THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
2020 ARTY AWARDS
We brought back Sunday Funday for the 2020 Arty Awards! Hundreds of people all over the world tuned in online and so we hope that if you didn’t get a chance to watch already, that you’ll take some time to check it out. Don’t miss the end of the presentation where we feature a performance by guitar superstar and 2020 Arty Award honoree Andy McKee.
It was so awesome "see" you at the 2020 Arty Awards and we are grateful to you for your ongoing support of ArtsConnect.
This event was an important opportunity to raise funds that support ArtsConnect so we can continue to strengthen and support the arts. If you haven’t already made a donation, we hope that you will consider joining in supporting ArtsConnect financially.
2020 ARTY AWARD RECIPIENTS
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: Governor Laura Kelly
Throughout her political career, Governor Laura Kelly has been a staunch supporter of the arts in Topeka and across the state of Kansas. During her time in the Kansas Senate, she worked tirelessly to undo the damage caused by the 2011 decision to eliminate the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) and has since worked to ensure that the arts have continued to be a priority through the reinstatement of state-level funding and support of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCIAC) which was formed with her help to replace the KAC. The arts are stronger because of her tenacious leadership and for that, we recognize her with this year's Liz Stratton Arts Patron Arty Award.
Community Arts Award: seveneightfive Magazine
Since 2006, seveneightfive Magazine has been the city’s premier magazine for art, entertainment, lifestyle and local flavor. To do this, editor-in-chief Kerrice Mapes enlists the talent of contributors who take photos, write articles, share their own works of literary art and make this magazine possible.
Since March, seveneightfive Magazine has produced the House Concert Series which has offered a weekly paying gig to performing artists – a lifeline for artists and art lovers as venues have closed and stages have gone dark. The magazine is in the process of establishing a local radio station, which will serve as yet another outlet for local and regional performers to connect with audiences.
Literary Arts Award: Izzy Wasserstein
Izzy Wasserstein is a published poet and short story writer as well as a professor of writing and literature at Washburn University (WU). Her creative work in science-fiction and speculative fiction pays special attention to the experience of gender identity.
During her 12-year career as a professor at WU, she has developed a reputation as a dedicated and passionate mentor to her students. She is the author of the poetry collections “This Ecstasy They Call Damnation” (a Kansas Notable Book) and “When Creation Falls.” Her poetry and fiction have appeared widely in publications such as Prairie Schooner, Clarkesworld, and Crab Orchard Review.
Performing Arts Award: Andy McKee
Topeka’s own Andy McKee is among the world’s finest acoustic guitarists. He is a thrill to watch on stage and his ability to create music that holds his audience at rapt attention is unrivaled.
From his website: “He entertains both the eye and the ear as he magically transforms the steel string guitar into a full orchestra via his use of altered tunings, tapping, partial capos, percussive hits and a signature two-handed technique.”
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Andy Valdivia
Andy Valdivia’s painstaking works of art are a fixture in Topeka, Kansas. From intricate murals detailing the story of first-generation immigrants who came from Mexico to Topeka seeking work on the Santa Fe railroad to community murals, Andy’s work tells the story of Topeka.
Many of his murals can be found inside the Marlo Cuevas- Balandran Activity Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish, including the one he is presently working on in the basement. Andy’s talent is showcased in murals located across the street from the Brown v. Board National Historic Site, at the Topeka Police Department, USD 501 Professional Building and inside Iron Rail Brewing.
People’s Choice Award: Glaciers Edge Winery
From its inception, Glaciers Edge Winery has looked to the local arts community to enhance their art: the art of winemaking. Whether it is their graphic design, their watercolor company image or their labels, the Glaciers Edge Winery brand has been shaped through the vision and imagination of local artists.
Their flagship label features work by a local artist and subsequent labels have featured acrylic paintings created by Mike’s grandmother. They feature pottery from Mike’s mother throughout the year and they invite local artists for First Friday to display and sell their work. One of Topeka's favorite places to enjoy the ArtsConnect First Friday Artwalk is from their beautiful patio just south of the city. Thank you for all that you do to support the arts and artists in Topeka.
CELEBRATE
WATCH ONLINE OR AT EVERGY PLAZA WITH FRIENDS
The Arty Awards will be available online at no charge. Anyone can watch the awards at no charge from the comfort of their home, but we encourage viewers to make a suggested donation of $25 or more before or during the event. (This was the price of a general admission ticket for the Arty Awards last year.)
In addition to at-home viewing options, ArtsConnect will be hosting a watch party at Evergy Plaza so that you can watch on the big screen with friends. We are working on food and drink options and some other exciting activities. (This event will be weather permitting.) Please bring a chair or a blanket and join in celebrating the arts in Topeka.
