Chris Bilheimer, R.E.M.’s artistic design director, was honored last night for his exemplary service to the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation at the local preservation group’s annual awards ceremony. Chris was presented with the organization’s Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to “Heritage,” the Foundation’s quarterly newsletter. ACHF Executive Director Amy Kissane applauded Bilheimer’s efforts in elevating “Heritage” to the level of “a work of art” over the course of his three-year tenure at the design helm. She noted that the pre-Bilheimer version of “Heritage” was “quite mundane” and expressed her thanks to Chris for his dedication and enthusiasm. Chris and R.E.M. Fan Club/Web Content Director David Bell were on hand for the ceremony which took place at the historic Young Harris Methodist Church on Prince Avenue (Bell was also recognized for his service as a trustee to the organization).
For many years, R.E.M. has been a proud sponsor of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation (an organization whose mission it is to foster and promote a community-wide understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage).
Way to go Chris!