34th Annual Mayor's Awards for the Arts
The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts are designed to honor and celebrate people and organizations that contribute to the vibrancy of the arts and/or increase access to arts experiences in St. Joseph, Missouri. We annually seek nominations for artists, arts organizations, advocates, educators, and corporate citizens that contribute to the arts. A panel of arts leaders from across the state selects the award recipients.
Nominations for 2026 will open in January 2026.
“St. Joseph is fortunate to have outstanding programs of visual and performing arts, arts education, and advocacy, and as mayor, I am pleased to continue the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, which recognize arts leaders in our community who work to bring arts and people together,” said Josendale.
Mayor’s Awards Categories
- Artist of the Year – recognizes an established individual artist (in any discipline) for artistic excellence
- Arts Educator of the Year – recognizes an outstanding contribution to arts education instructor at the K-12 or postsecondary level
- Youth Artist – recognizes artist 19 years of age or under who has demonstrated talent and achievement in one or more artistic disciplines
- Achievement in the Arts – recognizes an organization or business that excels in supporting and/or enhancing the arts through contributions of time, talent or funding
- Individual Leadership – recognizes an individual, business, or civic leader who has greatly contributed to one or more arts or cultural organizations
- Outstanding Volunteer – recognizes contributions to one or more arts organizations within the past year
2025 Award Recipients:
Artist of the Year: Christopher Alexander
Arts Educator: Beth McLenaghan
Arts Volunteer: Martial Thevenot
Individual Leadership: Christy George
Organizational Achievement in the Arts: St. Joseph Youth Chorale
Youth Artist: Gage Phroper
To view more information on the other nominees click the link below.
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Provides financial support to the Arts Council.
