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Sioux Falls Awards
In The Arts

CELEBRATING 55 YEARS

Artists keep Sioux Falls thriving and thrilling — join us in raising a glass to their efforts as we celebrate a 55-year milestone for the Sioux Falls Arts Council! The Sioux Falls Awards in the Arts recognize energizing, game-changing local artists and advocates who ensure our creative community is seen, valued and empowered. And as we reach our emerald anniversary as an ever-verdant advocacy organization, gather in the historic Coliseum with us for refreshments, entertainment and honors for artists. Let’s party like it’s 1969.

SCROLL DOWN FOR NOMINATION FORM. 

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    The Public Is Invited To Nominate Candidates For Awards In The Following Categories:

    I. INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS AWARD – uplifts individual performing, music, visual, or literary artists who have elevated the standards in their artistic field, influenced the professional growth of fellow artists, or pioneered innovative ways to connect their work with the community. Three recipients will be honored with this prestigious award.

    II. FORWARD ARTS AWARD – celebrates an organization, business, or individual that has played a pivotal role in advancing education or increasing awareness of the arts in a profound and meaningful way. Through their dedication and innovative efforts, they have not only fostered a deeper appreciation for the arts but have also contributed to the cultural enrichment of the community.

    III. INNOVATIVE PROJECT AWARD, recognizes a collaborative project distinguished by meaningful partnerships among diverse entities, including professional firms, civic or government bodies, individual artists, and organizations. These partners work together to create innovative and impactful ways for the community to experience the arts, fostering a shared vision that enhances cultural engagement and enriches the community.

    IV. ARTS EDUCATOR AWARD, recognizes educators who inspire students to explore and appreciate the arts, fostering a love for creativity and self-expression. Whether in a classroom, studio, or community setting, the recipient of this award is a visionary leader who has empowered others through the transformative power of the arts.

    IV. CHARLOTTE CARVER AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS. Named in honor of the first Executive Director of the South Dakota Arts Council, a dedicated advocate and lifelong friend of the arts in Sioux Falls, this award recognizes an individual or organization that has shown an unwavering, long-term commitment to the arts. The recipient embodies the spirit of dedication and passion that has significantly contributed to the cultural vitality of the community over time.

    2024 Nominations are Closed.

    It’s that time of year again where we ask the arts community to look around at oneanother to uplift those that are doing incredible things for the Arts. If you know someone we should know about, submit a nomination today! 

     

    Past Winners: 1999 - 2023

    2023

    Individual Excellence Award –  Dave Holly

    Individual Excellence Award – Em Nguyen 

    Individual Excellence Award – Emilia Van Ert

    Forward Arts Award – untitled.10

    Innovative Project Award – Stacey McMahan for the Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety

    Charlotte Carver Award for Achievement in the Arts – Suzanne Fuller

    Charlotte Carver Award for Achievement in the Arts – In memory of Amy Morrison 

    2021

    Individual Excellence Award –  Cody Henrichs

    Individual Excellence Award – Dr. Yi Chun Lin

    Individual Excellence Award – Jennifer White

    Forward Arts Award – Levitt at the Falls

    Innovative Project Award – Good Night Theater Collective

    Charlotte Carver Award for Achievement in the Arts – Jim Clark

     

    2018

    Individual Excellence Award –  Robert Wendland

    Individual Excellence Award – Doosook Kim

    Individual Excellence Award – Scott Parsons

    Forward Arts Award – South Dakota Writes

    Innovative Project Award – Ipso Gallery’s “Ka-Chunk” and Paladino Hohm Sculpture Garden

    Charlotte Carver Award for Achievement in the Arts – Brian & Kaija Bonde

     

    2016

    Excellence Performing Arts – Delta David Gier
    Excellence Performing Arts – Joan Swenson (Zych)

    Excellence Literary Arts – Chris Browne
    Organizational Achievement Award in the Arts – Eastbank Art Gallery

    Charlotte Carver Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts – Sheila Agee

     

    2014

    Individual Excellence Award in the Arts – Jerry Fogg

    Organizational Achievement Award in the Arts – Cherapa Place

    Charlotte Carver Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts – Linda Boyd

     

    2012

    Individual Excellence Award in the Arts – Phil Baker

    Organizational Achievement Award in the Arts – 8th & Railroad Center

    Charlotte Carver Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts – Trudy Peckham

     

    2009

    Excellence in Literary Arts – Janice Mikesell

    Excellence in Performing Arts – Mark Isackson

    Excellence in Visual Arts – Connie Herring

    Outstanding Individual Advocacy – Lary Etten

    Outstanding Organizational Advocacy – Sioux Falls Park & Recreation

     

    2008

    Excellence in Literary Arts – Nancy Veglahn

    Excellence in Performing Arts – Robert Carlson

    Excellence in Visual Arts – Steve Thomas

    Outstanding Individual Advocacy – Marty Davidsohn

    Outstanding Organizational Advocacy – Avera McKennan

     

    2007

    Excellence in Literary Arts – David Allan Evans

    Excellence in Performing Arts – Daycleth “Doc” Walker

    Excellence in Visual Arts – Marian Henjum

    Outstanding Individual Advocacy – Jim Clark

    Outstanding Organizational Advocacy – Dakota Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA)

     

    2006

    Excellence in Literary Arts – Patrick Hicks

    Excellence in Performing Arts – Dr. Leland Lillehaug

    Excellence in Visual Arts – Mary Groth

    Outstanding Individual Advocacy – Gary Siska

    Outstanding Organizational Advocacy – Sioux Falls Concerts Association

     

    2005

    Excellence in Literary Arts – Tom Foster

    Excellence in Performing Arts – Dr. Harold Krueger

    Excellence in Visual Arts – John Peters

    Outstanding Individual Advocacy – Edward Thompson

    Outstanding Organizational Advocacy – The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

     

    2004

    Excellence in Literary Arts – Charles Luden

    Excellence in Performing Arts – Dr. James Johnson

    Excellence in Visual Arts – Gerry Punt

    Outstanding Individual Advocacy – Mary Goings

    Outstanding Organizational Advocacy – Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues

     

    2003

    Excellence in Literary Arts – Allison Hedge-Coke

    Excellence in Performing Arts – Jeremy Hegg

    Excellence in Visual Arts – Mary Selvig

    Outstanding Individual Advocacy – Charlotte Carver

    Outstanding Organizational Advocacy – Koch Hazard & Baltzer

    Lifetime Educational advocate in Performing Arts – Rosella Blunk

     

    2002

    Excellence in Literary Arts – Ron Robinson

    Excellence in Performing Arts – South Dakota Acoustic Christmas

    Excellence in Visual Arts – Carl Grupp

    Outstanding Individual Advocacy – George Lundberg

    Outstanding Organizational Advocacy – American Indian Services

     

    2001

    Outstanding Artistic Achievement – Maestro Henry Charles Smith

    Outstanding Advocacy for the Arts – Doris Huseboe

    Outstanding Business Support – Sioux Valley Health Systems

     

    2000

    Outstanding Artistic Achievement – Bob Aldern

    Outstanding Advocacy for the Arts – Trudy Peckham

    Outstanding Business Support – Citibank SD NA

     

    1999

    Outstanding Artistic Achievement – Tom Roberts

    Outstanding Advocacy for the Arts – Mary Sommervold

    Outstanding Business Support – Norwest Bank

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