2025
MAYOR’S ARTS AWARDS
10 Years of Celebrating Muncie’s Arts community
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 2025 REcipients!
Graham Watson
Arts Advocate
An individual or organization whose strong support of the arts has been ongoing through philanthropic and/or volunteer service
Mike Martin
Arts Leader
An arts professional or organization who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, organizational stewardship and partnership within the local arts community
Lily Rawson
Arts Educator
An individual whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far reaching
Muncie Children’s Museum
Corporate Arts
A business/corporation that shows exemplary support of the arts, artists, and arts organizations within the Muncie area
Ashley Runkle
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
Zach Poor
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
Christiana Mann
Muncie Maker
A local for-profit business owner who exemplifies the impact and vitality of Muncie’s creative economy
Anwar Rhuma Frazier
People’s Choice
A local artist active in Muncie, chosen by the community
John “Doc” Peterson
Lifetime Achievement
An individual or organization recognized for significant and sustained contributions to the field of arts and culture in the Muncie area
Congratulations to our 2025 Nominees!
Tiffany Arnold
Executive director of Youth Symphony Orchestra of ECI
Beyond I Can
Arts program housed at Madjax
Ben Blakely
Muralist, maker
Heather Marie Collins
Musician, events coordinator/promoter, radio host
Debra Gindhart Dragoo
Artist, poet
Karen Fisher
Artist, educator, & owner of Art Mart
Nate Harmon
Tattoo artist & owner of 111 Arts Gallery
Amanda Kishel
Photographer
Christiana Mann
Chef, educator and entrepreneur
Mike Martin
Musician and owner of The Common Market
Erica Markley
Stained glass artist
Laura Mickler
Founder of Sustainable Steps
Muncie Children’s Museum
Pat Nelson
Metals and jewelry artist
Sean Orlosky
Local theater veteran
John “Doc” Peterson
Musician, founder of Doc’s Music Hall
Zach Poor
Designer and artist
India Potter
Musician, actor, graphic artist
Robin Phelps-Ward
Artist, educator, founder of Viola Lou Studio
Lily Rawson
Glass artist and educator
Jim Rhinehart
Musician and educator
Ashley Runkle
Mural artist
Graham Watson
Arts and culture community builder
Carrie Wright
Silk artist
Eva Zygmunt
Civil Rights Museum, Shaffer Chapel
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
NOMINEE RECEPTION SPONSOR
City of Muncie
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY College of Fine Arts
Destination: Muncie
First Merchants Bank
First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors
Gordy Fine Art and Framing
Ivy Tech Community College - Muncie
Meridian Health Services
Muncie Civic Theatre
MUNCIE Downtown Development Partnership
Muncie Sports Commission
Old National Bank
Pridemark Construction
Zeigler Foundation
DEFUR VORAN
JR PROMOTIONS
MADJAX MAKER FORCE
HEIDIJHALE DESIGNS
SERVICENOW