A nationally renowned sculptor and an arts advocate, both from Lawrence, have been selected to receive Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards.

Jim Brothers, famous for his sculptures of Dwight D. Eisenhower and the national D-Day Memorial, and Marilyn Dobski, who helped lead the drive for a new Lawrence Arts Center, will be among seven award winners this year.

“This was very, very much a surprise,” Dobski said. “I had no idea I had even been nominated.”

Brothers, who has received numerous awards and recognition as a sculptor, said he was pleased to gain one more.

“I’m happy, and it will make my mother happy,” said Brothers, also noted for his sense of humor.

The awards will be officially presented Oct. 18, by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius during a dinner ceremony at Topeka Performing Arts Center.

Brothers has spent much of his long career making figurative, documentary bronze sculptures. He often portrays noted Kansans and other famous Americans in contemporary or historic settings.

Brother’s sculpture of Eisenhower was installed last month in the nation’s Capitol building in Washington, D.C. He also was chief sculptor for the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va. His work included 10 large figures of soldiers making the Normandy landing.

Brothers said he considered himself lucky to have been asked to do the projects.

“Most artists don’t get the chance to work on the things I’ve been lucky enough to work on,” he said. “I just hope I have the talent.”

Dobski, who co-owns and operates McDonald’s restaurants in Lawrence and elsewhere in Kansas along with her husband, Tom, served five years as president and four years as vice president of the Lawrence Arts Center board of directors.

She also worked eight years as a member of the building project committee while the new arts center, 940 N.H., was planned and constructed. She helped lead a private fund drive to which she and her husband made a major gift. She continues to serve on the committee that operates the center.

Dobski recalled attending last year’s Arts Commission dinner when Lawrence Arts Center executive director Ann Evans received the governor’s award.

“It’s a very big award and a very good program the Kansas Arts Commission has,” she said. “I feel privileged.”

Other honorees this year are Roderick Townley, an artist and author from the Shawnee Mission area; Elvera Voth, an art educator from Lenexa; and Connie Burket, an arts advocate in Salina.

Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum was selected for the award as an arts organization and Columbian Bank of Overland Park as a corporate patron.