support to underprivileged children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country; providing them with medical care, food and grocery products, health and life skills and literacy programs, among other important initiatives. In Africa, funds are dedicated to organizations that support efforts to battle poverty through various health and education programs, including delivering medical supplies and providing clean water.

"’Idol Gives Back’ is an extraordinary example of the ability of television to combine the power of celebrities and the corporate community in raising awareness and money for social enterprise," said Rick Feldman in making the announcement. "We're honored that Nigel Lythgoe will be on hand to accept this award."

And, we at MK Shannon Awards & Rewards are equally honored that our Brilliant will shine for a worthy event! Our Brilliant award was designed to give a different twist to the usual Star award. A fresh look with a large marble base which can be customized with a name, date, and logo. See specifics on this recognition award: Brilliant!

The Jane Goodall Institute Recognizes Global Leaders with MK Shannon Commissioned Award In Harmony

2009-01-12T20:25:00.005-05:00

On November 7, 2008 in Washington DC, the Jane Goodall Institute held its second annual Global Leadership Awards Celebration presenting each honoree with a commissioned award designed by MK Shannon.

This year’s award recipients were US Representative Tom Udall for Excellence in Public Policy, Pierce and Keely Shaye Brosnan for Responsible Activism in Media and Entertainment, and Green Mountain Coffee for Corporate Social Responsibility. In addition, the Youth Leadership Award winners included Manoj Gautam of Kathmandu, Nepal, Emily Woodall of Banner Elk, NC, and Tayler McGillis of Toluca, Il.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was Anderson Cooper, host of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360. Academy award-nominated actress Abigail Breslin and her brother, actor Spencer Breslin helped present the Youth Leadership Award.

MK Shannon designed the sculpted award called In Harmony incorporating the three elements requested by Dr. Goodall: a globe, a woman, and a dove. The custom design expresses the interconnectedness of our planet, humanity, and the peaceful coexistence that Dr. Goodall’s tireless efforts strengthen. “It is a rare honor to work with such an extraordinary woman as Jane Goodall,” said MK Shannon. “She is truly the inspiration behind In Harmony. We are so pleased and–yes–inspired by the opportunity to work with her and her wonderful organization for these two years.”

United Arab Emirates Present MK Shannon Sculptures

2008-12-20T15:06:00.009-05:00

Abu Dhabi Awards' Winners Honored with MK Shannon Designed Awards at Emirates Palace on December 21

For the third year, the United Arab Emirates has presented the Abu Dhabi Awards—an award designed by MK Shannon. From a statement direct from the Emirates News Agency, WAM —

“The Abu Dhabi Awards aim to bring to light the good deeds of people from across the Emirate and honour their selfless contributions. The number of nominations to-date is testament to the desire of residents and citizens to recognise these acts of goodness and the deserving individuals. Award recipients are not determined by number of votes, but rather on a case-by-case basis according to the merits of their nominations.

“Abu Dhabi awards were presented to individuals for remarkable acts of goodness. The honours were bestowed at the 4th annual Abu Dhabi Awards ceremony which took place on Sunday at the Emirates Palace.

His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces was in attendance to personally present the awards and congratulate the worthy recipients.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored the commitment of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi to the Abu Dhabi Awards and expressed gratitude that the program continues to preserve the legacy of the nation's father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The 2008 recipients mark the most diverse array of ages and contributions ever recognised in a single year - ranging from school children to octogenarians; from great historical figures to health professionals; from those helping people to those helping the environment and animals.

The 2008 Abu Dhabi Awards recipients are: Dr Margit Muller, Germany, a veterinarian and the Director of the Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi ; Dr Amal Abdulla Al Qubaisi, UAE, a member of the Federal National Council and an architect who has taken a personal interest in preserving the architectural heritage of the United Arab Emirate; Fahad Abdulla Jaber, UAE, an innovative graphic designer working to revolutionize the use of mobile phones for the deaf and hearing-impaired; Cameron Oliver, South Africa, a 12 year old boy who, with the support of his parents, was the driving force behind the creation of a national community awareness campaign to prevent camels being injured by littering in the desert; Dr Thabit and Maleeha Sabeti Mehr, Canada, doctors that provided medical treatment for the people of Al Ain for a period of 39 years; The Late Darwish bin Karam (1919 - 1985), UAE, a pearl diver who left pearl diving to dedicate his life to educating others; Rashid Mohamed Al Dhaheri, UAE, a 74 year old national who has been working to increase literacy among Al Ain's elderly women; the Late Sir Wilfred Thesiger (1910 - 2003), A British explorer who famously lived with the Bedouins for five years, photographed and told the story of Abu Dhabi and its people during the pre-oil era of the mid 20th century.”

