Artist of the Year Awards

Each year ArtWorks recognizes an individual or couple who has promoted the arts in Hillsdale County.
The following are the artists who have received this special recognition in their field of visual art, music, theater, or dance.
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 Last Year's Artist of the Year - Greg Bailey


Do you know of a potential 2026 Artist of the Year award candidate?
They could be a visual, performing, or literary artist, an arts educator or local arts advocate.
Share with us who they are and their contributions to the arts in Hillsdale County.

Who may be Nominated: Active member(s) of the arts community who have made significant contributions to the arts in Hillsdale County.

How to Nominate: Anyone 18 years or older can nominate.

How to Submit a Nomination:
1. Download the nomination information and form below.
2. Complete the nomination form, and write a brief letter explaining their contributions to the arts,
    and why we should choose them for Artist of the Year.
3. Mail or email to ArtWorks of Hillsdale.

US Mail: ArtWorks of Hillsdale, Inc.
              P.O. Box 34
              Hillsdale, MI 49242

Email: [email protected] 
           (with “2026 Artist of the Year” in the subject line)


​Double click on the nomination form below to download and print!

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​Letter of Nomination Requirements
Nomination letters must be a typed single-page listing the nominee’s artistic and community achievements.
​Digital entry letters should be saved as a PDF. Please include the following:

1) Discuss how the nominee qualifies for the award.
2) List artistic and professional experiences/affiliations (resume may be included)
3) Discuss how the community has been positively impacted by this nominee’s artistic endeavors and community engagement.
(Must be 18 years or older to nominate.)

Nomination Support Documents
On a CD, thumb drive or by email send digital images representing the nominee’s achievements and contributions to the community. You may also include a link to the nominee’s website, if applicable.


Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by ArtWorks of Hillsdale board members. Nominations will be narrowed down to 3 by ArtWorks board, and the recipient will be announced March 20, 2026.

Previous Artist of the Year Recipients:

2025 - Greg Bailey (contribution of time and talent to Arts Chorale, The Heritage Association of Hillsdale and Artworks of Hillsdale County)

2024 - Ron Boyle (community and youth theater)

2023 - Renee Nestorak (music and photography/graphic design)

2022 - Trinity Bird (theater)

​2021 - Nick Zemadiuk (art) (awarded in 2022, posthumously)

2020 - Paul Lucas (music)

2019 - David Boswell (choral)

2018 - Don & Jan Heckenlively (photography & painting)

2017 - Judy Bixler (music) 

Ned & Debbi Wyse (literature & music)

Bud & Gloria Vear (theater)

Arlan & Gudi Gilbert (art & literature)

Jeff & Martha Hart (stained glass & painting)

Janet Lee (music)

Joan VanArsdalen (dance)

Howard Rizner (music)

Kristie Gaustche (music)
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​Adabelle Hill (painting)