MUNCIE, IN — Mayor Dan Ridenour’s office and the Muncie Arts and Culture Council have announced more than 20 nominees for the 2025 Mayor’s Arts Awards.
This year, the Mayor’s Arts Awards is marking 10 years of “celebrating Muncie’s vibrant arts community,” according to a news release.
The ceremony will be Friday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. at Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St. Register for the free event here.
“As the city of Muncie’s arts partner, we are honored to present the 10th anniversary of the biennial Mayor’s Arts Awards,” said Tania Said, executive director of MuncieArts. “We look forward to celebrating the nominees who represent the outstanding individuals and organizations that make Muncie a destination and vibrant place to live.”
“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,” the release said.
Nominees this year are:
Tiffany Arnold, executive director of Youth Symphony Orchestra of East Central Indiana
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, and owner of Art Mart
Nate Harmon, tattoo artist and 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