Catering Magazine Features MK Shannon Wedding Sculptures

2008-12-18T16:52:00.010-05:00

Catering Magazine, the magazine for catering professionals, featured MK Shannon wedding sculptures in their November/December issue under their Trends That Register section. This section written by Sara Sturges highlighted various trends in the wedding industry. Here's what she had to say about MK Shannon:

"For the contemporary bride, MK Shannon offers handcrafted pewter wedding cake toppers with a modern flair. The Embrace design (shown here) can stand alone on top of the cake or alongside one of MK Shannon's silver or gold stylized heart toppers. More than 15 designs are available in a broad selection of brushed pewter, silver and rich gold finishes.

Prices range from $119 to $425. For information, call 800-542-8473 or visit www.mkshannon.com."

AARP Honors Best Employers For Workers Over 50 with Custom Award Created by MK Shannon

2008-11-06T17:55:00.013-05:00

In 2007, the American Association of Retired People (AARP) commissioned MK Shannon Awards & Rewards to create a custom award for their Best Employers For Workers Over 50 awards. This September marked the second year the AARP Best Employers program honored their winners with the MK Shannon custom award called “New Day”. This year, AARP also expanded the program to include international companies in a program called AARP International Innovative Employer Awards. There were 50 New Day custom awards and 10 International Edition New Day custom awards presented at a gala event in Washington DC in October.

MK Shannon worked with Deborah Russell, Director of Workforce Issues at AARP, and Nancy Shaffer and Karen Bridges of BRAVO! Events By Design to develop the design of the New Day custom award. This was truly a labor of love for MK Shannon Awards (did we mention some of us are over 50?). It was also a fantastic team that worked well together to articulate the message of the award and express it as a custom award to honor and recognize these outstanding companies. It just reinforces the idea: communication, communication, and more communication make for a great custom award!

In October 2008, AARP ran this ad in The Wall Street Journal to recognize the 50 companies in 2008 that had been selected to receive their Best Employers For Workers Over 50 awards. We extend our congratulations. We were proud to see New Day pictured in the ad along with the names of those organizations receiving their recognition award. We also believe they should get the recognition they deserve!

The Importance of An Artist's Signature

2008-11-05T17:26:00.001-05:00

Historically artists have used their signature to mark their work. Consequently it has become a hallmark of the level of quality. Perhaps, it is simply the idea of pride of ownership. The artist signs their name to not only show ownership of the design of the work but also to announce themselves to the world along with their satisfaction with the completion of a work of art.

Many awards, particularly sculpted awards and even some custom awards do not carry the signature of the artist, or if the awards or trophies do carry a signature it is stamped into the sculpture. It is my belief that the work we do at MK Shannon Awards and Rewards is Awards Fine Art. Our sculpted awards, custom awards and commissioned awards all carry my signature etched into the metal by hand. It is a mark of quality and craftsmanship. It marks the sculpted award as an original created by my hand and no other. So when you are looking for unique awards or trophies to give for achievement, recognition or motivation, look for the artist’s signature on the award. It will tell you immediately that the artist is committed to the originality and uniqueness of their work and most of all to the quality. After all, you want to give an award that will be more that a decoration or momentary acknowledgement of accomplishment, you want to give a gift or award that has enduring meaning because of its artistic design and high quality.

Welcome to My Blog

2008-11-04T08:12:00.000-05:00

Here’s my personal philosophy about the work I do:

“I create awards for people, to touch them, to honor them, and to praise them. This is my highest ambition and what I have built my life’s work upon. In my heart I am giving and someone out there is receiving and it makes both of our lives richer in that moment.”

Awards when presented are just that, something given to someone; it is a prize, an honor. However, once the event is over, and the award has been presented, it will go into someone’s home or office. Once that happens, I believe, the award now becomes something more; it becomes a focal point, something that every time it is seen, a wonderful memory is revisited. I consider my awards art in every sense. When I am creating them I want to capture a feeling or attitude so that when you look at my work you will consciously or unconsciously share my vision. It’s my hope that in this blog, I’ll be able to share with you some insight into my creative process along with my thoughts on the industry I’ve chosen as my career.