EDIE & DON SNETHEN - Liz Stratton Arts Champion
Edie & Don Snethen have been key stakeholders in the Topeka arts community for decades. Their true belief in the transformative power of the arts in community and interest in finding new ways to engage and solidify arts support in Topeka is something from which all Topekans benefit.
MULVANE ART MUSEUM - Legacy Art Award
The Mulvane Art Museum will receive the Legacy Arts Award as they celebrate their centennial in 2024. The museum houses a collection of more than 6,000 objects from around the world, including paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative art. While international in scope, the collection focuses on the works of artists from Kansas and the Mountain Plains region of the United States. In addition to displaying works from the collection, the Mulvane also presents changing exhibitions featuring artists from around the world. The Museum's art education program provides educational outreach to many schools throughout the region. People of all ages and abilities engage with the Mulvane through art workshops, public lectures, family events, and community experiences.
FIRE ME UP CERAMICS - Community Arts Award
Fire Me Up Ceramics is an independent group of artists working in a common studio space in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District showcasing art and hosting community events and exhibitions while providing affordable studio space and clay classes. Fire Me Up plays a special role in the Topeka arts community by creating an inclusive space that encourages all people to fall in love with clay - and to use clay as a tool for self-expression, development and healing.
ANDREW FARKAS - Literary Arts Award
Andrew Farkas is an associate professor of creative writing at Washburn University whose passion for writing is reflected in his classroom as he inspires students to express themselves through the written word and encourages them to explore the world through literature. During his time at Washburn, his own writing has been published in every corner of the literary world (a novel, story collections, an essay collection) and he has helped others into print via his editing for multiple publications.
KS PREMIERE OF BROTHERS OF THE DUST (produced by Washburn University Theatre and the Topeka (KS) Chapter of the Links Incorporated) - Suki Blakely Performing Arts Award
The Kansas Premiere of Brothers of the Dust was written by Darren Canady, directed by Sharon Sullivan and produced by Washburn University Theatre and the Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links Incorporated. Its all-Black cast included Khalani Britt, Carmelle Garcia, Jason Jones, Laressa Kelpin, Nyalia Lui, JoAnna Marks, Elijah Reed, and Dané Shobe. The sold-out performances in March were the culmination of 18 months of collaboration – a commitment to audience engagement, storytelling and artistic excellence.
AISHA IMANI SANAA - Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award
Aisha Imani Sanaa is a visual artist whose practice embodies a vision to create art, projects and spaces that promote joy, liberation, resiliency and wellness. Born and raised in Topeka, she got her start as an artist here, attending Topeka High School and being offered many opportunities to create and show her work. She holds a BFA in interior design from the California College of the Arts. She was the 2021 Aaron Douglas Art Fair featured artist, was selected to be part of the 2023 Artist INC Topeka cohort and is a recipient of the 2024 Charlotte Street Foundation’s Rocket Grant award. Recently, she served as lead artist for an exhibit at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, entitled “Picture the Dream” and co-led a community art project at the Mulvane Art Museum, served as the curator for For the Culture KS and designed the traveling exhibit called “Women of Brown.”
MIZE ART STUDIO - People’s Choice Award
Mize Art Studio is owned by artist and teacher Michael Mize. This active gallery and classroom offers art classed for all ages and in almost all media and styles. Michael has nearly 30 years of experience as an artist and taught art in public high school for 18 years. His teaching style draws on these years of experience and give students an opportunity to experiment with many different styles of art and the confidence they need to continue creating.
And special recognition will be presented to The Way of Light Community Choir for their performance of “The Way of Light” spoken word operetta in May of 2024. This group of dedicated individuals worked tirelessly to bring to life a spoken word operetta entitled “The Way of Light” which was part of the 70th anniversary commemoration of Brown v. Board. More than 30 people strong, the choir was made up of regular Topekans, most of whom had little or no experience on stage. They brought to life a new work of performance art that was technically complex and told an important story – eventually performed in front of a full house at White Concert Hall. The dedication, kindness, flexibility and hard work that they brought to this effort was exceptional in every way. The operetta was co-written by vanessa german, Angel Haze and August Hartley. Thank you to the members of the choir for their hard work and dedication: Annette Billings, Deborah Dawkins, Alice Eberhart-Wright, Bridget Elmer, Andrew Fields, Emily Fincher, Tonya Fisher, Harvey Leroy Flowers, J'Quory Guest, Lesley Hayward, SJ HAZIM, Leonese Heath-Shobe, Karen Hiller, Laurie Jackson, Stacy Jeffress, Imani Johnson, Jean MacLeay, Jontea Marie, Virginia Mendoza, Valerie Mendoza, Susan Schmitz, Kim Scott, Tamika Sellars, Cyane Shipley, LA Talbert, Carlos Velez, TheDr Tara D Wallace, Ana Wilkins and Jim Williams.
