ARTIST OF THE YEAR

In 1992 the Arts Council began the tradition of honoring an Artist of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. In 2011 the Art Advocate Award was added.

These awards are a celebration of excellence that introduces the community to important artists, raises our awareness of achievement in the visual arts, and invites us to applaud the "heroes" whose passion and creativity drive them to move, entertain, teach and inspire us. Each recipient is honored with an awards ceremony, permanent recognition, and a Schack Art Center lifetime membership.

Artist of the Year Recipients:

  • 2019, Janie Olsen, Painting

  • 2018, Chris Hopkins, Painting, & Jan Hopkins, Fiber & Mixed Media

  • 2017, Gale Johansen, Painting & Mixed Media

  • 2016, Chuck Close, Painting & Printmaking

  • 2015, James Arrabito, Photography & Verena Schwippert, Stone Sculpture

  • 2014, Joan Pinney, Watercolor Painting

  • 2013, James Madison, Wood Carving and Metal Sculpture

  • 2012, Kevin Pettelle, Bronze Sculpture

  • 2011, Paul Vexler (1947 - 2022), Wood Sculpture

  • 2010, Jules Anslow, Wood Cutout Painting

  • 2009, Merrilee Moore, Glass Art and Metal Sculpture

  • 2008, Reg Akright, Stone Sculpture

  • 2007, Joi & Dan LaChaussee, Glass Art

  • 2006, Stan Price, Glass Art

  • 2005, Terri Shinn, Fiber Art and Mixed-Media

  • 2004, Bernie Webber (1923 - 2006), Watercolor Painting

  • 2003, Dona Anderson, Basketry and Mixed-Media

  • 2002, Kathryn Glowen, Assemblage and Mixed-Media

  • 2001, Janet Hamilton, Pastel Painting

  • 2000, Robert Mitchell, Glass Art

  • 1999, Karla Matzke, Pastel Painting

  • 1998, Cheri O'Brien, Painting and Mixed-Media

  • 1997, Lisa Spreacker, Assemblage and Mixed-Media

  • 1996, Jack Gunter, Egg Tempera and Mixed-Media

  • 1995, Genevieve Tuck (1908-2008), Oil Painting

  • 1994, James L. Davis (1934-2015), Pen and Ink

  • 1993, Byron Bratt (1952-2020), Mezzotint Print-Making

  • 1992, Susan Jane Russell (1945-2017), Calligraphy, Watercolor, Gouache and Mixed-Media

Art Advocate of the Year Recipients:

  • 2016, Mari Atkinson

  • 2015, Lloyd Weller

  • 2014, Maryalice Salget

  • 2013, Joye Melby

  • 2012, Josey Wise

  • 2011, Janet Foley

Volunteer of the Year Recipients:

  • 2016, Art Cass

  • 2014, Susie Howell

  • 2013, Saundra & Robert Westvang

  • 2012, Gail Merrick

  • 2011, Kelly Sooter

  • 2010 Capital Campaign Committee: Co-Chairs: Dona & Bob Anderson, Hap & Clay Wertheimer Members: Marsha Cogdill, Mary & Don Hale, Sue & Ross Miller, Paul Roberts, Morrie Trautman

  • 2009 Neil Anderson

  • 2008 Pat Maher

  • 2007 Kathy Hunter

  • 2006 Marlies Egberding

  • 2005 Janet Foley

  • 2004 Chris Oates

  • 2003 Ritch Sorgen

  • 2002 Sue Overton

  • 2001 Steve Burr

  • 2000 Hap Wertheimer

  • 1999 Cindy Morris

  • 1998 Peter Newland

  • 1997 Mildred Prince & Maryalice Salget

  • 1996 Susan Russell & Cheryle Earnheart