PAST HONOREES
2020 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: Governor Laura Kelly
Community Arts Award: seveneightfive Magazine
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Andy Valdivia
Performing Arts Award: Andy McKee
Literary Arts Award: Izzy Wasserstein
People’s Choice Award: Glaciers Edge Winery
2019 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: AIM Strategies
Legacy Award: The Rocha Family Artists (Joseph “Joey” Rocha, Sr., Pat Rocha, Sr., Luke Rocha & Patrick Rocha, Jr.)
Community Arts Award: Leaping Llamas Artisan Shop
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Rosemary Menninger
Performing Arts Award: Suki (Willison) Blakely
Literary Arts Award: Darren Canady
People’s Choice Award: Clover GEAR Reclaimed Art by Ptr Sponseller
2018 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: FHLBank Topeka
Community Arts Award: Great Spaces Art & Music Series
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Jennifer Bohlander
Performing Arts Award: Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
Literary Arts Award: Huascar E. Medina
People’s Choice Award: Amused
A special Legacy Arty Award was presented to each of the artists who executed the Brown v. Board Mural Project. Those artists are: C. Dylan Barker, Blake Benton, Hector A. Bernal, Jordan E. Brooks, Cathy Burchett, Robert Tapley Bustamante, Alessandra Chavez, Daisy Escamilla, Estefana Garcia, Xavier Gayden, Jason Hanna, Dar Hosseini, Bryan Kincade, Christina Klein-Tross, Felix Maull, B.J. McBride, Oshara Meesha, Sara Myer, Justin Newhouse, Andrea Nix, Asha Rae Slack, Timothy Steward, Michael Toombs (Artistic Director), Chloe Thompson, Lois Visser-Ulrich, Eric Underwood, Andy Valdivia, Yesenia Villarreal, Jandy Wills, Woody Woodward and Diane Wurzer.
2017 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: Maggie & Dale Warren
Community Arts Award: YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Cally Krallman
Performing Arts Award: Kansas Youth Chorale
Literary Arts Award: Dennis Etzel
People’s Choice Award: NexLynx
A special Arty Award was presented to former Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast for his dedication to promoting, supporting and advocating for the arts in Topeka.
2016 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: Judith & Frank Sabatini
Community Arts Award: Downtown Topeka, Inc.
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Larry Peters
Performing Arts Award: Martinez Hillard
Literary Arts Award: Leah Sewell
People’s Choice Award: Matryoshka Tattoo
Legacy Award: Topeka Art Guild
A special Arty Award was presented to artist Jamie Colon for his exceptional dedication and work with the Topeka Mural Project.
2015 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: Glenn & Claire Swogger
Community Arts Award: Aaron Douglas Art Fair
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Shelly Bedsaul
Performing Arts Award: Kansas Ballett
Literary Arts Award: Annette Billings
People’s Choice Award: SouthWind Gallery
2014 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: Stan & Jody Teeter
Community Arts Award: Tonantzin Society
Visual Arts Award: Jim Bass
Performing Arts Award: Topeka Jazz Workshop
Literary Arts Award: TSCPL Community Novel Project
People’s Choice Award: 2 Wolves Studio & Artist Den
2013 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Patron Award: Betty Sisk
Community Arts Award: Mulvane Art Fair
Visual Arts Award: Deggingers' Foundry
Performing Arts Award: Phil Grecian
Literary Arts Award: Deb Bisel
People’s Choice Award: Yeldarb Art Gallery
2012 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Arts Patron Award: Liz Stratton
Visual Arts Award: Edward Navone
Performing Arts Award: Dale Easton
Literary Arts Award: Thomas Fox Averill
Emerging Artist: Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble
Non-Traditional Artist: Frank Schultz as Diva DeVine
Outstanding Arts Organization: Topeka Symphony Orchestra
Outstanding Educators: Mulvane Education Department
Business Patron of the Arts: Warehouse 414
Outstanding Volunteer: Betty McEnroe Casper
2011 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Performing Arts Award: Shannon Reilly
Visual Arts Award: Barbara Waterman-Peters
Literary Arts Award: Max Yoho
Emerging Artist: Justin Marable
Non-Traditional Artist: Ron Lessman, Truckhenge
Outstanding Arts Organization: Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy
Outstanding Volunteer(s): The NOTO Board of Directors
Outstanding Business Patron: Capitol Federal Foundation
Outstanding Individual Patron: Kerrice Mapes
Outstanding School: Washburn Rural High School
Outstanding Art Educator: Victoria Tryon-Cagan