2024 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
DRUM ROLL
PLEASE….
ArtsConnect is THRILLED to announce the 2024 Arty Award Honorees!! Check out the list below and then join us on November 13th to celebrate the magic of the arts in Topeka.
The 2024 Arty Awards will take place at The Beacon in the 3rd floor ballroom. Doors will open at 6p and awards will be presented at approximately 7p.
All guests are invited to stay following the awards for music and celebration!
General admission: $35 | Artist admission: $20
Reserved tables are available for $500.
This is a fundraiser for ArtsConnect and so we greatly appreciate your support and hope to see you at the 2024 Arty Awards!
EVENT DETAILS
2024 ARTY AWARDS
Who won an Arty Award last year?
2023 ARTY AWARD
HONOREES
2023 Liz Stratton Arts Champion Honoree: Sean Dixon, Visit Topeka Inc.
Sean is being recognized with the 2023 Liz Stratton Arts Champion Award for his advocacy and support of the arts in Topeka as the president of Visit Topeka Inc. Sean’s understanding of the importance of the arts in promoting Topeka as a destination has not only resulted in the commission of a new and significant body of artwork in Topeka, but is part of a movement currently underway in the United States that we believe will redefine the field of community-based public art and artist-led efforts to understand complex histories and untold stories. If we are to set the stage for success in the future, we depend on leaders like Sean who are willing to take on the challenge of this work.
Community Arts Award Honoree: Living the Dream Inc.
Living the Dream Inc., is being recognized with the 2023 Community Arts Award for their decades of work to pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by supporting the development of youth artists in Topeka. By hosting their annual art, poetry and essay contests, students in Topeka have a unique opportunity to be recognized for their talents. Through their work, Living the Dream Inc. reiterates the critical value of the arts and the work of youth in our community, helping our young people to develop their voices so that they can lead the rest of us along the path of social justice and change.
Literary Arts Award Honoree: Kansas Book Festival
Kansas Book Festival is being honored with the 2023 Literary Arts Award for their commitment to providing access to authors, educational opportunities and more that would not otherwise exist in Topeka. In 2023, the festival boasted a lineup of 50 authors representing the genres of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s fiction through workshops, readings, outdoor performances, a book-art exhibit, food trucks, and exhibitor tents with 35 publishers, nonprofits, and individual authors. Events like this are critical in the arts ecosphere because they give Topeka writers access to renowned authors and experiences, fostering their growth and development as writers.
Performing Arts Award Honoree: Dennis Rogers
Dennis Rogers (Navajo Nation) is being honored with the 2023 Performing Arts Award in recognition of the nearly four decades that he has spent dedicated to performing, teaching and sharing Native American cultural traditions with audiences in Topeka and around the world. Dennis is a multi-talented performing artist – a master of many instruments and modalities of performance. He has also spent countless hours giving back to Topeka and other communities in Kansas and elsewhere by sharing his immense talents with students, serving on boards and committees and stepping in whenever possible to support others in their work to prepare us all for a future filled with the performing arts.
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award Honoree: Dané Shobe
Dané Shobe is being recognized with the 2023 Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award because of his work as a visual artist and the creation of Sun Hero Magazine, which provides a significant addition to the visual arts landscape by highlighting the work of other Black artists in the comic book genre, which is generally dominated by white artists and voices. Dané is also well-known for his work as an actor on stages of all sizes, his knack for teaching and his willingness to use his voice and artistic abilities to support others.
People’s Choice Award: Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
The Alice C. Sabatini Gallery at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is home to Topeka’s oldest art collection available to the public. The nucleus of this collection is focused on European art nouveau glass and ceramics acquired in 1901, having expanded since that time to include regional works alongside those from all over the world. The Sabatini Gallery hosts exhibits that are open to the public and often built for hands-on interaction.
