2021

MAYOR’S ARTS AWARDS

The Mayor’s Arts Awards recognizes the contributions to the cultural community by all visual, performing, and culinary artists; musicians, writers, poets, rappers, directors, producers, craftspeople, arts educators, arts patrons, arts professionals and volunteers; as well as organizations, institutions, government agencies, corporations, and businesses who work in or for the arts primarily benefiting the residents of Muncie. The goal of this program is to help cultivate greater visibility and understanding of the value of the arts, as well as grow new leadership and new patrons of the arts.

Congratulations to our 2021 REcipients!

Debra Gindhart Dragoo
Arts Advocate

An individual or organization whose strong support of the arts has been ongoing through philanthropic and/or volunteer service

Minnetrista
Arts Leader

An arts professional or organization who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, organizational stewardship and partnership within the local arts community

David JOhnson
Arts Educator

An individual whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far reaching

Classroom Connections of ECI
Corporate Arts

A business/corporation that shows exemplary support of the arts, artists, and arts organizations within the Muncie area

Moth Danneer
Artist in
the Community

An individual visual, performing, or culinary artist, musician, writer, poet, rapper, director, craftsperson, etc. (in any discipline) recognized for artistic excellence and singular efforts in contributing to Muncie’s cultural vitality

Jaylyn Graham
Next Generation Artist

A working visual, performing, or culinary artist, musician, writer, poet, rapper, director, craftsperson, etc. (in any discipline) under the age of 40 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to the arts community

Morgan Roddy
Muncie Maker

A local for-profit business owner who exemplifies the impact and vitality of Muncie’s creative economy

Genny & Brian gordy
Lifetime Achievement

An individual or organization recognized for significant and sustained contributions to the field of arts and culture in the Muncie area

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to our 2021 Nominees!

Jennifer Blackmer, Director of the Virginia Ball Center for Creative Inquiry and Ball State Professor of Theatre

Stuart Cotton, Digital Mentor/Technologist at the Muncie Public Library

Leon Crosby, Arts Instructor at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

Robert Dirden, Ball State Associate Teaching Professor of Theatre

First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors

Good Girl Gone Boss Podcast, by Angie Rogers-Howell and Matt Howell

Muncie Ballet Studio

North Church Venue, Owner Megan Pyle and Developer David Jennings

Amy and Andy Shears, Owners of Muncie Map Company and Fur in Focus Pet Portraits

Shantanu Suman, Ball State University Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

Scott Watkins, Executive Director of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra

Rick Zeigler, Founder and Organizer of the Muncie Three Trails Music Series

Travis Harvey, Owner of Village Green Records

Kevin Klinger, Ball State University Associate Professor of Architecture 

Natalie Lowe, Ball State University Graduate Student in the School of Art

Laurie Lunsford, Art teacher, Writer, and Illustrator of Children’s Books

Tracena Marie, Therapeutic Arts Director at Muncie Civic Theatre

Award by Carol Burt

The 2021 Mayor’s Arts Awards are made possible through support from the Muncie Arts and Culture Council, the City of Muncie,
Presenting Sponsor— Ball State University College of Fine Arts, VIP Reception Sponsor— First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors,
and Community Reception Sponsor— Raymond James.
Learn more about becoming a Mayor’s Arts Awards sponsor

PREVIOUS WINNERS & NOMINEES

2025 Awards
2023 Awards
2021 Awards
2019 Awards
2015 Awards
2017 Awards
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