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!
Sioux Falls Awards
In The Arts
2024 Nominations are OPEN!
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.
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