ARTY AWARD HONOREES 2011-2022
Read about all of the honorees
2022 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Champion: Topeka Community Foundation
The Topeka Community Foundation is being honored for their commitment to supporting the arts in Topeka. Through this commitment, they have demonstrated a deep understanding of how investing in the arts can create long-term community change across all sectors.
Community Arts: Preston Walker
Preston is being honored for his unwavering and persistent dedication to creating opportunities for artists and audiences in a variety of venues - outdoor community events, virtual productions and Black Chamber, the DIY venue he operates.
Literary Arts: Louise Krug
Louise is being honored for her work as a writer, teacher and her work in the community to utilize the written word as a tool for healing. Her work is full of heart and is an important addition to the conversation about individuals with disabilities.
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts: Jake Jackson
Jake is being honored for his exceptional abilities as a special effects makeup artist, commitment to including local actors in internationally-recognized films and helping to put Topeka on the map as a place that makes space for visual artists working in all disciplines.
Performing Arts: Steven Massey
Steven is being honored for his work as a teacher, mentor, community leader and owner of It Takes A Village, Inc. He creates opportunities through the performing arts by providing programs and performance opportunities that would otherwise not exist in Topeka.
People's Choice: 785 Arts
785 Arts is an authentic Native American art gallery that features authentic contemporary Indigenous art in addition to local art. 785 Arts offers classes as well as school presentations for all ages in traditional Cherokee doublewall basketry, Cornhusk people, and Cherokee language.
2021 ARTY AWARD HONOREES
Liz Stratton Arts Champion Award: Kyler Carpenter
Kyler Carpenter is a household name for parents and grandparents all across Topeka. He has spent years sharing his love of music with young people in Topeka. Whether he’s singing and dancing in classes at the library or hosting the weekly “Kid’s Jam” in the summer, Kyler’s hard work, dedication and belief in the power of the arts to change lives has helped to build young talent, encouraging performance, passion for music and self-confidence.
Community Arts Award: Topeka High School
Topeka High School, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the school this year, has played a tremendous role in the arts community of Topeka by offering students world-class experiences in all artistic disciplines. For almost 50 years (1930-1979), the Topeka Art Guild called THS home and this legacy continues to this day with current students displaying their work in the 3rd floor gallery. Thousands of students have taken the stage in beautiful Hoehner Auditorium as actors, singers, poets and musicians. The building itself is a nationally recognized architectural gem – filled with a significant collection of WPA-funded works of art by David Overmyer and Birger Sandzen as well as contemporary murals by artists Mark Flickinger and Alessandra Chavez. This legacy sets the stage for today’s students to be inspired and encouraged – reaping the immense benefits that come from meaningful arts education and experience. Student artists of all disciplines join the ranks of regionally and internationally recognized artists in all disciplines that have come before them.
Literary Arts Award: Speak Easy Poets
Speak Easy Poets is a literary collective that has fostered the creation of new works of poetry and spoken word in Topeka for more than nine years. Organized by poets Annette Billings and Sue Edgerton, their monthly open mic nights have been a haven for writers and poets from all walks of life and all levels of experience, creating an important support network for creatives in Topeka.
Performing Arts Award: The Topeka Cello Collective
The Topeka Cello Collective is a very special Topeka treasure. The group is a community of student cello players under the direction of Erinn Renyer that play cello ensemble music, learn more about performance technique, musicality and have opportunities to perform at community concerts and events. They have gained a reputation for their fantastic non-traditional performances – but part of the real magic is the fact that they offer a non-competitive environment where students can learn and perform both classical and contemporary music and "share the cello love."
Glenda Taylor Visual Arts Award: Robert Tapley Bustamante
Robert is a nationally recognized artist who is known for his work on community murals all across Topeka – most recently painting a mural with student artists at the Boys & Girls Club and assisting with addressing hateful vandalism in Santa Fe Park over the summer. You’ll frequently find Robert painting live and sharing his illustrative vibrant style with all of our community. A Topeka native and Topeka High School graduate, Robert has participated in more than 80 art exhibitions and has been painting since 1996.
People’s Choice Award: Round Table Bookstore
Round Table Bookstore is located in the NOTO Arts District and offers a welcoming space where you can find titles by national, regional and local authors. Not only can you buy any book title you’d like, they offer recommendations and readings as well as a great spot to grab a coffee or bite to eat.
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