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 2023 - Renee Nestorak
This just in!! We are pleased to announce ArtWorks of Hillsdale County's 2023 Artist of the Year recipient is Renee Nestorak. Her accomplishments in supporting and promoting the arts in Hillsdale County is astounding! She is a co-founder of the Hillsdale County School of the Arts, Associate Music Director at the First United Methodist Church, long standing board member of ArtWorks of Hillsdale County, she is a violinist and violist, and instructor for the violin and viola. She is also a photographer and graphic designer, publishing a yearly calendar of some of her photography and assisting non-profits with graphic design work.
Congratulations Renee! A reception was held on June 4th honoring Renee at the Dawn Theater. |
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: ArtWorksOfHillsdale@gmail.com
(with “2023 Artist of the Year” in the subject line)
Download the nomination form below!
Nomination Form - Applications are closed until 2024. Come back next year to download and submit an application for the next Artist of the Year!
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, 2023.
Previous Artist of the Year Recipients:
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)