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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.
The following are the artists who have received this special recognition in their field of visual art, music, theater, or dance.
Artist of the Year 2024 - Congratulations to Ron Boyle!
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For many years Ron has made a significant contribution to the arts in Hillsdale County, most notably for his work on promoting youth theater.
Ron is a life-long Hillsdale County resident. For decades he has been heavily involved in The Sauk, Hillsdale County’s Community Theater as an actor, director, sound designer and set designer. He has been (and continues to be) an integral part of blockbuster musicals, thought-provoking dramas and side-splitting comedies. His work as a director has lead to some of the highest attended and highest grossing shows at The Sauk and those who have been fortunate enough to work with him during the process know that he has a true vision for each production and gets the best out of each cast and crew member to bring that vision to life. While his work with The Sauk is enough to earn him this award, it is dedication to the youth of Hillsdale County that is the primary reason that ArtWorks has chosen him to receive this prestigious award. For more than 25 years, Ron has headed up the Theatre for Youth organization in Hillsdale County. This non-profit organization performs six performances of a junior version of a Broadway musical each year. Casts vary in size from 25-40 youth ages third grade through high school. Through the years Ron has worked in every aspect of the production from directing and producing to set design, lights and sound. It is evident that he enjoys what he does and gets the best out of every cast member from age 10 to 18. His seemingly endless patience and calm demeanor with the young cast earns their respect because they know “you are always auditioning for your next show.” The shows that Theatre for Youth perform are truly magical. The work the youth put in gives them confidence, builds character, teaches teamwork, and creates lasting friendships. Ron has not just helped these youth become better actors and singers, he has helped them become better people. For many years Ron also helped organize a week-long art and theater camp in the summer where students put on an entire show in just 5 days. Many students that have been involved in Theatre for Youth have gone on to have successful careers in the arts. Others have gone on to have successful careers in all areas and chose to come back to the theater as a hobby because of the positive impact Ron has had on their lives. Ron is truly a selfless man who wants to make his community a better place. He sees the arts as a way to do that. |
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The Artist of the Year reception was July 9, 2024
Do you know of a potential 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 33
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Email: [email protected]
(with “2024 Artist of the Year” in the subject line)
Download the nomination form below!
Nomination Form
Download a nomination form below. Nominations for 2024 are now closed.
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 (résumé 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 in early April, 2024.
Previous Artist of the Year Recipients:
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)
Adabelle Hill (painting)
